DB9 vs DB7 help!
Discussion
Help me!
I have waited 20 years to be in a position where buying an Aston Martin feels like it's not an inappropriate expense, so now we are in the house will stay in etc etc.
I am in a position where I will have up to £40k to spend but I'm going crazy, stuck in an endless loop of buyers guides and advice.
I'm vacillating constantly between DB7 i6 Manual, DB7 V12 and DB9.
My own view is this.
DB7 i6 Manual.
It's really pretty, I've driven one and I liked it. The driving position is a bit odd and I don't fit as well as I would like, but not so badly to put me off.
I have had XJ-S' in the past and it's very much an XJ-S+ so my least risky option in that I can maintain it myself and it's all known tech.
I think there is a lot of 'modern E-Type' in the early DB7 and I like them for that. I could buy the best example in the world with my budget.
It would have to be a Manual as the 4 speed auto does feel archaic to me.
DB7 V12.
Not pretty in the way the early cars are, more handsome, I've driven them and liked them. Driving position still odd as above but not enough to stop me.
XJ-S comments don't really apply here, it feels like a very different car and that V12 is awesome!
Can buy a very very nice car from a renowned specialist on my budget.
DB9.
Gorgeous. Briefly driven one, sat in them and I fit much better. It feels far more of an event than the DB7.
Completely modern Aston, so not even a whiff of XJ-S which is good. It should be my default choice as again I'd be looking at very good cars from proper Aston Martin people are in budget BUT...
V12 tick.
Primary cats.
Do the DB7 V12's suffer from the same maladies and they are just not as well documented?
Am I better buying an early DB9 for less and sending it straight to Bamford Rose for the exhaust work and to inspect the top end. or spend more on a later car?
I don't really want to spend £35-£40k on a car and then shell £3-4k on preventative work just to sleep at night!
I'm not naïve, I have run Range Rovers, V12 Jaguars and Big BMW's most of my driving life on much less disposable income than I have now, I am fully prepared for £2-4k a year as a R&M budget.
I do however like to do stuff myself and hate being beholden to a main agent. Happy to buy the right software and code readers and learn the DB9 systems, or is that not practical?
I basically am on a 3 day cycle of favouring one car over the next then changing my mind.
Some experience of owners would be quite helpful just to either dispel or confirm the myths in my head!
Thank you.
I have waited 20 years to be in a position where buying an Aston Martin feels like it's not an inappropriate expense, so now we are in the house will stay in etc etc.
I am in a position where I will have up to £40k to spend but I'm going crazy, stuck in an endless loop of buyers guides and advice.
I'm vacillating constantly between DB7 i6 Manual, DB7 V12 and DB9.
My own view is this.
DB7 i6 Manual.
It's really pretty, I've driven one and I liked it. The driving position is a bit odd and I don't fit as well as I would like, but not so badly to put me off.
I have had XJ-S' in the past and it's very much an XJ-S+ so my least risky option in that I can maintain it myself and it's all known tech.
I think there is a lot of 'modern E-Type' in the early DB7 and I like them for that. I could buy the best example in the world with my budget.
It would have to be a Manual as the 4 speed auto does feel archaic to me.
DB7 V12.
Not pretty in the way the early cars are, more handsome, I've driven them and liked them. Driving position still odd as above but not enough to stop me.
XJ-S comments don't really apply here, it feels like a very different car and that V12 is awesome!
Can buy a very very nice car from a renowned specialist on my budget.
DB9.
Gorgeous. Briefly driven one, sat in them and I fit much better. It feels far more of an event than the DB7.
Completely modern Aston, so not even a whiff of XJ-S which is good. It should be my default choice as again I'd be looking at very good cars from proper Aston Martin people are in budget BUT...
V12 tick.
Primary cats.
Do the DB7 V12's suffer from the same maladies and they are just not as well documented?
Am I better buying an early DB9 for less and sending it straight to Bamford Rose for the exhaust work and to inspect the top end. or spend more on a later car?
I don't really want to spend £35-£40k on a car and then shell £3-4k on preventative work just to sleep at night!
I'm not naïve, I have run Range Rovers, V12 Jaguars and Big BMW's most of my driving life on much less disposable income than I have now, I am fully prepared for £2-4k a year as a R&M budget.
I do however like to do stuff myself and hate being beholden to a main agent. Happy to buy the right software and code readers and learn the DB9 systems, or is that not practical?
I basically am on a 3 day cycle of favouring one car over the next then changing my mind.
Some experience of owners would be quite helpful just to either dispel or confirm the myths in my head!
Thank you.
If I were in your position, I would go with a V12 for sure. In this day and age, driving a 12 cylinders is very, very special.
Now, a DB9 or DB7... a good friend of mine has a DB7 GTA (I have a V8 Vantage N420) and his is indeed old-school charm. The interior, the looks, the feeling. When we switched cars for testing them out, his reaction was "well, this is obviously from a different era". I am honestly happy with mine, I think that design is the perfect blend between tradition and modernity.
So, I think you really should buy what checks all the boxes, otherwise regret will be there. If you are a more vintage-lover, have fond memories of the late 90s-early 2000s, go with the DB7. If you appreciate having a more modern look, DB9.
I can give you his contact if you want to speak with him, have a picture of our two cars together in Milan in September because why not!
Now, a DB9 or DB7... a good friend of mine has a DB7 GTA (I have a V8 Vantage N420) and his is indeed old-school charm. The interior, the looks, the feeling. When we switched cars for testing them out, his reaction was "well, this is obviously from a different era". I am honestly happy with mine, I think that design is the perfect blend between tradition and modernity.
So, I think you really should buy what checks all the boxes, otherwise regret will be there. If you are a more vintage-lover, have fond memories of the late 90s-early 2000s, go with the DB7. If you appreciate having a more modern look, DB9.
I can give you his contact if you want to speak with him, have a picture of our two cars together in Milan in September because why not!
I don't know about DB7s but I suspect their worst enemy is rust rather than anything mechanical.
For DB9s you don't need to be looking at the early or worn out cars, as your budget gets you into nice ones.
I recently sold my DB9 for £40k and it was an absolutely mint 2009 facelift car with low miles, and was utterly reliable, requiring only servicing and maintenance in the 3 years I had it.
For DB9s you don't need to be looking at the early or worn out cars, as your budget gets you into nice ones.
I recently sold my DB9 for £40k and it was an absolutely mint 2009 facelift car with low miles, and was utterly reliable, requiring only servicing and maintenance in the 3 years I had it.
Sebastian Tombs said:
I don't know about DB7s but I suspect their worst enemy is rust rather than anything mechanical.
For DB9s you don't need to be looking at the early or worn out cars, as your budget gets you into nice ones.
I recently sold my DB9 for £40k and it was an absolutely mint 2009 facelift car with low miles, and was utterly reliable, requiring only servicing and maintenance in the 3 years I had it.
Thank you! That's the kind of feedback I was after! For DB9s you don't need to be looking at the early or worn out cars, as your budget gets you into nice ones.
I recently sold my DB9 for £40k and it was an absolutely mint 2009 facelift car with low miles, and was utterly reliable, requiring only servicing and maintenance in the 3 years I had it.
EVR said:
So, I think you really should buy what checks all the boxes, otherwise regret will be there. If you are a more vintage-lover, have fond memories of the late 90s-early 2000s, go with the DB7. If you appreciate having a more modern look, DB9.
I can give you his contact if you want to speak with him, have a picture of our two cars together in Milan in September because why not!
That's very kind of you and I may well take you up on that.I can give you his contact if you want to speak with him, have a picture of our two cars together in Milan in September because why not!
As a serial Vantage owner I'm going to say don't get any of them but get a Vantage instead (it's in your Dream Garage after all!). If not, then it would definitely be the DB9 for me. Totally different (and better) car than the DB7 and will give you far less trouble from what I've heard. As has been said already, your budget takes you out of the V12 tick era and if you want to remove the primary cats for peace of mind then include that in the budget and off you go. Either way, enjoy your search and purchase.
V8V Pete said:
As a serial Vantage owner I'm going to say don't get any of them but get a Vantage instead (it's in your Dream Garage after all!). If not, then it would definitely be the DB9 for me. Totally different (and better) car than the DB7 and will give you far less trouble from what I've heard. As has been said already, your budget takes you out of the V12 tick era and if you want to remove the primary cats for peace of mind then include that in the budget and off you go. Either way, enjoy your search and purchase.
The V8 Vantage in my dream garage is the V550. I wish it was on budget!I do prefer the look of the DB9, and I was unaware that the 'tick' had an era. That is peace of mind in itself!
I will look more closely at the V8V as well. Thanks.
Stick Legs said:
The V8 Vantage in my dream garage is the V550. I wish it was on budget!
I do prefer the look of the DB9, and I was unaware that the 'tick' had an era. That is peace of mind in itself!
I will look more closely at the V8V as well. Thanks.
I thought it might be but couldn't resist. Definitely worth considering the V8V if you don't need a 2+2 but you won't be disappointed by either. With regular use both of my Vantages have been more reliable/less trouble than our previous Passat and much much more fun I do prefer the look of the DB9, and I was unaware that the 'tick' had an era. That is peace of mind in itself!
I will look more closely at the V8V as well. Thanks.
V8V Pete said:
Stick Legs said:
The V8 Vantage in my dream garage is the V550. I wish it was on budget!
I do prefer the look of the DB9, and I was unaware that the 'tick' had an era. That is peace of mind in itself!
I will look more closely at the V8V as well. Thanks.
I thought it might be but couldn't resist. Definitely worth considering the V8V if you don't need a 2+2 but you won't be disappointed by either. With regular use both of my Vantages have been more reliable/less trouble than our previous Passat and much much more fun I do prefer the look of the DB9, and I was unaware that the 'tick' had an era. That is peace of mind in itself!
I will look more closely at the V8V as well. Thanks.
I've had them all, including a manual DB7VV - and still have a DB7 with Driving Dynamics upgrades and a manual DB9. If you love the DB7 or DB7V nothing else will do, but it sounds as if the styling is not the decider for you. With that in mind, the DB89 is far and away a better car, in every respect - and I say that even though I love my DB7 and aim to keep it. Both the DB7V and v early DB9s can suffer from the tick, so get a late 2005+ DB9 and you'll avoid the tick, or get a thoroughly checked over (let it get hot) DB7V to check for the tick.
The DB9 auto is fast (all DB9s are faster than any DB7/V/GT), handles well and is easy to drive/live with. The DB9 manual is even faster and, being a fair bit lighter, handles even better - it feels more involving and urgent to drive. Still easy to 'potter' in though.
As everyone will tell you, it comes down to what you like, condition and then price.
If I could only have one, it would be the DB9 (every time), esp. a manual one.
The DB9 auto is fast (all DB9s are faster than any DB7/V/GT), handles well and is easy to drive/live with. The DB9 manual is even faster and, being a fair bit lighter, handles even better - it feels more involving and urgent to drive. Still easy to 'potter' in though.
As everyone will tell you, it comes down to what you like, condition and then price.
If I could only have one, it would be the DB9 (every time), esp. a manual one.
Things to think about:
I would ignore the i6 unless you really prefer the styling to the V12.
Go for a manual or a Touchtronic not the standard auto.
The DB9 is a wider car and will cost more to tax each year. You may be able to afford it but a part of me hates giving money away for no extra gain.
The DB7 has no gadgets whatsoever but has now done its depreciating and may go up a bit.
I have a DB7 Vantage with sports exhaust. It has everything I need as a weekend car. Looks, badge, sound. Definitely a GT not a sports car.
Every now and then I um and ah as to whether to change to a DB9 or V8V but there is not enough extra to justify the hassle and expense of changing.
It's down to personal preference in the end.
I would ignore the i6 unless you really prefer the styling to the V12.
Go for a manual or a Touchtronic not the standard auto.
The DB9 is a wider car and will cost more to tax each year. You may be able to afford it but a part of me hates giving money away for no extra gain.
The DB7 has no gadgets whatsoever but has now done its depreciating and may go up a bit.
I have a DB7 Vantage with sports exhaust. It has everything I need as a weekend car. Looks, badge, sound. Definitely a GT not a sports car.
Every now and then I um and ah as to whether to change to a DB9 or V8V but there is not enough extra to justify the hassle and expense of changing.
It's down to personal preference in the end.
Navyatco said:
I've had them all, including a manual DB7VV - and still have a DB7 with Driving Dynamics upgrades and a manual DB9. If you love the DB7 or DB7V nothing else will do, but it sounds as if the styling is not the decider for you. With that in mind, the DB89 is far and away a better car, in every respect - and I say that even though I love my DB7 and aim to keep it. Both the DB7V and v early DB9s can suffer from the tick, so get a late 2005+ DB9 and you'll avoid the tick, or get a thoroughly checked over (let it get hot) DB7V to check for the tick.
The DB9 auto is fast (all DB9s are faster than any DB7/V/GT), handles well and is easy to drive/live with. The DB9 manual is even faster and, being a fair bit lighter, handles even better - it feels more involving and urgent to drive. Still easy to 'potter' in though.
As everyone will tell you, it comes down to what you like, condition and then price.
If I could only have one, it would be the DB9 (every time), esp. a manual one.
Thank you. That's the kind of clarity I'm after.The DB9 auto is fast (all DB9s are faster than any DB7/V/GT), handles well and is easy to drive/live with. The DB9 manual is even faster and, being a fair bit lighter, handles even better - it feels more involving and urgent to drive. Still easy to 'potter' in though.
As everyone will tell you, it comes down to what you like, condition and then price.
If I could only have one, it would be the DB9 (every time), esp. a manual one.
As I am keeping my Mini Cooper S and either the 320d Touring or what ever Mrs. Legs chooses next the DB9 sounds perfect.
Rationalising this it seems a late 2005 onward DB9 and eventually a primary cat delete is going to be a worry free plan.
Stick Legs said:
Help me!
DB9.
Primary cats.
Thank you.
You know, the feasting of the primary cats by the engine is often mentioned but I wonder how frequently this really happens. How many forum members have had their primary cats ingested by the engine? In the past I have proposed that we take a survey and then determine an estimate of the probability of this happening; but it never caught on, which might lead one to infer that it is a rarity since no one has been roused to participate.DB9.
Primary cats.
Thank you.
gaussianmist said:
You know, the feasting of the primary cats by the engine is often mentioned but I wonder how frequently this really happens. How many forum members have had their primary cats ingested by the engine? In the past I have proposed that we take a survey and then determine an estimate of the probability of this happening; but it never caught on, which might lead one to infer that it is a rarity since no one has been roused to participate.
I had a hope it would be semi mythical... But if the preventative maintence is the cost of a big service then it may be wise?I too have had V8 RR, V12 XJS and XK8s, I then went to the DB9 in 2009 (I wanted the revised seats and dash), and haven't looked back, but have been looking for a year or so for the DB7 unicorn (low owner, miles and price) as an addition to the fleet - I had never considered the i6 - always the V12 - until recently when I had a look.
In all the years I have had the DB9 the only non wear and tear stuff was an air con compressor a few years ago - and I still use works as the service is good in my opinion - I have heard very few people complain about reliability of the 9 - and have a friend who had a 7 V12 from new and traded it in for a 9 - and wished he had kept the 7 as well (and he is an E type owner).
I guess my point is if you have lived with Range Rovers, then the Aston will be positively Germanic in comparison as far as reliability is concerned - so make find the best you can within your budget - keep a little for post purchase protection and fixes and drive it and enjoy it !
Pictures of course will be mandatory of the new purchase !
In all the years I have had the DB9 the only non wear and tear stuff was an air con compressor a few years ago - and I still use works as the service is good in my opinion - I have heard very few people complain about reliability of the 9 - and have a friend who had a 7 V12 from new and traded it in for a 9 - and wished he had kept the 7 as well (and he is an E type owner).
I guess my point is if you have lived with Range Rovers, then the Aston will be positively Germanic in comparison as far as reliability is concerned - so make find the best you can within your budget - keep a little for post purchase protection and fixes and drive it and enjoy it !
Pictures of course will be mandatory of the new purchase !
Stick Legs said:
...
DB7 i6 Manual.
It's really pretty, I've driven one and I liked it. The driving position is a bit odd and I don't fit as well as I would like, but not so badly to put me off.
...
DB7 V12.
Not pretty in the way the early cars are, more handsome, I've driven them and liked them. Driving position still odd as above but not enough to stop me.
....
I think your point about driving position is a bit of a red warning light. Ultimately it was one of the things that made me sell my DB7 V12 Vantage. Just felt perched and never ‘at one with the car’. It’s really very pretty to look at, but just not very exciting to drive, so I tended to take other cars out in preference. DB7 i6 Manual.
It's really pretty, I've driven one and I liked it. The driving position is a bit odd and I don't fit as well as I would like, but not so badly to put me off.
...
DB7 V12.
Not pretty in the way the early cars are, more handsome, I've driven them and liked them. Driving position still odd as above but not enough to stop me.
....
I don’t know the DB9 but certainly enjoyed my V8 Vantage of the same era. Far better car in every way, felt special inside and out, and was lovely to drive fast or slow, A-road or motorway. I’d actually go for another Vantage in preference to a DB9 but of course you have to pay a bit more to get the superb V12.
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