Late DB9 or early DB11?
Discussion
I've had a 4.7 auto Maserati GranTurismo for quite a while now and it has been great. I fancy a change and Maserati has lost its way with little to offer IMHO. I still want a GT car, it won't be a daily driver and the ability to very occasionally use it as a 2+1 would be useful and yes I have sat in the back of what I am looking at so I know it will work for the odd time necessary.
I had been looking at the Virage but then started looking at late DB9s with all the Virage mods and possibly some other stuff I have not noticed. Looks like an amazing car but another £20-25k gets you into an early DB11. Not sure what to do so would appreciate some input. Whatever I buy is a 5-10 year purchase. Thanks in advance.
I had been looking at the Virage but then started looking at late DB9s with all the Virage mods and possibly some other stuff I have not noticed. Looks like an amazing car but another £20-25k gets you into an early DB11. Not sure what to do so would appreciate some input. Whatever I buy is a 5-10 year purchase. Thanks in advance.
Vanquish!
In all seriousness, the DB11 is more modern etc, but will continue to depreciate. The DB9, particularly a DB9 GT likely will hold it's value, but the vanquish is on another level.
I do believe the Vanquish also has a larger boot. The Vanquish is a step above the DB9, especially an 8 speed one.
In all seriousness, the DB11 is more modern etc, but will continue to depreciate. The DB9, particularly a DB9 GT likely will hold it's value, but the vanquish is on another level.
I do believe the Vanquish also has a larger boot. The Vanquish is a step above the DB9, especially an 8 speed one.
My advice is test drive both and decide for yourself as we all have different tastes and requirements, some like classic others more modern, some worry about depreciation others don’t.
The DB11 is on a different level in terms of performance and functionality/technology, the DB9 is naturally aspirated with a more classic feel. Looks are subjective but they are both beautiful to me.
It’s true that low mileage Vanquish (particularly the S) will depreciate less in the long term and the more expensive S is on a par with the 11 performance wise (although not in the mid-range!) with more sporting characterful genes. Short term they and late 9’s are coming under pressure from early 11’s which are offering great value currently. (long term limited run last of breeds will come good though, like the Vanq / 9 GT).
Very much a first world decision, now get test driving and report back
The DB11 is on a different level in terms of performance and functionality/technology, the DB9 is naturally aspirated with a more classic feel. Looks are subjective but they are both beautiful to me.
It’s true that low mileage Vanquish (particularly the S) will depreciate less in the long term and the more expensive S is on a par with the 11 performance wise (although not in the mid-range!) with more sporting characterful genes. Short term they and late 9’s are coming under pressure from early 11’s which are offering great value currently. (long term limited run last of breeds will come good though, like the Vanq / 9 GT).
Very much a first world decision, now get test driving and report back
I don't mind the 'wrong' answer as, on reflection, it makes sense. I'm not so worried about depreciation as I prefer to buy what I want and I will use it a lot and keep it long enough to have a sufficiently detrimental impact on values.
The 2013 facelift DB9 appeals as they are sub £60k now and appear to have many improvements but they still only run the 6 speed box I already have and still look like a car from nearly a decade earlier that you can buy for less than half the price. That said they still actually look amazing and have a fluidity of lines that the DB11 cannot offer. An 8 speed Vanquish is attractive but we are looking at another £25-30k on top of a DB9 and I might destroy that premium with use.
The DB11 will inevitability fall more over the winter and some bargains might present themselves in a few months time. Need to start looking in a bit more detail but how long before a DB11 is low seventies?
The 2013 facelift DB9 appeals as they are sub £60k now and appear to have many improvements but they still only run the 6 speed box I already have and still look like a car from nearly a decade earlier that you can buy for less than half the price. That said they still actually look amazing and have a fluidity of lines that the DB11 cannot offer. An 8 speed Vanquish is attractive but we are looking at another £25-30k on top of a DB9 and I might destroy that premium with use.
The DB11 will inevitability fall more over the winter and some bargains might present themselves in a few months time. Need to start looking in a bit more detail but how long before a DB11 is low seventies?
Some questions to ask yourself:
- how important is it for you to have the latest model, can you live with an "old" car? At a red traffic light, would you regret not having bought the "other" model if you see one next to you?
- how rational vs. emotional are you? If you are keen on "hitting the KPIs" (price below a certain threshold, gearbox having a minimum number of gears etc), how would you live with "not having the best"?
- why do you want an AM, what is your (emotional) connection with the brand? While a DB9 might be a very logical/obvious choice coming from Maserati, think about your motives. AMs are very elegant cars, almost all of them, but technically they often are behind other brands.
The DB9 was launched in the early 2000s and does not only look "old" but IS old. I own one, and I bought it for what it is.
Vanqish - very marmite. Can you live with the handle-like rear spoiler?
Maybe looking at MB's S coupe AMG variants might be an idea? They are very modern and also probably faster than a DB9.
- how important is it for you to have the latest model, can you live with an "old" car? At a red traffic light, would you regret not having bought the "other" model if you see one next to you?
- how rational vs. emotional are you? If you are keen on "hitting the KPIs" (price below a certain threshold, gearbox having a minimum number of gears etc), how would you live with "not having the best"?
- why do you want an AM, what is your (emotional) connection with the brand? While a DB9 might be a very logical/obvious choice coming from Maserati, think about your motives. AMs are very elegant cars, almost all of them, but technically they often are behind other brands.
The DB9 was launched in the early 2000s and does not only look "old" but IS old. I own one, and I bought it for what it is.
Vanqish - very marmite. Can you live with the handle-like rear spoiler?
Maybe looking at MB's S coupe AMG variants might be an idea? They are very modern and also probably faster than a DB9.
RMDB9 said:
Maybe looking at MB's S coupe AMG variants might be an idea? They are very modern and also probably faster than a DB9.
I use a Mercedes-Benz as my daily, but now feel that the appearance of all their cars have become boring.
At my dealer there is row upon row of cars, which from the front all seem to look the same.
Any Aston Martin or Maserati certainly stands out, on our roads now full of bland sameness.
Here are the front views of a top level S-class Coupe AMG, compared to a bottom level A-class hatchback.
Glance in your rear view mirror and you won't see a £100,000 difference.
S-class. New list £129,000
A-class. New list £23,000
Edited by Jon39 on Monday 14th December 09:20
RMDB9 said:
Some questions to ask yourself:
- how important is it for you to have the latest model, can you live with an "old" car? At a red traffic light, would you regret not having bought the "other" model if you see one next to you?
- how rational vs. emotional are you? If you are keen on "hitting the KPIs" (price below a certain threshold, gearbox having a minimum number of gears etc), how would you live with "not having the best"?
- why do you want an AM, what is your (emotional) connection with the brand? While a DB9 might be a very logical/obvious choice coming from Maserati, think about your motives. AMs are very elegant cars, almost all of them, but technically they often are behind other brands.
The DB9 was launched in the early 2000s and does not only look "old" but IS old. I own one, and I bought it for what it is.
Vanqish - very marmite. Can you live with the handle-like rear spoiler?
Maybe looking at MB's S coupe AMG variants might be an idea? They are very modern and also probably faster than a DB9.
Funnily enough Maserati and AM are essentially the same in that the whole is viewed as much more than the sum of the parts. In the context of what I am driving and what I am looking at neither have leading edge electronics or performance. A lightly used 850i x drive ticks most boxes to a higher level but it leaves me cold. It would be different if the car was to be my only one mind. Anyway after two decades and a succession of Maserati coupes I am used to making irrational choices! An S class coupe is an interesting choice but I have always seen them as something you buy when you are 150kg and have just sold out your provincial photocopier business. I don't mean to offend people who buy cars like that but I am after a little bit more style.- how important is it for you to have the latest model, can you live with an "old" car? At a red traffic light, would you regret not having bought the "other" model if you see one next to you?
- how rational vs. emotional are you? If you are keen on "hitting the KPIs" (price below a certain threshold, gearbox having a minimum number of gears etc), how would you live with "not having the best"?
- why do you want an AM, what is your (emotional) connection with the brand? While a DB9 might be a very logical/obvious choice coming from Maserati, think about your motives. AMs are very elegant cars, almost all of them, but technically they often are behind other brands.
The DB9 was launched in the early 2000s and does not only look "old" but IS old. I own one, and I bought it for what it is.
Vanqish - very marmite. Can you live with the handle-like rear spoiler?
Maybe looking at MB's S coupe AMG variants might be an idea? They are very modern and also probably faster than a DB9.
You questions are sound as I am after elegance and, frankly, any of these cars is fast enough. A 2013 facelift DB9 probably makes most sense even if the base car is older than the one I am selling. I've seen a few in the high fifties/low sixties but they just strike me as being mis-priced with the DB11 now dipping under £80k.
Edited by EC2 on Monday 14th December 09:51
I drive a late 9. I prefer the clean lines and understated elegance compared to the vanquish.
Late db9s were not made in the quantities that the pre 13 cars were which is why the pricing is holding up. Also, more buyers opted for the vanquish over the db9 when it was brought out so you’ll find there are more vanquish car knocking around, more pressure on depreciation.
Vanquish is a very very similar car to the late db9s. The 8 speed was the significant difference introduced in 15 onwards. I prefer the 6 speed on the 9 as it suits the V12 better imo, vanquish panels are all carbon fibre which is going to be expensive if you have a knock. But still, lovely cars and on the dress to impress stakes people will choose vanquish.
I bought mine as a daily but after a year or so realised it was too special to use every day, so you’ll need something else to fill the interludes. I still drive mine regularly but just popping to the shops I take the daily RR instead. The 9 is a fab GT car and is also fast on the twisties. If you get one you’ll love it (assuming its not a Friday afternoon car).
Late db9s were not made in the quantities that the pre 13 cars were which is why the pricing is holding up. Also, more buyers opted for the vanquish over the db9 when it was brought out so you’ll find there are more vanquish car knocking around, more pressure on depreciation.
Vanquish is a very very similar car to the late db9s. The 8 speed was the significant difference introduced in 15 onwards. I prefer the 6 speed on the 9 as it suits the V12 better imo, vanquish panels are all carbon fibre which is going to be expensive if you have a knock. But still, lovely cars and on the dress to impress stakes people will choose vanquish.
I bought mine as a daily but after a year or so realised it was too special to use every day, so you’ll need something else to fill the interludes. I still drive mine regularly but just popping to the shops I take the daily RR instead. The 9 is a fab GT car and is also fast on the twisties. If you get one you’ll love it (assuming its not a Friday afternoon car).
The DB9 and DB11 are very different driving experiences so as already said I think the key is to try both of them. I think you are likely to find you have a clear preference once you do. I went from an early model DB9 to a DB11 and much prefer the 11, although I am sure a late model DB9 would close a lot of the gap. They are both great cars and friends who are Maser GT owners who I took out in the 9 all felt it was a significant step up. in many ways they are similar - great sound, sense of occasion and older analogue car feel. The DB11 is much more modern, easier to live with and faster and better handling if that matters to you. I used to use mine every day for running to the shops and picking up the kids etc and the DB11 is just so much easier to use. It handles incredibly and the the torque is amazing. I also find it the most comfortable car I have ever been in.
If you just want something for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon the the sound of the NA Aston’s is hard to beat but would agree that a Vanquish might be even more fun and hold more value long term than the DB9.
If you just want something for a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon the the sound of the NA Aston’s is hard to beat but would agree that a Vanquish might be even more fun and hold more value long term than the DB9.
Edited by Westlondondriver on Monday 14th December 11:41
EC2 said:
I've seen a few in the high fifties/low sixties but they just strike me as being mis-priced with the DB11 now dipping under £80k.
The pre-owned AM market seems to work differently. Look at how Virage-DB7Vantage-DB9 prices stack up. Previous models are not neccessarily cheaper than their successors, a bit like air-cooled 911s.Edited by EC2 on Monday 14th December 09:51
Just do enough real-life fact-finding and buy the car that speaks to your heart. For me, that was an early DB9 with all its 1990s feelings. I think its gearbox has 5 gears, or 4? No idea. Most current cars are "better", and I cannot count all the repmobiles, hot hatches etc. wanting to "race" me.
I have learned to like the DB11, but I still would not want to live with that funny vent/crease behind the front wheels. And the soulless identikit interior. And the nervous rear design.
cayman-black said:
Mercedes lol i cant stop laughing what an awful looking car! The late DB9,s are very nice cars.
Yeah, I have a penchant for the AMG GT and the SLS, but the rest...Their image shifted as well, they are the most Instagrammed car brand, maybe because of Mr. Hamilton too? I am not saying trying to shift your market and target is a bad thing, but they become a bit too millennial for my tastes. And I am 38.
dalecan said:
Have you thought about the 4.7 Vantage S? Although it's a two seater, you cant use the rear seats in a DB9 anyway. The boot in the Vantage is a lot bigger too.
Thanks for the thought. They look great but I'm not after a manual and the automated clutch gearbox would do my head in.
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