Buying a DB11

[Scotsjon]

Hi everyone

I’m starting to seriously consider buying a DB11, I’m looking at some approved used options, probably something like a 2018 MY.

I wanted to get some opinions from anyone with experience of these cars, for example is there a noticeable difference between the v8 and v12? And what’s the v12 like in the wet?
Also in terms of comfort and reliability how have you found them?

Any feedback and or opinions on this would be appreciated

Many thanks

J

[Phil74891]

There was a very similar thread just a few weeks ago. Scroll back and you’ll find it, lots of great info posted.

[DBSNOOR]

My thread from not too long is here

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I think the V12 is the way to go with these, lots of power, I think the v12 definately sounds better compared to the v8.

They are fine in the wet aslong as you are not silly with the loud pedal. Getting some heat in the tyres also helps.

Edited by DBSNOOR on Wednesday 4th May 17:40

[Scotsjon]

Appreciated, thanks

[pschlute]

I had a DB9 (2005) for 10 years and switched to a DB11 V12 a year ago.

Totally different car. So pleased I did it. I don't have experience of the V8.

With 600 BHP you have to be sensible. Cold tyres and damp roads will cause the electronic saviour to activate and save you if you are too aggressive with the right foot.

In very cold or wet conditions keep the drive mode in GT, and maybe drive it in Manual(paddle) mode. This avoids any "kickdown" surprises.

[Scotsjon]

Thanks for the replies, may I ask how is the legroom in the db11? I’ve not sat in one yet but I’m tall
Guy and found a friend’s db9 rather cramped, everything I read suggests the db11 is significantly better

Cheers

J

[Scotsjon]

Thanks for the replies, may I ask how is the legroom in the db11? I’ve not sat in one yet but I’m tall
Guy and found a friend’s db9 rather cramped, everything I read suggests the db11 is significantly better

Cheers

J

[Westlondondriver]

I am 6’4” and found it very comfortable to drive with plenty of headroom. The DB9 Volante I had previously was really too small for me. The back seats are supposed to have more room than the DB9 but it can’t be more than a few millimetres- still basically for bags and coats rather than people. No problem in the wet and although on early morning cold tires it can squirm a bit not an issue. I did the Aston Martin Performance Driving Course at Millbrook and you then realise that the electronics really do protect you even on mixed surfaces and skid pans - it’s amazing and only really moves because the car is set up to allow a little
movement.

[flow99]

definitely V12 for me, with teh AMR power upgrade. Just sold mine back to the dealer after 3 years of fun. Mine is the china grey one just listed at AM Bristol, and its graet colour for a DB11, IMO.
Will lose the rear grip in the wet (or dry!), but the electronics will assist very well.
Only ever drove mine in sport or sport plus and only with the paddles so any risk of an unwanted gear change taken out of the equation.

[Octavarium]

I was fortunate to be able to test drive both the V8 and the (non-AMR) V12 back to back, and was hugely impressed with the handling of both for such big cars. For me the V8 just edged it, as the rear end felt just that little bit more stable when accelerating out of a bend. The suspension and damping however was subsequently tweaked when the V12 AMR was launched to match that of the V8. Performance wise, there is little to choose between the two I test drove, but then with the AM salesman sat in the passenger seat, you are hardly able to thrash them about too much. I haven't driven the AMR so can't offer any opinion on that version.

The DB11 is a supremely comfortable car whether you are just pottering about town or driving longer distances. As I said, the handling is very impressive and there is nice feedback from the steering. There are very noticeable changes in the car's characteristics when selecting between the three drive modes. Sport + mode in the V8 is a hoot, and is to be thoroughly recommended when pushing on a bit. As other posters have said though, GT mode and using the paddles is preferable in damp and wet conditions.

Tech wise, they are OK but still far behind other brands. Interior is very marmite. V8 sounds good. V12 sounds better.

If circumstances allow, try and have a drive in all three versions.There are lovely examples of them all on the AM Timeless page, and Wilmslow are currently offering a V12, a V12 AMR and a V8 if that's of any use.

Edited to add some AM Wilmslow links ...

https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/255... - I've seen this one in the flesh. It's stunning
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/256... - no photos yet
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/256... - Not seen this one, but looks a beauty

Edited by Octavarium on Thursday 5th May 10:12

[nathwraith1]

I’ve got a DB11 v8 coupe on loan from Aston Wilmslow currently as my DBX is in for warranty work.

I’ve had the DBS SL volante on loan too and driven the V12 (pre AMR) DB11 and the V8 DB11 volante.

I can’t get enough of the cars really. The Vantage is slightly edgier but the DB11 feels very much “full fat” Aston at its best. The DBS is up another notch again and the only option if you want a drop top V12 in the current range, however I’m not sure the price bump over a DB11 is justified imo.

Both V8 and V12 have mechanical LSDs vs an e diff in the vantage so in theory will have more slip. Especially as the there is less chassis bracing in the rear than in a Vantage(better for NVH though).

The V8 coupe is lovely and handling is sharp, agreed that it defies its weight and size easily. The front end isn’t as sharp as a Vantage but the overall drive is far more comfortable. I could do hundreds of miles in a DB11, whereas a Vantage would be a quick blast. I’m 6’4” and have acres of room.

However I would plump for the V12. It’s just the “proper choice” isn’t it. Even though it’s 110kg heavier and you can’t get it in volante form. The engine is incredible.

My issue is that I’d love a volante and a V12 which only leaves the DBS.

The DB11 will be the first Aston to be refreshed for sure. Over 5 years old now and the interior does need some updates, even to the DBX level would be fine. Adding adaptive cruise and android auto/apple carplay out the box would help reaffirm its GT nature.

The issue is with everyone recommending a V12 is that there are simply less of them around. You either have older launch edition cars or AMR cars, which are far more expensive.

I wouldn’t discount the V8 entirely. It’s a fine machine, I just believe the V8 is better suited in the Vantage and DBX tbh.

Edited by nathwraith1 on Saturday 7th May 17:43

[cardigankid]

There is no wrong decision here. The best thing to do if you can, is to try both and decide which you prefer. The PH community tend to favour the V12, and I completely get their reasons for that. Handling precision and balance is what floats my boat, and the 110kg or so extra on the V12, and quite possibly the weight distribution, has, in my view, a noticeable effect. Mine's a V8, and I am delighted with it.

I found the V12 monstrously powerful with a fantastic sound, and a very front engined feel. Please however don't get the impression that the V8 is underpowered. It's not. You will easily break traction in most conditions in both cars. The V8 seems more free revving, and sounds pretty good, though the latest car with the Particulate Filter (and 530bhp) slightly less so.

Great though the VH cars are, the DB11 is a massive step forward, both cars handle much better than the DB9 generation. Every inch an Aston. Get one and treasure it.

Edited by cardigankid on Monday 9th May 08:46

[Simpo Two]

Reading this I deduce that the DB11 comes with V8 or V12 engines but only the former has a Volante model. Why is that? The roof doesn't have anything to do with the engine as far as I can tell... is it the gearbox?

[cardigankid]

Your guess as good as mine. Does the increased flexibility of the chassis struggle with the the weight and power of the V12? Someone who knows may be along shortly to explain. Either way, a stunning car.

[SuperCarrera]

I might have dreamt this but I seem to recall it being a marketing decision - they felt that the convertibles would sell more as a V8 than as a V12 so just went with the one option.

[pschlute]

Could the lack of an air-spoiler on the Volante be a factor at maximum speed ?

[nathwraith1]

I think it’s weight which is why they didn’t make a V12 volante as it would be knocking on nearly 2 tonnes.

Iirc weights for the DB11 range:

- V8 coupe - 1760kg
- V8 volante - 1870kg
- V12 coupe - 1875kg

So you could guess a V12 volante would be around 1985kg


Also if gives the DBS volante the USP of being the only drop top V12 in the range.

If I had the V8 DB11 I’d be getting the OPFs and maybe second cats removed as this car I have on loan is a 22 plate and muted compared to my DBX.

Edited by nathwraith1 on Tuesday 10th May 11:01

[cardigankid]

You're right, there is a noticeable difference over the previous model year. However, can you do that without failing your MOT in due course, and will the dealer honour the 5 year servicing package once that has been done?

[nathwraith1]

cardigankid said:

You're right, there is a noticeable difference over the previous model year. However, can you do that without failing your MOT in due course, and will the dealer honour the 5 year servicing package once that has been done?

My experience of removing secondary cats in my previous/current cars (R35 GTR & NC1 NSX) have both been done with the manufactures knowledge and warranty has still been honoured. In the NSX’s case, Honda themselves carried out the work and MOT’ed the car for me.

I’d hope Aston would be similar.

[Simpo Two]

SuperCarrera said:

I might have dreamt this but I seem to recall it being a marketing decision - they felt that the convertibles would sell more as a V8 than as a V12 so just went with the one option.

Aston Martin don't seem to be too good with marketing decisions it seems... eg the lack of a DB8 because they thought people would assume it was a V8. So, how is the engine in the DB11? Lumpy I expect