DB9 to DBS - do I or don't I?
Discussion
I've a mint condition, low-ish mileage 2004 DB9 but have had my head turned recently- first by a late model 8sp Vanquish, and now by the DBS. Both brilliant cars (though need to spec the Vanq right)... but heart says DBS. With DBS values on the up (or dealers spotting the demand/chatter and chancing their luck), I'm deliberating whether an extra circa £80k to go from my mint 9 to an auto DBS is really the right move. My heart says "do it"... am I mad?
Edited by Dobie177 on Thursday 27th April 17:50
MarkM3Evoplus said:
I have a mate who has intimated he is after an early DB9. It has to be an auto though.
Can you advise your 9's spec and I will pass it on, unless you intend to part ex against a DBS?
It's Tungsten Silver, auto, black leather interior, piano black ski slope, heated front screen, electro-folding door mirrors, heated seats etc. 41k miles, clear lens rear lights, zero paint bubbling! FSH with Works provenance. Can you advise your 9's spec and I will pass it on, unless you intend to part ex against a DBS?
Trexthedinosaur said:
Maybe go for a Manual S? Sure you won't lose any money and if it is not for you swap back in circa 12M.
Or if you can afford it, have both and see how you get on over the Summer?
Would love both - but can't have both and a happy marriage! Or if you can afford it, have both and see how you get on over the Summer?
I know manual DBS' are rarer and better investment, but I actually prefer an auto (is it sacrilege to admit!) and they're ALOT easier to find than a manual!
speedracer800 said:
I struggled with the same decision about a year ago. I had a 05 db9 (6speed) for several years and absolutely loved the car..but the DBS just kept calling to me. As I watched the availability of 3 pedal DBS(s) dry up over the years I arrived at the point where I knew it was time to make a decision.
I chose to go ahead and pull the trigger for the dbs. While I absolutely love my DBS in retrospect I don't that it was the correct decision.
The cars are VERY similar as well all know. But I guess I expected there to be a bit more in terms of performance from the DBS over my very early DB9. I was fortunate enough to own both cars for a period of time together (before selling my DB9) and was able to drive them, one after the other, and the differences are very nominal. Almost certainly not worth the extra 75k.
If you're after the styling of the DBS then you need to decide if that alone is worth the extra money..because the performance, comfort etc certainly isn't in my opinion. I also toyed with the idea of adding the DBS nose, side sills and deck lid to my DB9 to get the "look" of a DBS which probably would have been a better decision looking back.
If you took money out of the equation the DBS wins hands down.. But that's not your dilemma. My opinion is (can't believe I'm saying this) not worth the extra money. Good luck.. Hope that helps. :/
Thanks speedracer- on the one hand very helpful (good to know I'm not alone in mulling over this dilemma)... but, on the other hand, I had just about got my mind made up on switching to a DBS and now I'm questioning the rationale again. Clearly you can overthink these things! The problem is, when you start looking, you just can't stop... I chose to go ahead and pull the trigger for the dbs. While I absolutely love my DBS in retrospect I don't that it was the correct decision.
The cars are VERY similar as well all know. But I guess I expected there to be a bit more in terms of performance from the DBS over my very early DB9. I was fortunate enough to own both cars for a period of time together (before selling my DB9) and was able to drive them, one after the other, and the differences are very nominal. Almost certainly not worth the extra 75k.
If you're after the styling of the DBS then you need to decide if that alone is worth the extra money..because the performance, comfort etc certainly isn't in my opinion. I also toyed with the idea of adding the DBS nose, side sills and deck lid to my DB9 to get the "look" of a DBS which probably would have been a better decision looking back.
If you took money out of the equation the DBS wins hands down.. But that's not your dilemma. My opinion is (can't believe I'm saying this) not worth the extra money. Good luck.. Hope that helps. :/
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
So, I did it. I'm just on the train home from Works having put pen to paper on a quantum silver 2012 DBS (I'll whisper it... it's a TT - don't judge me 
).
It's gorgeous of course - especially having tweaked a couple of little things - and can't wait to pick it up next week (once my plates are on).
Proper picks to follow, but just to prove it did actually happen
). It's gorgeous of course - especially having tweaked a couple of little things - and can't wait to pick it up next week (once my plates are on).
Proper picks to follow, but just to prove it did actually happen
NeinFondue said:
Dobie177 said:
Thanks - and here's the back-end. Always appreciate a good back-end.
A red “S” too.. Goes faster I hear.. Is it an DBS Ultimate?? Stunning car
I've added PPF to the full front end, had it ceramic coated (including on the piano black inside). The whole car is really brought to life now - which I'm relieved about as I had worried Quantum, if not well cared for, could look a little flat.
The only other thing I did was get the chrome trinket lid lacquered in piano black to match the rest of the centre console. I'm so pleased with that little touch - never understood why they did it in chrome (though I suppose it works with manual cars with the chrome surround!).
morty1961 said:
beautiful DBS mate
Im in the same dilemma with my early V8 Vantage .... keep looking at V12V manuals !!!
You'll regret it if you don't do it! (or at least you'll be forever looking at and coveting other Aston's rather than enjoying your own). Sounds like you've a decision to make. For what it's worth, having made the decision and having signed the order form, I've zero regrets. Too many reminders that life's too short Im in the same dilemma with my early V8 Vantage .... keep looking at V12V manuals !!!
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