Aston Martin DB9 or Jaguar XF?
Discussion
Hi all,
First and foremost, I apologise if this topic is in the wrong section. I'm hoping that some of you may be able to advise and point me in the right direction!
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the topic header raises a few eyebrows, as these two cars are very different. However, my dilemma between the two isn't because of the vehicle type or purpose, but rather the fact that a DB9 is an expensive article to buy.
I have a budget of around £40,000, and when I look at the type of XF I could get for that, I am very much persuaded to go with my brain and get a car that is near new, has low mileage and is ultimately going to see me right for a long time.
However, owning a DB9 has been a dream that I've had for a long time. But, my main issue is the price and age. For my budget, I recognise that I would likely be looking at a car that is at least 9 years old, but more likely 10. When I consider that I'd hope to get another 7 or so years out of the car, I begin to wonder as to whether a £40,000 10 year old juice sapping article is a good idea.
I recently saw a 2012 Jaguar XF for £23,000 with less than 20,000 miles on it, as well as having nearly all optional extras. On top of that, it had full service history and it was stated as being in all round excellent condition. When I compare that to the DB9, I'd be looking at a price tag of at least £70,000 for the equivalent article in terms of mileage and age.
Like everyone else here, I love a good sounding engine and a car that really wants to "go". But, I want to make a purchase that is going to see me right. Should I use my brain and go for a near new Jag XF (I'm looking at the V6), or whether I should take the plunge and go for the DB9?
In addition, any personal insight or opinions regarding maintenance/known faults of the DB9 would be much appreciated, as I don't expect an already 10 year old car to be without issues in the years to come. In other words, is it worth it?
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Tom.
First and foremost, I apologise if this topic is in the wrong section. I'm hoping that some of you may be able to advise and point me in the right direction!
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the topic header raises a few eyebrows, as these two cars are very different. However, my dilemma between the two isn't because of the vehicle type or purpose, but rather the fact that a DB9 is an expensive article to buy.
I have a budget of around £40,000, and when I look at the type of XF I could get for that, I am very much persuaded to go with my brain and get a car that is near new, has low mileage and is ultimately going to see me right for a long time.
However, owning a DB9 has been a dream that I've had for a long time. But, my main issue is the price and age. For my budget, I recognise that I would likely be looking at a car that is at least 9 years old, but more likely 10. When I consider that I'd hope to get another 7 or so years out of the car, I begin to wonder as to whether a £40,000 10 year old juice sapping article is a good idea.
I recently saw a 2012 Jaguar XF for £23,000 with less than 20,000 miles on it, as well as having nearly all optional extras. On top of that, it had full service history and it was stated as being in all round excellent condition. When I compare that to the DB9, I'd be looking at a price tag of at least £70,000 for the equivalent article in terms of mileage and age.
Like everyone else here, I love a good sounding engine and a car that really wants to "go". But, I want to make a purchase that is going to see me right. Should I use my brain and go for a near new Jag XF (I'm looking at the V6), or whether I should take the plunge and go for the DB9?
In addition, any personal insight or opinions regarding maintenance/known faults of the DB9 would be much appreciated, as I don't expect an already 10 year old car to be without issues in the years to come. In other words, is it worth it?
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Tom.
Read what you yourself wrote again...
"I recently saw a 2012 Jaguar XF for £23,000 with less than 20,000 miles on it, as well as having nearly all optional extras."
If you pay £40K for a new(er) XF then caluculate the depreciation. That would fix a lot of issues (which if you shop carefully and get the car checked over would hopefully never happen) on a DB9. Just food for thought.
"I recently saw a 2012 Jaguar XF for £23,000 with less than 20,000 miles on it, as well as having nearly all optional extras."
If you pay £40K for a new(er) XF then caluculate the depreciation. That would fix a lot of issues (which if you shop carefully and get the car checked over would hopefully never happen) on a DB9. Just food for thought.
Hi all,
Many thanks for your replies.
I realise that these are vastly different cars, but I am able to make the choice freely as I spend most of my time out of the country working (without a car). I don't "need" to have anything more than two seats for the time being, but as I say, the issue isn't so much about the practical differences between the cars (on a day to day basis). It's the monetary side of the things and ultimately, whether or not a DB9 can practically see another seven years without A) Requiring major work, B) Ageing drastically by the time it comes to a replacement.
Kind regards,
Tom.
Many thanks for your replies.
I realise that these are vastly different cars, but I am able to make the choice freely as I spend most of my time out of the country working (without a car). I don't "need" to have anything more than two seats for the time being, but as I say, the issue isn't so much about the practical differences between the cars (on a day to day basis). It's the monetary side of the things and ultimately, whether or not a DB9 can practically see another seven years without A) Requiring major work, B) Ageing drastically by the time it comes to a replacement.
Kind regards,
Tom.
Edited by Decky_Merchant on Sunday 20th March 19:23
Few ever buy an Aston because it make financial sense. It's an emotional choice. If that's what you want to get out of the car, then you know the right choice already.
Aston's don't cost much to own, only to buy. At the point you're looking at, depreciation is flattened out as much as it can be. If it's an itch you need to scratch, then do it. Worst case? You sell in 6 months to a year and lose a few grand. Including running costs, you'll lose less on the 9 then the Jag.
Aston's don't cost much to own, only to buy. At the point you're looking at, depreciation is flattened out as much as it can be. If it's an itch you need to scratch, then do it. Worst case? You sell in 6 months to a year and lose a few grand. Including running costs, you'll lose less on the 9 then the Jag.
Have you considered a V8 Vantage they are cheaper than the DB9. I came from an XFS diesel to a V8 vantage and loved both cars but for different reasons. The Jag was a far more practical car but the Aston puts a smile on your face every time you start it, plus they turn people's heads when your out and about in it. If you want something bonkers try an XFR-S 5.0 supercharged and 550 by hth .
You're on the Aston forum so... ...get the DB9.
In fact, get THIS DB9:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Bit of haggling and you could get it to your budget / within 5%.
26k miles and AM Warranty.
Get it inspected, buy it, drop the hood, listen to the V12 roar and wonder why you even considered a (very nice) rep-mobile
In fact, get THIS DB9:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Bit of haggling and you could get it to your budget / within 5%.
26k miles and AM Warranty.
Get it inspected, buy it, drop the hood, listen to the V12 roar and wonder why you even considered a (very nice) rep-mobile
Hello Tom,
The first question you have to ask is which car would you prefer to own?
The amount of money you have now versus what you will have in 7 years time is slightly irrelevant compared to what you will get out of the car ownership in terms of useage and emotion.
Man maths here:
Let's say the DB9 costs £2k per year over 7 years = £14k, depreciation / getting it up to sale standard = £6k
Jag £750 per year over 7 years = £5250, depreciation = £14750
So they will cost the same!!!
It also depends on how you will use it / cherish it / run it into the ground.
Finally the previous poster''s comment on considering a Vantage could be the wise choice and a more direct comparison.
Enjoy the hunt,
Sean
The first question you have to ask is which car would you prefer to own?
The amount of money you have now versus what you will have in 7 years time is slightly irrelevant compared to what you will get out of the car ownership in terms of useage and emotion.
Man maths here:
Let's say the DB9 costs £2k per year over 7 years = £14k, depreciation / getting it up to sale standard = £6k
Jag £750 per year over 7 years = £5250, depreciation = £14750
So they will cost the same!!!
It also depends on how you will use it / cherish it / run it into the ground.
Finally the previous poster''s comment on considering a Vantage could be the wise choice and a more direct comparison.
Enjoy the hunt,
Sean
Hi Tom
I would say that if you have always wanted an Aston then go for it. The Jag is a lovely car but owning an Aston Martin is a completely different experience.
I also think the Jag is a big financial risk as in 7 years time your £40,000 will be worth £10,000 at best.
I can't see a well cared for DB9 dropping below the £25,000 mark personally. So you would be £15,000 better off with the Aston and this should cover the servicing or even pay for an extended AM waranty!
Good luck with whatever you decide.
I would say that if you have always wanted an Aston then go for it. The Jag is a lovely car but owning an Aston Martin is a completely different experience.
I also think the Jag is a big financial risk as in 7 years time your £40,000 will be worth £10,000 at best.
I can't see a well cared for DB9 dropping below the £25,000 mark personally. So you would be £15,000 better off with the Aston and this should cover the servicing or even pay for an extended AM waranty!
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Hi all,
Some very valid and interesting points here. When I consider the depreciation of the Jag, it actually seems as though the Aston is the better option. Plus, I know that I'll still be wondering what it would have been like to have the DB9!
Incidentally, when reading around I've noticed that bubbling paint seems to be a relatively well known issue on earlier models. Has anyone had experience with this? How long has it taken for it to affect your Aston?
Many thanks once again,
Kind regards,
Tom.
Some very valid and interesting points here. When I consider the depreciation of the Jag, it actually seems as though the Aston is the better option. Plus, I know that I'll still be wondering what it would have been like to have the DB9!
Incidentally, when reading around I've noticed that bubbling paint seems to be a relatively well known issue on earlier models. Has anyone had experience with this? How long has it taken for it to affect your Aston?
Many thanks once again,
Kind regards,
Tom.
It does seem a problem in some cars.
I have a 05 DB9 and it is in fantastic condition. I bought it just over a year ago from HWM for £34,000 after they had taken it in as a part ex. 60k of fully serviced miles and HWM gave me receipts for £6,000 of additional work they needed to carry out to bring it up to AM standard for the one year extended warranty (this was discovered after we had agreed the price and I put down the deposit so was paid for my them).
Just had the 11th / 110,000 mile service carried out a couple of weeks ago having put a massive 2,000 miles on the car! The service cost £1,500 and I also paid to renew the AM warranty for another year.
I don't think I've lost a penny on this car in the first year and could not recommend ownership highly enough.
I have a 05 DB9 and it is in fantastic condition. I bought it just over a year ago from HWM for £34,000 after they had taken it in as a part ex. 60k of fully serviced miles and HWM gave me receipts for £6,000 of additional work they needed to carry out to bring it up to AM standard for the one year extended warranty (this was discovered after we had agreed the price and I put down the deposit so was paid for my them).
Just had the 11th / 110,000 mile service carried out a couple of weeks ago having put a massive 2,000 miles on the car! The service cost £1,500 and I also paid to renew the AM warranty for another year.
I don't think I've lost a penny on this car in the first year and could not recommend ownership highly enough.
Would concur with earlier comments. Just sold a 6 year old Jaguar XF , lovely car, low mileage , 3ltr Diesel engine pulls like a train. £12k 
My 7 year old DB9, similarly low mileage, just traded in for a Rapide for £43k.
Servicing is a bit more expensive on the db9 (use a good Indy, budget £1k a year). Insurance surprisingly comparable. Road tax obviously a bit more
If you don't need the space of the XF there's really no contest as long as you buy the db9 at the right point of the depreciation curve
Ps if the car is going to go unused for weeks/months at a time make sure you have a battery conditioner to plug in
My 7 year old DB9, similarly low mileage, just traded in for a Rapide for £43k.
Servicing is a bit more expensive on the db9 (use a good Indy, budget £1k a year). Insurance surprisingly comparable. Road tax obviously a bit more
If you don't need the space of the XF there's really no contest as long as you buy the db9 at the right point of the depreciation curve
Ps if the car is going to go unused for weeks/months at a time make sure you have a battery conditioner to plug in
I have a DB9 Volante,2006 vintage with 39,000 miles now, I have owned it for almost 4 years and would never consider a Jag XF, owning a DB9 is a dream come true, you will pick up a decent low mileage one for £40k and will enjoy it.
Servicing is not cheap and parts are expensive but the pleasure you'll get from it will mitigate all of that. I only do less than 3k miles a year, and have it serviced once a year, main dealer (Stratstone's) cost is around £900 for a small service. You can do brakes yourself, superb car, makes a great noise and is blindingly fast, having had Corvette's, Porsche's, a TWR XJS, an E-Type, original V8 Mustang, Merc SL's and some others that just don't come to mind, I think I'm fairly qualified to comment.
Good luck
Servicing is not cheap and parts are expensive but the pleasure you'll get from it will mitigate all of that. I only do less than 3k miles a year, and have it serviced once a year, main dealer (Stratstone's) cost is around £900 for a small service. You can do brakes yourself, superb car, makes a great noise and is blindingly fast, having had Corvette's, Porsche's, a TWR XJS, an E-Type, original V8 Mustang, Merc SL's and some others that just don't come to mind, I think I'm fairly qualified to comment.
Good luck
Hi guys,
Many thanks for your replies.
My mind is made up! One final question though...would any of you recommend buying privately or through a general dealer (rather than AM)? There is a marked difference in prices, but is that simply Aston Martin being greedy (plus the warranty, naturally) or is it worth the extra few thousand? If I were buying privately, I'd have the car independently inspected regardless, but the last thing I want to do is to fall into a trap.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Tom.
Many thanks for your replies.
My mind is made up! One final question though...would any of you recommend buying privately or through a general dealer (rather than AM)? There is a marked difference in prices, but is that simply Aston Martin being greedy (plus the warranty, naturally) or is it worth the extra few thousand? If I were buying privately, I'd have the car independently inspected regardless, but the last thing I want to do is to fall into a trap.
Many thanks,
Kind regards,
Tom.
Hi Tom
Nothing wrong with buying privately providing you use common sense. In my opinion this means full AMSH, recently serviced, ideally with a remaining AM waranty.
You can discard the latter if you have the former, but trust your initial judgement (as with any private car sale).
If the person you are buying from is an proper enthusiast he/she will be happy to disclose everythting and talk in depth about the car. In this case you are on a winner.
If not (private sale or local non-AM dealer) run fast. Then run faster.
Nothing wrong with buying privately providing you use common sense. In my opinion this means full AMSH, recently serviced, ideally with a remaining AM waranty.
You can discard the latter if you have the former, but trust your initial judgement (as with any private car sale).
If the person you are buying from is an proper enthusiast he/she will be happy to disclose everythting and talk in depth about the car. In this case you are on a winner.
If not (private sale or local non-AM dealer) run fast. Then run faster.
james-witton said:
Go for a Vantage. Get both as they are both excellent.
I agree.Edited by james-witton on Monday 21st March 16:15
We purchased an XF Diesel S as a family runabout after getting one as a courtesy car from the Aston Dealer. Its a perfect Tourer car, light on feel but supremely comfortable. The Vantage feels more raw in comparison and has the better sense of occasion. Stretch the budget to get both cars!!!!
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