I've always loved the style, but I haven't driven one. I'd love to hear your experiences.
I’m on my 2nd DBS...similar to a DB9 for purpose of discussion. I own a few different marques and I’ve always thought an AM is a true gentlemen’s car. It is the most elegantly designed car of its era IMHO. The exhaust note of the NA V12 is great symphony. And did I mention it’s beautiful.... The quirks are... it’s underpowered, but just accept it as a GT. Tech is super old (like Atari) but consider it historic. If searching for one, make sure to look at the interior to see if anything is aged - Aston leather is soft and may age but the smell is intoxicatingly unique. The swan door struts may need to be replaced. Check that the gas lid cap opens without getting stuck. Ask if the “Emissions” warning appears - common problem. If you can get past that, you’ll be cruising in the most elegant, symphonic vehicle of a lost era. Sent from my 16M
My first V12 is a 2001 BMW 750iL Sport, which had a rated horsepower of 326, I believe. So the Aston would probably not feel underpowered to me. Do the Astons feel handbuilt in a bad way? Like used Maseratis (sorry) do?
As it happens, there is an article about the DB9 in this month's Octane which has just landed on my doormat.
I felt like the db9 was a little too long when I was shopping. So I bought a vantage. Very similar in most respects. Bulletproof. Exquisite build and construction. Only a few quirks like all Aston’s. Robb
I had a 2005 DB9 and I have a 2012 Virage. They are great GT's. There is nothing that sounds like an Aston Martin V12 and it is bullet proof. You will love it. Joe
I saw a post by Michael Fux the bigtime car collector, he said his favorite trip that year was a roadtrip in the West to CA in his DB9. Out of all the millions in high end cars, including a slew of Ferrari supercars and Rolls, that he noted that, was surprising. I think that a manual DB9 is a future collectible. Might not be $$$ but I think it will always be worth something.
Love my '09 DB9 Coupe. Its a great counterpoint to my 360 Spider. Quieter, more luggage space, cruise control and it eats the highway miles. It's a stylish and stealth Gran Turismo. Drives solid, and smooth. The V12 will surprise you when you mash it. Spools up and then its a slingshot. Everybody notices a Ferrari; few recognize an Aston Martin. I like that.
Bullet proof?, Its a GREAT GT , earlier cars are simpler later cars are more up to date. Put a set of Michelin sports to quite the car down to Lincoln town car standards and a SPORT exhaust . For the depreciated value they are great! Bullet proof? , get used to phantom check engine lights, couple of oil leaks and tail light that fill up with water if you REALLY DRIVE IT. Overall a great great GT for today in style. I love the Maserati style but that era was WORSE than a 1978 Jaguar XJ6! The transmission maybe made 5,000 miles and the check engine lights never stop. Plus an ASTON is an ASTON..... GTJOEY1314
Hi all, I am on my third DB9, 2009 model year. Look out for the upgraded interior after 2007, looks better and also slight power hike. Any model 2007-2012 is pure art to look at, after 2012, new styling didn't do much good. So far, no unknown issues detected, check the 'famous' buying guide (Grant) and you find all there is to know. Good luck ! Frank Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have loved my DB9 Volante. The naturally aspirated V12 sounds awesome (Especially with the top down) and has more than enough power for a GT. Maintenance costs can be high so you have to go in with your eyes open. I enjoy my Ferrari and Porsche and the AM also has its place in my stable. The DB9 always looks the part in the finest places. Gil
Question, I’m considering trading my 2010 DBS for a 2014 Vanquish just for a slightly updated model....would you do it? Sent from my 16M
Is your DBS a manual? If so - then "no". Also, I believe that you would want a newer Vanquish with the upgraded transmission if you were making the switch. The DBS may hold value better as well...
Good points.... I’ve had a Casino Royale DBS before that was manual. After selling it, I missed the DBS and picked up a morning frost white, but this is a paddle shifter. So the Vanquish I was looking at is a 2014. You’re right the DBS may hold value a bit better. But the Vanquish at $119k has depreciated almost to the level of the DBS at around $110k....thus thinking of the trade. Sent from my 16M
Sorry. I would beg to to differ on your differ. While the Maser is a fine upscale car, the V12 Aston styling clearly "trumps" it in styling and powertrain offering IMHO.
Read up on the function of the new 8 speed transmission for the 2015 Vanquish. Road tests suggest a night and day difference (isn't it always the case?), thus a reason for the value hit on the 2014s.
Johnny is right...….Theres nothing wrong with the 2014 and below Vanquish but the 2015 8 SPEED was a huge improvement driving and SERVICE WSE, Good luck either way your buying any of these for pennies on the tens of thousands...… All v12s will need mounts every 4 years no matter what and gaskets so keep an extra 10 to 15 grand around for that...…… gtjoey1314