E60 M5 to DB9 or V8 Vantage

[KTMboy]

Bored of the M5 and want something a bit different next.....thinking about a DB9 or V8 Vantage in the circa £40K/2006 range

I know I need to do some test drives, but I was wondering which way I should be looking. My intital view of the two cars is detailed below. Have I got it right?

DB9:

• Will probably feel as fast as the M5 in straight line
• Very comfortable and luxurious inside, spacious etc.
• Will be sporty but probabaly no more so than the M5 - a typical GT car
• Looks gorgeous, I prefer the slightly bigger look
• Will be relatively high maintenance, more so than the M5 but how much more so?
• Economy will be as rubbish as the M5
• Auto box suits the spirit of the car

V8 Vantage:

• Will probably not feel as fast as the M5 in straight line
• Generally more of a sporty drive than the M5 though
• Perhaps a bit cramped inside
• Not quite as nice looking as the DB9
• Again, will be relatively high maintenance, but more or less than the DB9?
• Is there an auto option?

Is it advisable to stick to Aston dealers? What are the usual issues that need to be checked for?

Appreciate your views..................

[Murph7355]

How much do M5s cost to run?

[bogie]

I cant imagine either car will be more expensive than an M5

DB9 is more GT
Vantage is more "sportscar"

DB9 is a real automatic, Vantage is an automated manual

running costs maybe a couple of hundred more on the DB9 per year in service price difference

approx £450-650 per service, every 10K miles

hows that compared to an M5? (I suspect consumables are similar and down to driving style)

[jonamv8]

Knowing the costs on M cars maintenance at main dealers I'd say about the same. Mpg similar too as those m5s are in the teens

[Adam2S]

KTMboy said:

My intital view of the two cars is detailed below. Have I got it right?

DB9:

• Very comfortable and luxurious inside, spacious etc.

V8 Vantage:

• Perhaps a bit cramped inside

Appreciate your views..................

I think you have these two the wrong way round. Because the Vantage is only a 2 seater there is actually slightly more space in the front as it doesnt have to allow some of the floor space for the rear seats. There is however very little in it. The rear seats in the DB9 are in reality all but useless for the very smallest of children.

Also in terms of comfort the interior spec of the cars is identical, but as a DB9 will always be slightly more expensive than a similar aged Vantage you are likely to end up with either a better spec Vantage or newer (with potential for revised and improved spec).

So £ for £ you are likely to end up with more space and more luxury in a Vantage.

Edited by Adam2S on Monday 6th June 09:17

[krisdelta]

Hi KTM,

I am following a similar path to you, only items to note from your current ride I would suggest are:

There are no "cheap" oil change services for the Vantage - most of the costs seem to be similar to an "Inspection" service (£400 - £1200 depending on where you shop). Servicing is 10k / 1 year - not mileage based.

The gearboxes appear to be more reliable than the M5 - anecdotaly at least.

The warranty is much the same price, although it appears to be less comprehensive (just my impression from reading here for some time).

The vantage / DB9 are way way cooler than an M5 - you will be let out of junctions and smiled at

Edited by krisdelta on Monday 6th June 09:28

[bogie]

Vantage has a bigger boot too surprisingly

[Jockman]

I tried both when purchasing last year.

The DB9 is longer - 12 inches or so.

When you've sat in both, you could swear that the Vantage is bigger - sit in the driver's seat and look behind you. It is a far superior use of space, and has a tardis effect.

If you are a boy racer who has to count his pennies - opt for the Vantage.

If you are a wealthy, sophisticated, erudite, charming and good-looking person of good breeding then you will naturally be drawn to the DB9.

Because you're worth it

[yeti]

Jockman said:

I tried both when purchasing last year.
If you are a boy racer who has to count his pennies - opt for the Vantage.

If you are a wealthy, sophisticated, erudite, charming and good-looking person of good breeding then you will naturally be drawn to the DB9.

Great summary and couldn't agree more 'Baby' Aston or grown-up's Aston?

I assume we're talking coupes of both versions here? The perfect compromise could be a DB9 sports pack manual, 'sports' up the DB9 nicely without taking away the GT characteristics.

[Jockman]

yeti said:

The perfect compromise could be a DB9 sports pack manual, 'sports' up the DB9 nicely without taking away the GT characteristics.

Yes Please

[franki68]

I think you should bear in mind the m5 is significantly quicker than either,it would not bother me,but just be aware.

[Jockman]

franki68 said:

I think you should bear in mind the m5 is significantly quicker than either,it would not bother me,but just be aware.

Mark, you could have at least put a smilie on the end of your post.

It is the BMW M5 we are talking about isn't it ??

[Murph7355]

krisdelta said:

... Servicing is 10k / 1 year - not mileage based...

This read a little confusingly to me...

Services are every 10k miles or annually, whichever comes sooner on the Aston.

I guess you mean that the BMW doesn't have to be serviced annually if you've not done enough miles...?

[George H]

franki68 said:

I think you should bear in mind the m5 is significantly quicker than either,it would not bother me,but just be aware.

Significantly quicker in the way that they have the exact same 0-62 on paper, and the M5 has a much lower (albeit limited) top speed?

Jockman, your comparison of the two was spot on

[Murph7355]

Jockman said:

...If you are a wealthy, sophisticated, erudite, charming and good-looking person of good breeding then you will naturally be drawn to the DB9....

No matter what people might tell you, tweed is not generally perceived as a good look these days. Hai Karate doesn't smell good. And smoking a pipe in your conveyance will not help it's residual value.

[Jockman]

Murph7355 said:

No matter what people might tell you, tweed is not generally perceived as a good look these days. Hai Karate doesn't smell good. And smoking a pipe in your conveyance will not help it's residual value.

Murph, your prejudices are well documented on this forum

You are gradually turning into Micheal Gould, whose list now stands at 14 dislikes after the inclusion of 'fatties'

[George H]

Murph7355 said:

No matter what people might tell you, tweed is not generally perceived as a good look these days. Hai Karate doesn't smell good. And smoking a pipe in your conveyance will not help it's residual value.

I always thought the DB9 was perceived as a footballers car, or at least until the DBS came out. When did it change to an old man's car? Or maybe I've got the wrong car

[Neil1300R]

George H said:

I always thought the DB9 was perceived as a footballers car, or at least until the DBS came out. When did it change to an old man's car? Or maybe I've got the wrong car

You sooo have the wrong car for your age!
You can tell it's for the older gentleman as it has wood panelling

[krisdelta]

Murph7355 said:

This read a little confusingly to me...

Services are every 10k miles or annually, whichever comes sooner on the Aston.

I guess you mean that the BMW doesn't have to be serviced annually if you've not done enough miles...?

Hi Murph, apologies, not worded very well by me. You summarised perfectly.

BMW servicing is based on litres of fuel used, 1465 or the like I think, or 2 years whichever is sooner - so it depends how heavy your right foot is. It's likely one would need to service an Aston more frequently than an M3/M5. Just something to consider as a convert

[George H]

Neil1300R said:

You sooo have the wrong car for your age!
You can tell it's for the older gentleman as it has wood panelling

It's nice wood panelling though! I guess I am just a traditionalist!