DB9 Test Drive Booked For The 9th...
Discussion
Yes you need this...... 
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Aside from that
are you looking at a new car, a particular model year, or just generally trying a DB9 to see if it appeals, what have you got now and what do you want from the 9? All questions that can help the knowledgeable good guys & gels on this site help further 
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Aside from that
are you looking at a new car, a particular model year, or just generally trying a DB9 to see if it appeals, what have you got now and what do you want from the 9? All questions that can help the knowledgeable good guys & gels on this site help further I suppose some more detail would be helpful. 
I looking for preowned, and based on the advice from your good selves I have decided to take the dealer/specialist route along with the 12 month warranty. I will then put aside funds should anything go wrong after that.
I've had various cars in the past and due to work ended up selling them because of mileage and / or non use. Not commuting 3 hours each way to work anymore. My favourite car so far has been my Supra because it was great fun to drive but extremely practical at the same time... A true GT. The DB9 I believe will fulfill the same requirements, however with much more style. Probably a similar weight and size as well.
I started my test drives of various cars and so far haven't been that impressed with what's been on offer from other manufacturers. Based on my research I had narrowed it down to four cars (Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, BMW 6 series and of course the DB9). So far out of the four I have tested the SL (my dad has one) and didn't like it as the steering felt like it was loose, but apparently that's how it's supposed to feel. I prefer to feel more 'connected' to what the car is doing, much like my Supra and Esprit in the past.
I've practically ruled out the Porsche 911 now as well due to practicality. Everyone keeps telling me it's the everyday supercar but where do you put your bags for a weekend away? I'm after a GT and it just doesn't fit that role.
I have bought and read most of 'The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin' which was recommended on PH and that helped a lot with separating myth from fact in my head and helped to make an educated choice. Based on this I believe that the DB9 will suite me better than the Vantage.
So, the next step is to go and drive one. The main things I'm going to be looking at are how it feels, is the driving position comfortable (very important to me), do I like the auto linked paddle shift, does it scare the trousers off me, etc.
Just out of curiosity, I'm looking to run this as my only car, so would be keen to know if there are issues with car parks (ramps, turning circle, space width, etc.?). Not that it would put me off as I'd just have to be selective in where I park.
I looking for preowned, and based on the advice from your good selves I have decided to take the dealer/specialist route along with the 12 month warranty. I will then put aside funds should anything go wrong after that.
I've had various cars in the past and due to work ended up selling them because of mileage and / or non use. Not commuting 3 hours each way to work anymore. My favourite car so far has been my Supra because it was great fun to drive but extremely practical at the same time... A true GT. The DB9 I believe will fulfill the same requirements, however with much more style. Probably a similar weight and size as well.
I started my test drives of various cars and so far haven't been that impressed with what's been on offer from other manufacturers. Based on my research I had narrowed it down to four cars (Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, BMW 6 series and of course the DB9). So far out of the four I have tested the SL (my dad has one) and didn't like it as the steering felt like it was loose, but apparently that's how it's supposed to feel. I prefer to feel more 'connected' to what the car is doing, much like my Supra and Esprit in the past.
I've practically ruled out the Porsche 911 now as well due to practicality. Everyone keeps telling me it's the everyday supercar but where do you put your bags for a weekend away? I'm after a GT and it just doesn't fit that role.
I have bought and read most of 'The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin' which was recommended on PH and that helped a lot with separating myth from fact in my head and helped to make an educated choice. Based on this I believe that the DB9 will suite me better than the Vantage.
So, the next step is to go and drive one. The main things I'm going to be looking at are how it feels, is the driving position comfortable (very important to me), do I like the auto linked paddle shift, does it scare the trousers off me, etc.
Just out of curiosity, I'm looking to run this as my only car, so would be keen to know if there are issues with car parks (ramps, turning circle, space width, etc.?). Not that it would put me off as I'd just have to be selective in where I park.
IanDH said:
I suppose some more detail would be helpful.
I looking for preowned, and based on the advice from your good selves I have decided to take the dealer/specialist route along with the 12 month warranty. I will then put aside funds should anything go wrong after that.
I've had various cars in the past and due to work ended up selling them because of mileage and / or non use. Not commuting 3 hours each way to work anymore. My favourite car so far has been my Supra because it was great fun to drive but extremely practical at the same time... A true GT. The DB9 I believe will fulfill the same requirements, however with much more style. Probably a similar weight and size as well.
I started my test drives of various cars and so far haven't been that impressed with what's been on offer from other manufacturers. Based on my research I had narrowed it down to four cars (Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, BMW 6 series and of course the DB9). So far out of the four I have tested the SL (my dad has one) and didn't like it as the steering felt like it was loose, but apparently that's how it's supposed to feel. I prefer to feel more 'connected' to what the car is doing, much like my Supra and Esprit in the past.
I've practically ruled out the Porsche 911 now as well due to practicality. Everyone keeps telling me it's the everyday supercar but where do you put your bags for a weekend away? I'm after a GT and it just doesn't fit that role.
I have bought and read most of 'The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin' which was recommended on PH and that helped a lot with separating myth from fact in my head and helped to make an educated choice. Based on this I believe that the DB9 will suite me better than the Vantage.
So, the next step is to go and drive one. The main things I'm going to be looking at are how it feels, is the driving position comfortable (very important to me), do I like the auto linked paddle shift, does it scare the trousers off me, etc.
Just out of curiosity, I'm looking to run this as my only car, so would be keen to know if there are issues with car parks (ramps, turning circle, space width, etc.?). Not that it would put me off as I'd just have to be selective in where I park.
SL is a barge and not a drivers car. I had one for four days and I hated it.I looking for preowned, and based on the advice from your good selves I have decided to take the dealer/specialist route along with the 12 month warranty. I will then put aside funds should anything go wrong after that.
I've had various cars in the past and due to work ended up selling them because of mileage and / or non use. Not commuting 3 hours each way to work anymore. My favourite car so far has been my Supra because it was great fun to drive but extremely practical at the same time... A true GT. The DB9 I believe will fulfill the same requirements, however with much more style. Probably a similar weight and size as well.
I started my test drives of various cars and so far haven't been that impressed with what's been on offer from other manufacturers. Based on my research I had narrowed it down to four cars (Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, BMW 6 series and of course the DB9). So far out of the four I have tested the SL (my dad has one) and didn't like it as the steering felt like it was loose, but apparently that's how it's supposed to feel. I prefer to feel more 'connected' to what the car is doing, much like my Supra and Esprit in the past.
I've practically ruled out the Porsche 911 now as well due to practicality. Everyone keeps telling me it's the everyday supercar but where do you put your bags for a weekend away? I'm after a GT and it just doesn't fit that role.
I have bought and read most of 'The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin' which was recommended on PH and that helped a lot with separating myth from fact in my head and helped to make an educated choice. Based on this I believe that the DB9 will suite me better than the Vantage.
So, the next step is to go and drive one. The main things I'm going to be looking at are how it feels, is the driving position comfortable (very important to me), do I like the auto linked paddle shift, does it scare the trousers off me, etc.
Just out of curiosity, I'm looking to run this as my only car, so would be keen to know if there are issues with car parks (ramps, turning circle, space width, etc.?). Not that it would put me off as I'd just have to be selective in where I park.
911 is not a GT. Good fun for a hoon but you cannot fit much more than a g-string and a toothbrush in the front luggage compartment. So you'll have to put a squashy bag on the back seats.
6 series is ugly. But the M6 is kinda cool! Huge boot though
DB9 is beautiful, V12 powered.
Try a DBS as well if you can see one within your budget. Harder edge, faster, CCM brakes, howling screaming banshee wail of a 510bhp V12. What's not to like?
I figured I would spend a year looking for alternatives, and if after that time I hadn't bought anything else, then I should organise a test drive and see how I get on with it. I bought the Esprit on impulse because I liked them. I would say I got badly burned on that purchase, although the car was amazing fun to drive, it wasn't the most reliable thing in the world.
I have to admit the rumour of poor reliablilty played some part in putting me off test driving the DB9, however the book has managed to eradicate such thoughts. I have also spoken to several DB9 owners in person at various shows and other than niggles that quite frankly you'd get in any performance car like M3's, AMG's, etc. they have had no problems.
I have to admit the rumour of poor reliablilty played some part in putting me off test driving the DB9, however the book has managed to eradicate such thoughts. I have also spoken to several DB9 owners in person at various shows and other than niggles that quite frankly you'd get in any performance car like M3's, AMG's, etc. they have had no problems.
IanDH said:
I figured I would spend a year looking for alternatives, and if after that time I hadn't bought anything else, then I should organise a test drive and see how I get on with it. I bought the Esprit on impulse because I liked them. I would say I got badly burned on that purchase, although the car was amazing fun to drive, it wasn't the most reliable thing in the world.
I have to admit the rumour of poor reliablilty played some part in putting me off test driving the DB9, however the book has managed to eradicate such thoughts. I have also spoken to several DB9 owners in person at various shows and other than niggles that quite frankly you'd get in any performance car like M3's, AMG's, etc. they have had no problems.
Well, what are you waiting for then, crack on and get your wallet out! I have to admit the rumour of poor reliablilty played some part in putting me off test driving the DB9, however the book has managed to eradicate such thoughts. I have also spoken to several DB9 owners in person at various shows and other than niggles that quite frankly you'd get in any performance car like M3's, AMG's, etc. they have had no problems.
Hi Ian, good man, I'm glad you have found the book useful and you can't beat adding to all that info by chatting with fellow owners.
You didn't mention budget, but if you can stretch to an early 09MY car (autumn 2008) I would; the combination of the improved engine output - upgraded transmission - better suspension set-up/settings - new console,hard disc Nav and other interior bits are even great than the sum of their parts and they are good value after 3 years depreciation..... if you buy right
I would try and test drive a car with Sports Pack and without, to see which you prefer, but I personally would highly recommend the set-up, also if you can find a manual (unlikely!)give that a bash to compare.
Best of luck with the test drive.
You didn't mention budget, but if you can stretch to an early 09MY car (autumn 2008) I would; the combination of the improved engine output - upgraded transmission - better suspension set-up/settings - new console,hard disc Nav and other interior bits are even great than the sum of their parts and they are good value after 3 years depreciation..... if you buy right
I would try and test drive a car with Sports Pack and without, to see which you prefer, but I personally would highly recommend the set-up, also if you can find a manual (unlikely!)give that a bash to compare.
Best of luck with the test drive.
My last car was an SL55 which was perhaps a little quicker than my my present DB9 ...."great car with the added advantage of that wonderful roof......previous to that I had a 645i which isn't a great looking but a great GT and you can pick them up for 15k
DB9 will cost you lots as an every day car not least of all because it does 13mpg ......they are not cheap to run but make you feel good every time you drive it
911's are driven by Germans and knobs
DB9 will cost you lots as an every day car not least of all because it does 13mpg ......they are not cheap to run but make you feel good every time you drive it
911's are driven by Germans and knobs
Hi Grant. Book is excellent. It arrived 2 days before I went on holiday so it consumed the majority of my time around the pool and on the beach.
Not so worried about the mpg as it's 4 miles to the train station, and to be honest I doubt my current workhorse Vectra SRI gets much better mpg during that commute. Speed isn't a concern either. A £4k ZX-10R will do 190mph, so there are much cheaper ways to get a speed fix. That and my dad's boot leaks.
My friend Bruce has a 911 turbo and has been trying to convince me to get one, but as already pointed out there is no boot space so it can only ever be a second car (and he only uses it about 6 weekends a year.... Pointless).
Cannot afford a DBS, as much as I'd like to. I could probably stretch to it with finance but prefer not to do that. I'm accutely aware of a comment made by someone on the forum which qas "optimism = a man who thinks he can just afford to own an Aston Martin". Have set myself a budget of £50k and have a made a choice on colour combinations I like. Unlike my Esprit purchase horror I'm older and wiser now so will not compromise. The Esprit cost me £9k to keep on the road in 18 months (not including fuel), and I believe a DB9 will be cheaper than this. Will keep searching until I find the car I'm looking for.
Not so worried about the mpg as it's 4 miles to the train station, and to be honest I doubt my current workhorse Vectra SRI gets much better mpg during that commute. Speed isn't a concern either. A £4k ZX-10R will do 190mph, so there are much cheaper ways to get a speed fix. That and my dad's boot leaks.
My friend Bruce has a 911 turbo and has been trying to convince me to get one, but as already pointed out there is no boot space so it can only ever be a second car (and he only uses it about 6 weekends a year.... Pointless).
Cannot afford a DBS, as much as I'd like to. I could probably stretch to it with finance but prefer not to do that. I'm accutely aware of a comment made by someone on the forum which qas "optimism = a man who thinks he can just afford to own an Aston Martin". Have set myself a budget of £50k and have a made a choice on colour combinations I like. Unlike my Esprit purchase horror I'm older and wiser now so will not compromise. The Esprit cost me £9k to keep on the road in 18 months (not including fuel), and I believe a DB9 will be cheaper than this. Will keep searching until I find the car I'm looking for.
Good luck with the test drive, I was smitten after mine! Speed bumps are fine if taken care with, it's not so much the initial height issue as the pendulum effect and a long front overhang. I still struggle with the way the bodywork disappears away from you when parking but that's getting better.
The thing that suprised me after a few months of ownership is just how sporty it is to drive once you get a chance to chuck it around a bit. Combined with the paddle shift to get the right gear for the corner it really is good fun in the twisties, I was expecting more of a soggy GT ride and was pleasantly suprised!
I use mine every day, just to the station and back, it gets warm in that time and is fine, gets more use at weekends. The trip computer says 18 point something mpg average which may or may not be accurate. Taking it easy on the motorway gives 25mpg on a run if that's your thing, it's a sublime mile muncher and gets the right kind of attention from everyone I've spoken to.
If you can get into an '07 model year car which you should just with a £50k budget the seats are much better!
The thing that suprised me after a few months of ownership is just how sporty it is to drive once you get a chance to chuck it around a bit. Combined with the paddle shift to get the right gear for the corner it really is good fun in the twisties, I was expecting more of a soggy GT ride and was pleasantly suprised!
I use mine every day, just to the station and back, it gets warm in that time and is fine, gets more use at weekends. The trip computer says 18 point something mpg average which may or may not be accurate. Taking it easy on the motorway gives 25mpg on a run if that's your thing, it's a sublime mile muncher and gets the right kind of attention from everyone I've spoken to.
If you can get into an '07 model year car which you should just with a £50k budget the seats are much better!
The budget has been climbing rapidly with each one I look at. I work in London nr. Portland Place so walk past 1 or 2 every day going to get my lunch. Was surprised at how noticable the ride height difference is between 05/06. I was a little concerned about speed bumps (Milton Keynes has more than its fair share), but a V8VS drove up my road a few weeks ago without any issues at all which put my mind at rest.
I'm building a list of questions for the weekend and I'm sure I'll think of more on the day.
I'm building a list of questions for the weekend and I'm sure I'll think of more on the day.
Wait... Are you mad?
Repositioning funds as we speak. Most of my money is in long term investments for better return so will take 4-5 weeks to get it back into a usable state. This will coincide nicely with the accountant completing EOY return for my company ASAP. (He will require constant kicking though).
Off to the US to visit my dad at the end of October but everything should come together hopefully by mid to end November.
Repositioning funds as we speak. Most of my money is in long term investments for better return so will take 4-5 weeks to get it back into a usable state. This will coincide nicely with the accountant completing EOY return for my company ASAP. (He will require constant kicking though).
Off to the US to visit my dad at the end of October but everything should come together hopefully by mid to end November.
IanDH said:
Wait... Are you mad?
Repositioning funds as we speak. Most of my money is in long term investments for better return so will take 4-5 weeks to get it back into a usable state. This will coincide nicely with the accountant completing EOY return for my company ASAP. (He will require constant kicking though).
Off to the US to visit my dad at the end of October but everything should come together hopefully by mid to end November.
Not mad, at least not last time I asked myself....Repositioning funds as we speak. Most of my money is in long term investments for better return so will take 4-5 weeks to get it back into a usable state. This will coincide nicely with the accountant completing EOY return for my company ASAP. (He will require constant kicking though).
Off to the US to visit my dad at the end of October but everything should come together hopefully by mid to end November.
Did you hear about the schizophrenic author?
He's writing an unauthorised autobiography.
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