DB9.2 or Vanquish?

[MP187]

Hi everyone!

I am about to buy my first Aston Martin and have shortlisted these two beauties:

2015 DB9 Carbon Black, 14k km
2012 Vanquish, 23k km

My heart (and taste) pushes me towards the DB9, despite it being an older project I like it better both aesthetically and as it is specced (this DB9 fits my taste perfectly and is a special version, whereas the Vanquish's configuration is a bit 'boring'), but my brain always reminds me that the Vanquish is a more modern and advanced car, and the flagship of Aston Martin's production at the time, thus a step above the DB9.

If anyone asks me, I'm not at all interested in the Vanquish's improved interior: the extra space is irrelevant to me and both look dated compared to a modern car, and I actually like the older dashboard design better.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Vanquish, in my eyes it's a 10 out of 10, it's just that the DB9 is an 11

Now, considering the price difference is low (10k more for the Vanquish, although it is 3 years older and 9k km more), should I listen to my heart or my brain?

So far I've only had a chance to drive the DB9, how much better is the Vanquish really to drive? Considering the powertrain is basically the same (the DB9 also has the factory power upgrade to 547hp), would the difference in terms of driving be tangible?

I have read some ‘DB9 vs Vanquish’ discussions, but they all consider the first version of DB9, not the latest update, which makes some difference.

Obviously if the Vanquish was a >2015 with the AM29 and Touchtronic 3, it would be a different story - but also a different price difference -. Unfortunately in my small country there isn't much choice, the only (1!!) >2015 Vanquish coupé for sale costs 50k more (and is very far from my ideal specs).

Would you consider it foolish to buy an 'older' DB9 over a 'fresher' Vanquish in terms of future value/depreciation and overall driving experience?

Thank you all for the advice.

[Calinours]

Sorry but you do appear to be talking at cross purposes with yourself, starting your post with one sentiment and ending it with almost completely the opposite one

Just test drive as much as you can, and buy what makes you feel good.

[VanquishRider]

DB's will always depreciate more and for longer than the premium cars where a lot less were produced.

But buy what you prefer.

[Simpo Two]

It's personal preference, like Griff vs Chimaera.

A DB9.2 Volante would do me fine.

Actually I saw a Vanquish Volante at Nicholas Mee last month, silver over red, fabulous. But £109K. Can't help thinking you get more car for your money with the DB - not least because it depreciates faster than a Vanquish

As VR said, 'buy what you prefer'.

[Longy00000]

Only driving them will answer your questions just have fun doing so

[M1AGM]

The 9.2 is almost identical to the vanquish hardware wise, the drive is almost identical bar the exhaust noise and sharper steering. There were only 556 9.2s made, many more vanquish cars. The 15 9 will probably have AMi1 whereas the vanquish used AMi2. There is a small weight saving on the vanquish due to some carbon panels, about 35kgs, the 9 had fibre composite panels in many areas, easier to repair than the CF. Between the 9.2 and the 6 speed vanquish I’d take the 9 (and did) as its the best of the 9s whereas the vanquish is the opposite. Personally I think the 9.2 has the perfect balance of understated elegance with some small modern tweaks inside and out, plus it’s rare in the scheme of things.

[ram_g]

M1AGM said:

The 9.2 is almost identical to the vanquish hardware wise, the drive is almost identical bar the exhaust noise and sharper steering. There were only 556 9.2s made, many more vanquish cars. The 15 9 will probably have AMi1 whereas the vanquish used AMi2. There is a small weight saving on the vanquish due to some carbon panels, about 35kgs, the 9 had fibre composite panels in many areas, easier to repair than the CF. Between the 9.2 and the 6 speed vanquish I’d take the 9 (and did) as its the best of the 9s whereas the vanquish is the opposite. Personally I think the 9.2 has the perfect balance of understated elegance with some small modern tweaks inside and out, plus it’s rare in the scheme of things.

In response to a query about DB9 production numbers, a nice gentleman from AMHT emailed me that there had been 1,821 facelift 2013 to 2016MY DB9 coupes built, compared to 8,301 2005 to 2012MY coupes. So yes, still rather rare, but more than 556 - were you perhaps referring to Volantes?

Amusingly, he categorically stated that they don't refer to these cars as DB9.2 (because that's what I asked about!) but instead just the facelift DB9s! Personally I think DB9.2 is much clearer...

In response to the original question, I too recently faced the same choice and picked a 2015 DB9 as my first Aston Martin. For several reasons that have already been articulated - pricing, relative rarity of the DB9.2, insufficient performance difference with the 6-speed cars, concerns about CF upkeep and repair, etc.

[M1AGM]

ram_g said:

M1AGM said:

The 9.2 is almost identical to the vanquish hardware wise, the drive is almost identical bar the exhaust noise and sharper steering. There were only 556 9.2s made, many more vanquish cars. The 15 9 will probably have AMi1 whereas the vanquish used AMi2. There is a small weight saving on the vanquish due to some carbon panels, about 35kgs, the 9 had fibre composite panels in many areas, easier to repair than the CF. Between the 9.2 and the 6 speed vanquish I’d take the 9 (and did) as its the best of the 9s whereas the vanquish is the opposite. Personally I think the 9.2 has the perfect balance of understated elegance with some small modern tweaks inside and out, plus it’s rare in the scheme of things.

In response to a query about DB9 production numbers, a nice gentleman from AMHT emailed me that there had been 1,821 facelift 2013 to 2016MY DB9 coupes built, compared to 8,301 2005 to 2012MY coupes. So yes, still rather rare, but more than 556 - were you perhaps referring to Volantes?

Amusingly, he categorically stated that they don't refer to these cars as DB9.2 (because that's what I asked about!) but instead just the facelift DB9s! Personally I think DB9.2 is much clearer...

In response to the original question, I too recently faced the same choice and picked a 2015 DB9 as my first Aston Martin. For several reasons that have already been articulated - pricing, relative rarity of the DB9.2, insufficient performance difference with the 6-speed cars, concerns about CF upkeep and repair, etc.

Interesting, the 556 figure came from AM as well! perhaps wires crossed and they were referring to RHD only, strange.

[ram_g]

Does anyone know just how many second gen Vanquish were built?

[Beckson]

don't forget the final DB9's did have the Vanquish style center stack.
A DB9 GT would be an excellent car. If going for a Vanquish, I'd do an 8 speed. Largely comes down to spec and price for me. No way most folks would "need" a vanquish's additional speed/handling etc over a mk2 db9

[P700DEE]

Jumping on this thread quick as I came here to find out the best way to sell an Aston Martin Vanquish. A friend and neighbour passed away a couple of weeks ago and his wife has the job of trying to sell his January 2013 red Aston Martin Vanquish. Full AMSH, great condition. Other than here where is best for selling such a car? Car based near Maidstone Kent

[SHIFTY]

No hassle way would be to contact up to 3 Aston Martin dealers, they would want to know the mileage and condition but can look on the AM system for the specification.

I have sold two cars back to AM dealers and both times had acceptable prices given but prices did vary across the AM dealers.

[VanquishRider]

P700DEE said:

Jumping on this thread quick as I came here to find out the best way to sell an Aston Martin Vanquish. A friend and neighbour passed away a couple of weeks ago and his wife has the job of trying to sell his January 2013 red Aston Martin Vanquish. Full AMSH, great condition. Other than here where is best for selling such a car? Car based near Maidstone Kent

Contact the likes of McGurks also who may sell it on consignment. Speak to as many Independent well known Aston dealers so you get a goof idea who's offering you the best options.

[DB9VolanteDriver]

ram_g said:

Does anyone know just how many second gen Vanquish were built?

A little over 4000, not counting the 400 something Vanquish Zagatos.

[Tyndall]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

A little over 4000, not counting the 400 something Vanquish Zagatos.

Any idea what the splits were on these 4000? Coupes/Convertibles/6spd/8spd/S models and how many in the UK?

[GG33]

That will be a world-wide figure.

There are currently 419 coupes and 214 Volantes registered in the UK

[Longy00000]

This may be useful for getting other rough data too

https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/family/aston_martin_...

[dubbs]

Have to say I looked at Vanquish, DB9 and DB11 - ended up with a Rapide S Shadow Edition after driving and sitting in a few. The version III box is worth it and got the last iteration of the NA V12, all the latest interior update too so it’s as lovely a place to sit as is possible.