Should I buy a DB9?
Discussion
Hello all
I've never been on here before but a friend said it's the best way to get advice. So here goes!
I've had Porsche's for the last seven years or so but fancy a change. I'm currently looking at a two year old DB9. I've driven it and whilst it doesn't have the sporty drive of a 911, it looks great on the outside. The interior is a bit cramped and I know I'll always prefer the 911 and will buy another one in the future. I just fancy a change. Some people say they're great, some say they're nothing but trouble.
Any opinions greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Jack
I've never been on here before but a friend said it's the best way to get advice. So here goes!
I've had Porsche's for the last seven years or so but fancy a change. I'm currently looking at a two year old DB9. I've driven it and whilst it doesn't have the sporty drive of a 911, it looks great on the outside. The interior is a bit cramped and I know I'll always prefer the 911 and will buy another one in the future. I just fancy a change. Some people say they're great, some say they're nothing but trouble.
Any opinions greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Jack
Welcome Jack!
We have a dedicated Aston Martin forum here (and a lot of AM owners, too
) so have a look around there you may find some of the answers you were looking for; http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...
But the question I would ask (as I'm sure the AM forum would too)...for what do you want to use it? a 911 and a DB9 are very different cars, and I would wager you might miss the sports-car-nature of the 911 in the GT that the DB9 is; have you considered a V8? It's the 911's likely "other" and so might be more to your liking.
We have a dedicated Aston Martin forum here (and a lot of AM owners, too
) so have a look around there you may find some of the answers you were looking for; http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...But the question I would ask (as I'm sure the AM forum would too)...for what do you want to use it? a 911 and a DB9 are very different cars, and I would wager you might miss the sports-car-nature of the 911 in the GT that the DB9 is; have you considered a V8? It's the 911's likely "other" and so might be more to your liking.
I'm not going on a track or anything like that. It would be used as a day to day work car (only do about 7,000 miles a year). I love 911's and was considering the new Turbo but I've had a 996 version and it was great but I just fancy a change for 12 months or so.
Do they break down all the time?
Do they break down all the time?
I'm running one at the moment. It's a GT car without question, and while you can get it to shift, it's really not its forte IMO; the handling & the brakes really aren't up to it. Proper gentlemans motor and gets lots of positive attention. Better looking and more charismatic than a 911 and at it's best when heading off somewhere nice for the weekend.
I have had two DB9s (and I used to own a 993).
The DB9s have had some niggles but nothing major. With the SDP suspension on the car, it is fabulous (the standard set up is not too shabby either). But a very different car to the 911 - more relaxing to drive.
I personally would take issue with the poster who said it doesn't handle or brake. I have done the AM performance driving course (you can do it too - if you're trying to decide, it is 1.5 grand well spent) and tracked the car. IMHO the thing handles like a dream and stops on its nose. However, it does not take kindly to being thrown around - smooth inputs are required otherwise the front end washes wide. I had a 360 which you could throw into a corner like a go-kart and it would grip and go. Try that with a DB9 and you'll be disappointed. Drive the DB9 smoothly rather than aggressively and you can corner at the same speed as the 360 (at least it appears so to me). I remember at Goodwood scaring an instructor rigid who thought that I had not washed off enough speed into one of the bends. I felt very comfortable (or would have done if he hadn't said "Fvck!!! Too fast!" whilst pressing an imaginary brake pedal). The car went around absolutely flat and stable - "Wow, this thing really handles..." was his response.
So, if I was you, I'd pony up the £1.5k for the AM PDC (book it through the factory) and see what you think. I think you'll buy one - and you might never go back to the Porker...
The DB9s have had some niggles but nothing major. With the SDP suspension on the car, it is fabulous (the standard set up is not too shabby either). But a very different car to the 911 - more relaxing to drive.
I personally would take issue with the poster who said it doesn't handle or brake. I have done the AM performance driving course (you can do it too - if you're trying to decide, it is 1.5 grand well spent) and tracked the car. IMHO the thing handles like a dream and stops on its nose. However, it does not take kindly to being thrown around - smooth inputs are required otherwise the front end washes wide. I had a 360 which you could throw into a corner like a go-kart and it would grip and go. Try that with a DB9 and you'll be disappointed. Drive the DB9 smoothly rather than aggressively and you can corner at the same speed as the 360 (at least it appears so to me). I remember at Goodwood scaring an instructor rigid who thought that I had not washed off enough speed into one of the bends. I felt very comfortable (or would have done if he hadn't said "Fvck!!! Too fast!" whilst pressing an imaginary brake pedal). The car went around absolutely flat and stable - "Wow, this thing really handles..." was his response.
So, if I was you, I'd pony up the £1.5k for the AM PDC (book it through the factory) and see what you think. I think you'll buy one - and you might never go back to the Porker...
AstonZagato said:
I have had two DB9s (and I used to own a 993).
The DB9s have had some niggles but nothing major. With the SDP suspension on the car, it is fabulous (the standard set up is not too shabby either). But a very different car to the 911 - more relaxing to drive.
I personally would take issue with the poster who said it doesn't handle or brake. I have done the AM performance driving course (you can do it too - if you're trying to decide, it is 1.5 grand well spent) and tracked the car. IMHO the thing handles like a dream and stops on its nose. However, it does not take kindly to being thrown around - smooth inputs are required otherwise the front end washes wide. I had a 360 which you could throw into a corner like a go-kart and it would grip and go. Try that with a DB9 and you'll be disappointed. Drive the DB9 smoothly rather than aggressively and you can corner at the same speed as the 360 (at least it appears so to me). I remember at Goodwood scaring an instructor rigid who thought that I had not washed off enough speed into one of the bends. I felt very comfortable (or would have done if he hadn't said "Fvck!!! Too fast!" whilst pressing an imaginary brake pedal). The car went around absolutely flat and stable - "Wow, this thing really handles..." was his response.
So, if I was you, I'd pony up the £1.5k for the AM PDC (book it through the factory) and see what you think. I think you'll buy one - and you might never go back to the Porker...
Thank you for that- very useful! What you describe is standard racing technique and necessary for a heavy GT that doesn't change direction very quickly. And it's the damping that is most in need of attention since it patters like mad over rough/uneven surfaces. As you said yourself, if you get your kicks trail braking into corners and nailing it on the exit, the DB9 will not like that very much. The DB9s have had some niggles but nothing major. With the SDP suspension on the car, it is fabulous (the standard set up is not too shabby either). But a very different car to the 911 - more relaxing to drive.
I personally would take issue with the poster who said it doesn't handle or brake. I have done the AM performance driving course (you can do it too - if you're trying to decide, it is 1.5 grand well spent) and tracked the car. IMHO the thing handles like a dream and stops on its nose. However, it does not take kindly to being thrown around - smooth inputs are required otherwise the front end washes wide. I had a 360 which you could throw into a corner like a go-kart and it would grip and go. Try that with a DB9 and you'll be disappointed. Drive the DB9 smoothly rather than aggressively and you can corner at the same speed as the 360 (at least it appears so to me). I remember at Goodwood scaring an instructor rigid who thought that I had not washed off enough speed into one of the bends. I felt very comfortable (or would have done if he hadn't said "Fvck!!! Too fast!" whilst pressing an imaginary brake pedal). The car went around absolutely flat and stable - "Wow, this thing really handles..." was his response.
So, if I was you, I'd pony up the £1.5k for the AM PDC (book it through the factory) and see what you think. I think you'll buy one - and you might never go back to the Porker...
From what I've heard(and it is only what I've heard) there's a lot of electrical niggles with the modern AM's, some of which result in a break down. I'd say get as much advice as you can from here and get it thoroughly inpected by an expert. Its an investment the price of a house treat is as such. Then when you get a good one you can give us all a go for all the advice in your hour of need. 
no seriously gimme the keys
no seriously gimme the keys 456mgt said:
Thank you for that- very useful! What you describe is standard racing technique and necessary for a heavy GT that doesn't change direction very quickly. And it's the damping that is most in need of attention since it patters like mad over rough/uneven surfaces. As you said yourself, if you get your kicks trail braking into corners and nailing it on the exit, the DB9 will not like that very much.
The SDP inproves the damping (and has lower unsprung weight)patmahe said:
From what I've heard(and it is only what I've heard) there's a lot of electrical niggles with the modern AM's, some of which result in a break down. I'd say get as much advice as you can from here and get it thoroughly inpected by an expert. Its an investment the price of a house treat is as such. Then when you get a good one you can give us all a go for all the advice in your hour of need. no seriously gimme the keys
The electricals don't cause it to strand you (or at least I have heard of very very few cases) but can be annoying. I have missed most of them (and many have now been rectified on all cars when softwaare updates are done at service time). no seriously gimme the keys I have an 06 DB9 that has done 13,800 miles. I have nothing but praise for the car - it's a real event to drive, and feels very special. The car has had no problems since delivery, and handled some long European trips very comfortably without any problems at all. I have done two Performance Driving Courses with AM, and they really show the abilities of the car. Take a test drive and see what you think.
I had a DB7 for 3 years (till '06) with virtually zero problems, or at least none that are worthy of comment. I have owned Porsches and Ferrari's in the past. My new AM-V8 came in yesterday, and it is THIS car that gives me the greatest pleasure of all, in the sense that it is "almost" pure Porsche-like sports performance......it is Ferrari sexy and product of head-turning looks of awe and envy, and it is pure luxury and class. For my own personal tastes and limited budget, it is the best of all worlds, providing me 3-cars-in-one! If you want a change, I assure you, it will not be the short-lived change you think it will be...you will become endlessly enamored. As others have said, go for the AM-V8 and pack up all your Porsche paraphenalia. 
Good luck!
(btw, regardless what decision you make, they are all "win-win" ones)
Good luck!(btw, regardless what decision you make, they are all "win-win" ones)
I came from a 996 turbo to a V8 vantage and although a lot slower it's twice the fun and much more of an 'occasion' (that sounds crap - but it's true). DB9 is much more of a GT - if youre coming from a 911 you should really consider the Vantage (unless you need the excuse for the extra room). The prodrive engine mods push the power up and are also worth a look.
I also thought I'd do the Aston thing for a year or so... well 15 months on I've absolutey no interest in a 997!
Good luck... oh, and welcome
I also thought I'd do the Aston thing for a year or so... well 15 months on I've absolutey no interest in a 997!
Good luck... oh, and welcome
In agreement with the guys who suggest trying a V8V.
The DB9 isn't a natural "rival" to a 911. They are very different cars in terms of purpose.
V8V and 911 are much better aligned.
I hear Sportspack DB9s are much better in the "go" department than standard. But have tried neither - I'm allergic to cars with 4 seats, even vestigal ones
The DB9 isn't a natural "rival" to a 911. They are very different cars in terms of purpose.
V8V and 911 are much better aligned.
I hear Sportspack DB9s are much better in the "go" department than standard. But have tried neither - I'm allergic to cars with 4 seats, even vestigal ones
Edited by Murph7355 on Saturday 4th August 10:49
Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm finding this very helpful. I 'm going to try both the V8 and the DB9(again). Wish I'd found this site before. Would have saved a lot of deliberation. I thought I'd hear lots of negatives regarding reliability but that doesn't seem to e the case.
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