Yay or nay !!!
Discussion
Ok. Aston virgin here. I have always wanted to own a DB9. I have seen one in the classifieds at £67,995 through Grange Motors. Sorry but dont know how to do a link with my Mac. Basically I am concerned I am doing the right thing. I had two Tuscans over a 5 year period and loved them. Due to needing a reliable car for commuting I gave TVR up for my present car, a BMW 335 MSport convert. A great car but no soul. I feel this maybe the last chance to live my Aston dream.
Am I being led by my heart rather than my head. What petrol consumption can I expect? Or if I am asking then maybe I shouldnt consider. Reliability? Can I expect general problems?
We are not rich so this is really a big deal to us, but other half says life is too short.
We would appreciate any owners comments either for or against.
Cheers
Di
Am I being led by my heart rather than my head. What petrol consumption can I expect? Or if I am asking then maybe I shouldnt consider. Reliability? Can I expect general problems?
We are not rich so this is really a big deal to us, but other half says life is too short.
We would appreciate any owners comments either for or against.
Cheers
Di
Your other half is right - life is too short!
Do some research on here into common faults, options etc so you're prepared. Then spend time searching out a good honest car with all the faults addressed and a nice chunk of extended warranty on it. Aston dealers IME are good at sorting problems (which is not to say they always fix them first time round, but thus far they have not b
hed and moaned and tried to squirm out of issues like the main dealers of other marques tend to).
No idea whether that particular car is any good, but I'd say go for it. One can be rich in many ways, and the experiences cars like this provide (if you're into them) is one.
btw, unless you need bucket seats for midgets, have a good hard look at the V8 too. Prettier (IMO), sounds great, drives very well. And cheaper (to buy and run).
Do some research on here into common faults, options etc so you're prepared. Then spend time searching out a good honest car with all the faults addressed and a nice chunk of extended warranty on it. Aston dealers IME are good at sorting problems (which is not to say they always fix them first time round, but thus far they have not b
hed and moaned and tried to squirm out of issues like the main dealers of other marques tend to).No idea whether that particular car is any good, but I'd say go for it. One can be rich in many ways, and the experiences cars like this provide (if you're into them) is one.
btw, unless you need bucket seats for midgets, have a good hard look at the V8 too. Prettier (IMO), sounds great, drives very well. And cheaper (to buy and run).
FloPlast said:
My old car! It drove Great and looks great in the flesh so to speak. never had any problems and in fact looks brand new as I had regular detailing done-The larini sport exhaust sounds amazing. If you require further information I would be happy to advise 
Whoops, massive foot in mouth moment there re colour. Humble apologies. I guess I was thinking more conservative like silver or black. If its any consolation my other half found your one and loved it. I will certainly contact before, if we decide to go ahead. Many thanks.Di
Hi Di,
Like you, I came from TVRs (in my case a Chim and then a Tuscan S) and briefly had a BMW (Z4 in my case) whilst considering other options (O/H didn't like the Tusc). If you've always wanted one, go for it. Nothing else will do. Very different driving and ownership experience to the TVR (although more similarities than you'd think). Good luck with the search!
Like you, I came from TVRs (in my case a Chim and then a Tuscan S) and briefly had a BMW (Z4 in my case) whilst considering other options (O/H didn't like the Tusc). If you've always wanted one, go for it. Nothing else will do. Very different driving and ownership experience to the TVR (although more similarities than you'd think). Good luck with the search!
Hi Di,
I too have come from a TVR background, (Chim and then Tamora).
As previousl mentioned, unless you need the rear seats for young kids, you're better off going for a V8 Vantage. There's lots to choose from and the running costs are cheaper that a DB9, (works out about the same as a S6 TVR).
I've had a couple of things done under warranty on mine,(oil seal and heated seat failure) but nothing major. Dealer backup has been excellent (JCT600 in Leeds and GC Motors in Harrogate).
Its a different animal to drive compared to a TVR though. Its 500kg more that a Tuscan, so even though its probably putting out slightly more that the TVR, its no match for straight line performance. That's not to say they don't handle, they do.
There are many similarities as well, low volume, british built, made out of fibreglass! (well parts of it are).
Just nip down to your local dealer and do the test drive thing. For you money you are talking about, you could probably get a V8 volante, if you want to keep the open top option. Drop me a mail if you want any more info.
Tonto.
I too have come from a TVR background, (Chim and then Tamora).
As previousl mentioned, unless you need the rear seats for young kids, you're better off going for a V8 Vantage. There's lots to choose from and the running costs are cheaper that a DB9, (works out about the same as a S6 TVR).
I've had a couple of things done under warranty on mine,(oil seal and heated seat failure) but nothing major. Dealer backup has been excellent (JCT600 in Leeds and GC Motors in Harrogate).
Its a different animal to drive compared to a TVR though. Its 500kg more that a Tuscan, so even though its probably putting out slightly more that the TVR, its no match for straight line performance. That's not to say they don't handle, they do.
There are many similarities as well, low volume, british built, made out of fibreglass! (well parts of it are).
Just nip down to your local dealer and do the test drive thing. For you money you are talking about, you could probably get a V8 volante, if you want to keep the open top option. Drop me a mail if you want any more info.
Tonto.
Tonto said:
Hi Di,
I too have come from a TVR background, (Chim and then Tamora).
As previousl mentioned, unless you need the rear seats for young kids, you're better off going for a V8 Vantage. There's lots to choose from and the running costs are cheaper that a DB9, (works out about the same as a S6 TVR).
I've had a couple of things done under warranty on mine,(oil seal and heated seat failure) but nothing major. Dealer backup has been excellent (JCT600 in Leeds and GC Motors in Harrogate).
Its a different animal to drive compared to a TVR though. Its 500kg more that a Tuscan, so even though its probably putting out slightly more that the TVR, its no match for straight line performance. That's not to say they don't handle, they do.
There are many similarities as well, low volume, british built, made out of fibreglass! (well parts of it are).
Just nip down to your local dealer and do the test drive thing. For you money you are talking about, you could probably get a V8 volante, if you want to keep the open top option. Drop me a mail if you want any more info.
Tonto.
Vantage starting to seem a more sensible option. I will try and drive both on Sat and post back here hopefully with a Cheshire cat grin.I too have come from a TVR background, (Chim and then Tamora).
As previousl mentioned, unless you need the rear seats for young kids, you're better off going for a V8 Vantage. There's lots to choose from and the running costs are cheaper that a DB9, (works out about the same as a S6 TVR).
I've had a couple of things done under warranty on mine,(oil seal and heated seat failure) but nothing major. Dealer backup has been excellent (JCT600 in Leeds and GC Motors in Harrogate).
Its a different animal to drive compared to a TVR though. Its 500kg more that a Tuscan, so even though its probably putting out slightly more that the TVR, its no match for straight line performance. That's not to say they don't handle, they do.
There are many similarities as well, low volume, british built, made out of fibreglass! (well parts of it are).
Just nip down to your local dealer and do the test drive thing. For you money you are talking about, you could probably get a V8 volante, if you want to keep the open top option. Drop me a mail if you want any more info.
Tonto.
Thanks to all again for advice and encouragement.
Di
Hi Di 
Are you still a SELNWK member? I am sure there is a member, Trevor I think, who has a V8V who would advise you...may be worth speaking to Nick
I know in the East Sussex region we have two members who have recently purchased a DB9 & V8V from Lancasters at Sevenoaks. If you do visit Lancasters speak to Dave Rutland, I used to work with him, & I am sure he will give you some good advice.
Bodders
Are you still a SELNWK member? I am sure there is a member, Trevor I think, who has a V8V who would advise you...may be worth speaking to Nick
I know in the East Sussex region we have two members who have recently purchased a DB9 & V8V from Lancasters at Sevenoaks. If you do visit Lancasters speak to Dave Rutland, I used to work with him, & I am sure he will give you some good advice.
Bodders
Bodmin said:
Hi Di
Are you still a SELNWK member? I am sure there is a member, Trevor I think, who has a V8V who would advise you...may be worth speaking to Nick
I know in the East Sussex region we have two members who have recently purchased a DB9 & V8V from Lancasters at Sevenoaks. If you do visit Lancasters speak to Dave Rutland, I used to work with him, & I am sure he will give you some good advice.
Bodders
Hiya Richard.Are you still a SELNWK member? I am sure there is a member, Trevor I think, who has a V8V who would advise you...may be worth speaking to Nick
I know in the East Sussex region we have two members who have recently purchased a DB9 & V8V from Lancasters at Sevenoaks. If you do visit Lancasters speak to Dave Rutland, I used to work with him, & I am sure he will give you some good advice.
Bodders
Yes still a member so will give ncs a call. Thanks re Sevenoaks tip as that is also on our visit list for Saturday. I will call and see if Dave is around.
Thanks again.
Di
As a bit of expectation management: don't worry if the V8V (4.3 or 4.7) feels slower than the 335i at first. Once the exhaust starts singing it's a completely different matter (unless fuse 22 is missing, in which case it feels more bark than bite until you get past 4000 revs).
For me the low down torque of the V8V is the weakest point of the whole car (especially the 4.3). Don't get me wrong - it's by no means slow, but low down performance is the strongest point of the twin turbocharged 335i engine. So unless you give it some beans I think you'll be disappointed with the comparison.
Having said that in almost every other respect (unless you like gadgets) the V8V wins hands down.
For me the low down torque of the V8V is the weakest point of the whole car (especially the 4.3). Don't get me wrong - it's by no means slow, but low down performance is the strongest point of the twin turbocharged 335i engine. So unless you give it some beans I think you'll be disappointed with the comparison.
Having said that in almost every other respect (unless you like gadgets) the V8V wins hands down.
lady topaz said:
Ok. Aston virgin here. I have always wanted to own a DB9. I have seen one in the classifieds at £67,995 through Grange Motors. Sorry but dont know how to do a link with my Mac. Basically I am concerned I am doing the right thing. I had two Tuscans over a 5 year period and loved them. Due to needing a reliable car for commuting I gave TVR up for my present car, a BMW 335 MSport convert. A great car but no soul. I feel this maybe the last chance to live my Aston dream.
Am I being led by my heart rather than my head. What petrol consumption can I expect? Or if I am asking then maybe I shouldnt consider. Reliability? Can I expect general problems?
We are not rich so this is really a big deal to us, but other half says life is too short.
We would appreciate any owners comments either for or against.
Cheers
Di
Are you being led by your heart rather than your head? YesAm I being led by my heart rather than my head. What petrol consumption can I expect? Or if I am asking then maybe I shouldnt consider. Reliability? Can I expect general problems?
We are not rich so this is really a big deal to us, but other half says life is too short.
We would appreciate any owners comments either for or against.
Cheers
Di
What petrol consumption can I expect?
Can I expect problems? You owned a TVR and you ask this?
This is a big deal to us. No doubt - it would be to me
Life is too short not to. At last you have got it
There are only three questions to be asked
Have I driven it?
Do I love it?
Can I pay for it?
If it's three Yes's, decision m,ade I would think.
lady topaz said:
Just an additional thought. My other half has a 2007 XK not the XKR but still a lovely car. Will I be comparing???
Potentially. Although as has been pointed out on other threads, it isn't a fair comparison.There are so many intangibles about driving an Aston that can't be quantified on an objective basis. I'm sure you were asked many times why a TVR and not, for example, a Porsche.
And if you've always wanted one, nothing else will do. If you can afford it, go for it otherwise you'll always regret not buying one!
timmybob said:
lady topaz said:
Just an additional thought. My other half has a 2007 XK not the XKR but still a lovely car. Will I be comparing???
Potentially. Although as has been pointed out on other threads, it isn't a fair comparison.There are so many intangibles about driving an Aston that can't be quantified on an objective basis. I'm sure you were asked many times why a TVR and not, for example, a Porsche.
And if you've always wanted one, nothing else will do. If you can afford it, go for it otherwise you'll always regret not buying one!
Cant wait for Saturday now.
Di
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