Discussion
Hi,
I'm new to this site and new to Aston Martin, like most men started with a dream which I am hopefully going to fullfill in the next few months which is buying a DB car, a DB9 in particular. I have my first test drive tomorrow morning in one and am like a kid waiting to see what Santa has bought me in the morning waiting for this.
Why I have set up this thread is to get some advice and hopefully some knowledge on a car that is a total dream for me to own. I hear so much negativity about reliability and such that I would like advice from guys and girls that own or have owned one. Also maybe gaining some pointers as to what to look for and the main issues I should be aware of. I am looking to buy a 2004 - 2007 car and any help or advice would be bery much aprreciated.
Thanks
Benjy
I'm new to this site and new to Aston Martin, like most men started with a dream which I am hopefully going to fullfill in the next few months which is buying a DB car, a DB9 in particular. I have my first test drive tomorrow morning in one and am like a kid waiting to see what Santa has bought me in the morning waiting for this.
Why I have set up this thread is to get some advice and hopefully some knowledge on a car that is a total dream for me to own. I hear so much negativity about reliability and such that I would like advice from guys and girls that own or have owned one. Also maybe gaining some pointers as to what to look for and the main issues I should be aware of. I am looking to buy a 2004 - 2007 car and any help or advice would be bery much aprreciated.
Thanks
Benjy
reliability issues are normally with cars that are never used.....drive it as much as you can....these cars need to be driven...the V12 engine is bullet proof if looked after and used....low mileage cars are normally the ones to give problems in the early months of ownership.....good luck with your impending purchase...
Thanks for coming back to me Tony, Ive got my test drive booked this morning at 10:30 and will be my first drive in an Aston. Excited is not the word. Its funny but I think you are answering one of my questions in that why are really low milege older cars going for lower purchase costs. What sort of milege car would you be looking for if you were in the market for one?
I agree with tonyhall38 about very low millage cars, also I would stay clear of the very early DB9. Go for a 2006 onwards (in saying that I have a 55 plate and its perfect). Stay clear of high multi ownership vehicles. If your buying from an Aston dealer then you should have few problems.....if buying privatly do your homework...ie speak to the main dealer who look after the car and ask abouts its history.
Good luck and dont be afraid to ask more questions
Good luck and dont be afraid to ask more questions
Thanks ever so much for the comments Michael, I'll let you know how I get on with the Test Drive today in which I am sure I will hear what I want to hear from the dealer so will post some more questions later. So a 2006 upwards, I am looking to spend upto £60k for the right car, do you think I could get a good 2006 model for that sort of money, or what would you advice?
Thanks again buddy I really appreciate this.
Thanks again buddy I really appreciate this.
I have just purchased a 3 year old (May 07) 20,000 mile DB9 and love it.
My advice :
Purchase from a main dealer – the machine will be prepped correctly and surprisingly not much dearer. (I was nicely surprised)
Don’t rush in to purchasing one. I waited a year until a car with exactly the specc/colour came along!
You will definitely get a 06 from a main dealer for £60K – I paid not much more for an 07 and got 12 months Aston warranty.
My advice :
Purchase from a main dealer – the machine will be prepped correctly and surprisingly not much dearer. (I was nicely surprised)
Don’t rush in to purchasing one. I waited a year until a car with exactly the specc/colour came along!
You will definitely get a 06 from a main dealer for £60K – I paid not much more for an 07 and got 12 months Aston warranty.
benjy0503 said:
Thanks for coming back to me Tony, Ive got my test drive booked this morning at 10:30 and will be my first drive in an Aston. Excited is not the word. Its funny but I think you are answering one of my questions in that why are really low milege older cars going for lower purchase costs. What sort of milege car would you be looking for if you were in the market for one?
if i were looking now.....would get car with 15/20 k on the clock....after that sort of mileage you can be sure most of the niggly problems would have been sorted out , also insist on 12 months full Aston warrenty , with a pre delivery service thrown in......i myself have a 55 plate and have covered 50k miles with no problems at all.....and have had 3 yrs of extremly happy motoring....i would post a pic , but i'll get told off..!!!!!look in Aston pictures thread....Haha Tony, go on post another just for fun, I love 'em , but post one we've not seen and from a quirky angle.
Ben I truly envy you today, I'd love to test drive one or even get out as a passenger in one but I'm waiting untill the money is in my mit, hopefully within the next few months or at latest early next year. I am in fact looking for one too and hope you don't mind if I jump in on this thread, however Mike as per usual with his direct honesty has flagged up a dillema for me as I'm not as flush so I'm looking at DB9s at 45-50k, and that means any from 03-05 mainly, now doubt is there, but why Mike what is the problem with these earlier ones. I also have another problem in that I'm 6'6" and having driven a DB7, felt it was a little cramped, driveable but not as comfy as my TVR Chimaera,and for the next few years a Rapide is well out of reach, so is the DB9 the same, not according to Clarkson in his reviews, and then there is the Vanquish, but you hear problems about them yet I love the agressive styling and stance. Also the V8 Vantage which I know I fit in quite well, not driven just sat in at Stratstones Wilmslow,but it only has 2 seats like my Chimaera and I have to kind of justify the Aston to the beloved one and need 4 seats really, even if they are mostly useless as I have 2 young boys to slide in the back, and I don't really want to get rid of the TVR as it's so much fun unless it has to go to make up the cost by part-ex/deposit.So having heard that earlier DB9s are unfavourable, what do I do, I've always wanted an Aston, neeeeed one, gotta have one, or should I go for a Bently GT.
Ben I hope your test drive went well and you have the permagrin,I'm looking forward to reading your findings, and finding a couple of answers to my own questions
Ben I truly envy you today, I'd love to test drive one or even get out as a passenger in one but I'm waiting untill the money is in my mit, hopefully within the next few months or at latest early next year. I am in fact looking for one too and hope you don't mind if I jump in on this thread, however Mike as per usual with his direct honesty has flagged up a dillema for me as I'm not as flush so I'm looking at DB9s at 45-50k, and that means any from 03-05 mainly, now doubt is there, but why Mike what is the problem with these earlier ones. I also have another problem in that I'm 6'6" and having driven a DB7, felt it was a little cramped, driveable but not as comfy as my TVR Chimaera,and for the next few years a Rapide is well out of reach, so is the DB9 the same, not according to Clarkson in his reviews, and then there is the Vanquish, but you hear problems about them yet I love the agressive styling and stance. Also the V8 Vantage which I know I fit in quite well, not driven just sat in at Stratstones Wilmslow,but it only has 2 seats like my Chimaera and I have to kind of justify the Aston to the beloved one and need 4 seats really, even if they are mostly useless as I have 2 young boys to slide in the back, and I don't really want to get rid of the TVR as it's so much fun unless it has to go to make up the cost by part-ex/deposit.So having heard that earlier DB9s are unfavourable, what do I do, I've always wanted an Aston, neeeeed one, gotta have one, or should I go for a Bently GT.
Ben I hope your test drive went well and you have the permagrin,I'm looking forward to reading your findings, and finding a couple of answers to my own questions
t1blk said:
Haha Tony, go on post another just for fun, I love 'em , but post one we've not seen and from a quirky angle.
Ben I truly envy you today, I'd love to test drive one or even get out as a passenger in one but I'm waiting untill the money is in my mit, hopefully within the next few months or at latest early next year. I am in fact looking for one too and hope you don't mind if I jump in on this thread, however Mike as per usual with his direct honesty has flagged up a dillema for me as I'm not as flush so I'm looking at DB9s at 45-50k, and that means any from 03-05 mainly, now doubt is there, but why Mike what is the problem with these earlier ones. I also have another problem in that I'm 6'6" and having driven a DB7, felt it was a little cramped, driveable but not as comfy as my TVR Chimaera,and for the next few years a Rapide is well out of reach, so is the DB9 the same, not according to Clarkson in his reviews, and then there is the Vanquish, but you hear problems about them yet I love the agressive styling and stance. Also the V8 Vantage which I know I fit in quite well, not driven just sat in at Stratstones Wilmslow,but it only has 2 seats like my Chimaera and I have to kind of justify the Aston to the beloved one and need 4 seats really, even if they are mostly useless as I have 2 young boys to slide in the back, and I don't really want to get rid of the TVR as it's so much fun unless it has to go to make up the cost by part-ex/deposit.So having heard that earlier DB9s are unfavourable, what do I do, I've always wanted an Aston, neeeeed one, gotta have one, or should I go for a Bently GT.
Ben I hope your test drive went well and you have the permagrin,I'm looking forward to reading your findings, and finding a couple of answers to my own questions
I think you will struggle at 6'6" in a DB9....its snug for me at 6'1" !!! there's more room in a V8V. As for the rear seats in a DB9 they are a joke and suitable only for midgets with no legs (no offence to any midgets on the forum )Ben I truly envy you today, I'd love to test drive one or even get out as a passenger in one but I'm waiting untill the money is in my mit, hopefully within the next few months or at latest early next year. I am in fact looking for one too and hope you don't mind if I jump in on this thread, however Mike as per usual with his direct honesty has flagged up a dillema for me as I'm not as flush so I'm looking at DB9s at 45-50k, and that means any from 03-05 mainly, now doubt is there, but why Mike what is the problem with these earlier ones. I also have another problem in that I'm 6'6" and having driven a DB7, felt it was a little cramped, driveable but not as comfy as my TVR Chimaera,and for the next few years a Rapide is well out of reach, so is the DB9 the same, not according to Clarkson in his reviews, and then there is the Vanquish, but you hear problems about them yet I love the agressive styling and stance. Also the V8 Vantage which I know I fit in quite well, not driven just sat in at Stratstones Wilmslow,but it only has 2 seats like my Chimaera and I have to kind of justify the Aston to the beloved one and need 4 seats really, even if they are mostly useless as I have 2 young boys to slide in the back, and I don't really want to get rid of the TVR as it's so much fun unless it has to go to make up the cost by part-ex/deposit.So having heard that earlier DB9s are unfavourable, what do I do, I've always wanted an Aston, neeeeed one, gotta have one, or should I go for a Bently GT.
Ben I hope your test drive went well and you have the permagrin,I'm looking forward to reading your findings, and finding a couple of answers to my own questions
There were some problem cars with the 1st year run of the DB9.best have a higher miles 05/55 plate which you should be able to buy for less than 50k. Buying Astons from people on this forum is a good idea as you can go back into their forum history and see what problems they've had !!
Bently GT's are VW Phaetons with an interesting body kit and are driven by footballers or drug dealers or a combination of the two but if you have to get a couple of boys in the back are not a bad option.
Hi Guys,
Thanks ever so much for all your comments which I really appreciate all your thoughts comments and advice. Really does help when it comes to seeing one in the flesh as to what to look for, talk about to the dealer and ask the relevant questions. Like you T1blk I have had several TVRs the last one being a Cerbera 4.5L which like the DB9 isn't really a car that you could take the whole family shopping in.
Now the important bit....I visited Grange in Brentwood and met the dealer by the name of Matt in there. Really nice and helpful guy and wasn't at all pushy or stuck up about me sitting, viewing and questioning him on any aspects of the DB9....I was honest with him in that I said I would wait until the right car came up and that I probably wouldn't be in the market until early next year to buy a car similar to you t1blk, which didn't phase him or make me feel that I had to buy there and then. I will say that if you do have a family and a couple of kiddies that compromises would need to be met in that the back seats are non existent and the boot space is tiny. I see my kids who are 10 & 12 every 2 weeks so as long as I could get one in the back and the front seat moved quite far forward then there isn't a problem. We wouldn't be able to go out all four of us including the wife comfortably. I fly RC helicopters and would not be able to get my kit and helis in the car either so again another compromise would need to be met as I want the DB9 to be my everyday car so maybe buying a cheap alternative car as well for driving to the station and transporting my big boys toys around may have to be my compromise. The reason I keep saying compromise is because when you see and sit in the DB9 you try to make all the excuses to get around wanting to have this car. My god they are stunningly beautiful.
Now the test drive, I jumped in the passenger seat to start with and looked at the inside and couldn't stop smiling, I think Matt the dealer could tell thats I absolutely loved it and when he pushed the start button and the sound of that V12 kicked into live, I thought I was going to wet my pants. Thats noise, that glourious noise.....And this was just tick over :-) When we pulled onto the M25 I was trying to hard to listen to Matt but my ears kept drumming to the sound of this car and then as we pulled of the slip road onto the motorway he opended her up....Now I love the sound of big engines but that sound took me back to being a kid again and the reasons why I love Aston Martin. The vale on the exhaust had opened and now I can hear the full power and symphony of that V12 engine. I should have worn a nappy. This was before I jumped in at a petrol station and took my first drive in one of the most beautiful machines I have ever driven.
On a seious note, the car drove superbly in that I realised straight away that this machine was like driving any other car at low speed, nice comfy very in touch with the steering (Big notice on that) and very civilised. Then you pull the left paddle back twice and whack now she is a monster and the whole car transforms. Im not joking in that its like driving two different cars, a nice little cruiser and then all of a sudden the beast uplifts when you put your foot down.
All I will say to you t1blk, is do yourself a favour and take a test drive as what it has done for me is given me even more the inthusiasm to save harder and makle sure I can get my car sooner rather than later. I was told that to look at late 2006 and early 2007 models up as most come with the sport pack and this just tightens everything up. I drovr a late 2007 with the sport pack and can honestly say that if thats how it drives then even if I have to wait a few months more like you say Mike and Tony then it is definately worth the wait.
Sorry if most of you have now fallen asleep with my babbling on, but it was my first experience and hopfully soon will be one I can have when ever I want.
Thanks again guys I will let you know how I get on with my searches and would love your feedbacks as and when I am looking at cars to buy.
Benjy
Thanks ever so much for all your comments which I really appreciate all your thoughts comments and advice. Really does help when it comes to seeing one in the flesh as to what to look for, talk about to the dealer and ask the relevant questions. Like you T1blk I have had several TVRs the last one being a Cerbera 4.5L which like the DB9 isn't really a car that you could take the whole family shopping in.
Now the important bit....I visited Grange in Brentwood and met the dealer by the name of Matt in there. Really nice and helpful guy and wasn't at all pushy or stuck up about me sitting, viewing and questioning him on any aspects of the DB9....I was honest with him in that I said I would wait until the right car came up and that I probably wouldn't be in the market until early next year to buy a car similar to you t1blk, which didn't phase him or make me feel that I had to buy there and then. I will say that if you do have a family and a couple of kiddies that compromises would need to be met in that the back seats are non existent and the boot space is tiny. I see my kids who are 10 & 12 every 2 weeks so as long as I could get one in the back and the front seat moved quite far forward then there isn't a problem. We wouldn't be able to go out all four of us including the wife comfortably. I fly RC helicopters and would not be able to get my kit and helis in the car either so again another compromise would need to be met as I want the DB9 to be my everyday car so maybe buying a cheap alternative car as well for driving to the station and transporting my big boys toys around may have to be my compromise. The reason I keep saying compromise is because when you see and sit in the DB9 you try to make all the excuses to get around wanting to have this car. My god they are stunningly beautiful.
Now the test drive, I jumped in the passenger seat to start with and looked at the inside and couldn't stop smiling, I think Matt the dealer could tell thats I absolutely loved it and when he pushed the start button and the sound of that V12 kicked into live, I thought I was going to wet my pants. Thats noise, that glourious noise.....And this was just tick over :-) When we pulled onto the M25 I was trying to hard to listen to Matt but my ears kept drumming to the sound of this car and then as we pulled of the slip road onto the motorway he opended her up....Now I love the sound of big engines but that sound took me back to being a kid again and the reasons why I love Aston Martin. The vale on the exhaust had opened and now I can hear the full power and symphony of that V12 engine. I should have worn a nappy. This was before I jumped in at a petrol station and took my first drive in one of the most beautiful machines I have ever driven.
On a seious note, the car drove superbly in that I realised straight away that this machine was like driving any other car at low speed, nice comfy very in touch with the steering (Big notice on that) and very civilised. Then you pull the left paddle back twice and whack now she is a monster and the whole car transforms. Im not joking in that its like driving two different cars, a nice little cruiser and then all of a sudden the beast uplifts when you put your foot down.
All I will say to you t1blk, is do yourself a favour and take a test drive as what it has done for me is given me even more the inthusiasm to save harder and makle sure I can get my car sooner rather than later. I was told that to look at late 2006 and early 2007 models up as most come with the sport pack and this just tightens everything up. I drovr a late 2007 with the sport pack and can honestly say that if thats how it drives then even if I have to wait a few months more like you say Mike and Tony then it is definately worth the wait.
Sorry if most of you have now fallen asleep with my babbling on, but it was my first experience and hopfully soon will be one I can have when ever I want.
Thanks again guys I will let you know how I get on with my searches and would love your feedbacks as and when I am looking at cars to buy.
Benjy
Benjy, that is just what I wanted to hear,it had me giggling like a kid just reading it , I think the missus is is on to me and ready to have me commited. I'm so glad you're pleased and impressed . I am now going to book myself in at Stratstones to get myself out in one as soon as the wife n kids head out on hols, just so I can take my time and enjoy, maybe even get out in a V8 Vantage for comparison and sheer childish enjoyment. I've recently had a little good news so hopefully will have the right one soon. I just missed out on a peach at Wilmslow a few weeks ago, DB9 Black met , cream int' 5 spoke wheels red calipers, 2005,....gutted but I'm sure another will be around soon.
Good luck in your search mate.And Mike , thanks for your comments and advice.
Good luck in your search mate.And Mike , thanks for your comments and advice.
Edited by t1blk on Thursday 8th July 14:25
Ha ha ha ha....Im glad that my findings have given you that little bit of extra push to go and have a go in one. I must admit after a couple of days of looking at the compromises that I would need to make it is going to have to be a serious commitment to buying one as there is no boot space and you wont get anyone in the back of one. My mates have been trying to put me off since I told them this and they are dead right in that it isn't the most practicle car in the world but I need to get this out of my system otherwise I am going to be always asking myself "if only". So I think I am going to have to buy another car, this one being a sensible station car when I come to buy as the DB9 will not be going to the station and I will need to be able to take the family out in comfort as well on days out. So a Mondeo estate maybe on the cards as well.... LOL. My head is saying "What a stupid car to get as to the impracticalities" and my heart is saying, "Sod it, go for it you know you wont be dissapointed"....But as I said like you, I cant buy until next year so like you I keep looking and am seeing some beautiful cars for sale but the good news is that with the new facelifts on the DB9 this year and the new model coming out this should drop the price on a 2007 model which is what I am after next year and should be within my budget then as well.
Yes thats the one I test drove and absolutley love it. I dont think I'd ever gop back to manual now that I have owned a few auto cars now. Something else I have just realised is that the car wouldn't fit in my garage so will have to sit on the drive which I am a little nervous about. Would you recommend a cover for the car if she is going to be sitting outside all the time?
benjy0503 said:
Yes thats the one I test drove and absolutley love it. I dont think I'd ever gop back to manual now that I have owned a few auto cars now. Something else I have just realised is that the car wouldn't fit in my garage so will have to sit on the drive which I am a little nervous about. Would you recommend a cover for the car if she is going to be sitting outside all the time?
Looks like you have a severe case of Astonitis! There is no known cure, but symptoms are relieved by buying and driving an Aston on a regular basis.If you think the DB9 is so compromised on interior space, try a Vantage. Yes I know it doesn't have even token rear seats, but has a bigger boot. Also, is smaller externally so might fit in the garage - I know a DB9 would not fit in my garage - the Vantage does(bit of a squeeze).
Would never leave my baby in a station car park!
Great write up by the way - brought back memories of my test drive.
Thanks Neil, yes I must admit I do love the V8V but just isnt practicle enough as I would still need to pick my kids up at weekends which getting the 3 of us in a DB9 isn't so much of a problem its just when we want to go out as a 4 some.
Ha ha ha....yeah I think I threw my heart a bit onto my review on the test drive and did go on a bit. I think I can suffer the car on the drive as long as shes covered up until I use her so the garage thing is a nice to have but isn't going to stop me from owning one. I bought my house not thinking about the garage and only realised that most cars wouldn't fit after I had moved in...So now a workshop for my RC Helis. The missus thought she had a result with me wanting to get a DB9 as that would have meant that I gave up on my heli addicition and would get rid of them all for the car....So Mondeo to go with the helis seems a good compromise. LOL
Ha ha ha....yeah I think I threw my heart a bit onto my review on the test drive and did go on a bit. I think I can suffer the car on the drive as long as shes covered up until I use her so the garage thing is a nice to have but isn't going to stop me from owning one. I bought my house not thinking about the garage and only realised that most cars wouldn't fit after I had moved in...So now a workshop for my RC Helis. The missus thought she had a result with me wanting to get a DB9 as that would have meant that I gave up on my heli addicition and would get rid of them all for the car....So Mondeo to go with the helis seems a good compromise. LOL
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