V8 to DB9 (manual?)

[SCO]

Hello,

I am thinking of moving from V8 Vantage to a DB9. I love the V8 but we've got a little one on the way so its going to become less practical. I know the space in the back of DB9 is very limited but looking at previous posts on here it seems that you can just about get away with it.

I haven't tested one yet but I'm thinking the DB9 will be much more of a GT experience.

I would be grateful for your thoughts on the following:

1. Anybody owned both cars and can comment on the differences in feel/drive based on long term experience?

2. I'm thinking my perfect DB9 spec would be a manual, sport pack car as it should be closer to the V8 - what's the view on manual DB9's? Is it really a car that suits paddles better? Does the sport pack make much of a difference? When it was released as an option I remember reading a few articles saying it was a nice improvement.

Finally if there is anyone thinking of moving the other way, I'd be open to a discussion about a swap (plus cash from me).

Thanks in advance for any input.

[tuscaneer]

i assume the swap for cash bit was a joke!!! precisely what i was thinking going up from v8v to sportpack manual db9.went from a db7 to a v8v because the 7 was a bit too gt.from what i have read and been told the stiffer suspension on the sportpack does bridge the gap.either this or wait for rapide prices to come down a bit??this is in my mind as i have a 3 year old.

[michael gould]

tuscaneer said:

i assume the swap for cash bit was a joke!!! precisely what i was thinking going up from v8v to sportpack manual db9.went from a db7 to a v8v because the 7 was a bit too gt.from what i have read and been told the stiffer suspension on the sportpack does bridge the gap.either this or wait for rapide prices to come down a bit??this is in my mind as i have a 3 year old.

Ive owned a DB7 and it is nothing like my present DB9.....have driven a V8V 4.3 and it is sharper and more chuckable than my 9 but not as quick........but i have to tell you the back of a DB9 is seriously crap and I wouldn't want to have to get a baby or small child in there.......

[tuscaneer]

michael gould said:

tuscaneer said:

i assume the swap for cash bit was a joke!!! precisely what i was thinking going up from v8v to sportpack manual db9.went from a db7 to a v8v because the 7 was a bit too gt.from what i have read and been told the stiffer suspension on the sportpack does bridge the gap.either this or wait for rapide prices to come down a bit??this is in my mind as i have a 3 year old.

Ive owned a DB7 and it is nothing like my present DB9.....have driven a V8V 4.3 and it is sharper and more chuckable than my 9 but not as quick........but i have to tell you the back of a DB9 is seriously crap and I wouldn't want to have to get a baby or small child in there.......

yeah,i was told by martin at stratstones that the 9 was so much further on than the 7 that this was the reason it wasn't called a db8.it was that much better.the seats in the back of my 7 were next to useless so i'm well versed in the compromises on offer in a 9!!.my logic was i can sort of squeeze the baby into the back of a 9 but in my car she'd be on the parcel shelf!stratstones have got a rapide in that they said i can go and have a test drive in but i can't warrant that sort of expense while keeping an x5 on the road as well.the thought had crossed my mind to get rid of both the v8 and the x5 to get into a rapide but i think i'd be more comfortable buying 12-18 months old rather than new again to avoid the steep part of the empty pockets curve.

[michael gould]

tuscaneer said:

michael gould said:

tuscaneer said:

i assume the swap for cash bit was a joke!!! precisely what i was thinking going up from v8v to sportpack manual db9.went from a db7 to a v8v because the 7 was a bit too gt.from what i have read and been told the stiffer suspension on the sportpack does bridge the gap.either this or wait for rapide prices to come down a bit??this is in my mind as i have a 3 year old.

Ive owned a DB7 and it is nothing like my present DB9.....have driven a V8V 4.3 and it is sharper and more chuckable than my 9 but not as quick........but i have to tell you the back of a DB9 is seriously crap and I wouldn't want to have to get a baby or small child in there.......

yeah,i was told by martin at stratstones that the 9 was so much further on than the 7 that this was the reason it wasn't called a db8.it was that much better.the seats in the back of my 7 were next to useless so i'm well versed in the compromises on offer in a 9!!.my logic was i can sort of squeeze the baby into the back of a 9 but in my car she'd be on the parcel shelf!stratstones have got a rapide in that they said i can go and have a test drive in but i can't warrant that sort of expense while keeping an x5 on the road as well.the thought had crossed my mind to get rid of both the v8 and the x5 to get into a rapide but i think i'd be more comfortable buying 12-18 months old rather than new again to avoid the steep part of the empty pockets curve.

I like having my two cars......today I came to work in the Aston but next Monday i will be back to the Honda.....I think you will miss the flexability of having two cars......besides do you really want your kids sticky fingers all over that fantastic leather....

[tuscaneer]

oh she is very well trained by the mrs(ocd cleaning)but you may be right.the wife might end up getting more time behind the wheel than me and we can't have that now can we?

[SCO]

Umm, wasn't joking about the cash. I was looking for an 07 DB9 (I think that's when sport pack was introduced) which will be worth more than my 06 V8 so I would expect to add cash to make up the difference - maybe that didn't come over clearly. Its a bit of a long shot though given that the spec I'm looking for is rare. But if you don't ask...

The rear seats in the DB9 are rubbish - but what's the alternative? I've had a 911 and although they are great to drive not special enough. The Granturismo is too soft by all accounts unless you go for the S, which is pricey. I would seriously consider a 612 scag but its still a lot of money for an older car.

We've got another car, but my thinking is that the V8 will become a solitary experience when the baby arrives. Although I do just like looking at it on the drive! At least something like the 9 gives us the option to go out as a family.

By the way - sorry for accidentally starting 2 posts on this subject!

Steve

[hartley]

I have a manual DB9 Volante ( no sports pack on Volante ). Really glad I got the manual- I tried the tt which works fine but it's like driving my Lexus - much more fun and control with the manual- unless you spend a lot of time in traffic.

[Zod]

I have a manual sports pack DB9 and boys aged four and sixteen months. The car is the right compromise in terms of spotters character and I can fit both in the back. The big problem is rear-facing seats for the under-ones. If you fit one, you can only take a midget in the passenger seat.