DB9 Gearboxes

[Ash333]

Why do there seem to be so few DB9's for sale with 3 pedals?
Is the Auto that good?
Is the manual that bad?

A proper drivers car needs a clutch and a gearstick IMO...

[iluvmercs]

I would assume it's the nature of the marketing. DB9 is more of a GT car than its Lamborghini or Ferrari rivals.

My Dad's '05 Volante has the Auto transmission and it's a wonderful slush 'box. It's a quick, smooth shfit - not as quick as the most recent DBS gearbox, but not lurchy in the slightest.
I've never driven a manual DB9, but if the shift of a V12V is anything to go by, Aston really can make both decent manuals and autos.

On a DB9, I'd personally stick with auto. If it's popular, it's what the majority of people want meaning resale would be easier.

Darren

[tonyhall38]

unless you have driven a manuel DB9 i would keep comments to yourself as you know nothing of what you talk about....mine is a manuel and in my opinion makes the car a proper car , the auto /paddle box is a fantastic piece of kit , but the gear stick and clutch brings the car alive.!!...you are driving the car rather than the car driving you.....if you really want a smooth gt get a jag....or as your title suggests...get a merc..

[iluvmercs]

tonyhall38 said:

unless you have driven a manuel DB9 i would keep comments to yourself as you know nothing of what you talk about....mine is a manuel and in my opinion makes the car a proper car , the auto /paddle box is a fantastic piece of kit , but the gear stick and clutch brings the car alive.!!...you are driving the car rather than the car driving you.....if you really want a smooth gt get a jag....or as your title suggests...get a merc..

Steady on there! No need for such aggression

Did I say that DB9 manuals were bad?
I've driven my Dad's auto DB9 many times, plus a few occasions driving manual Astons, so I certainly do have some degree of knowledge as to what I'm talking about. If you please re-read what I have said, you will see that I have not said a DB9 manual is bad. Far from it, as I complimented Aston's manual gearboxes.

Merely pointing out most people have opted for autos, so may be better for a resale (as the OP already knows manuals are rarer).

If you are referring purely to my first line, I'm pointing out that a DB9 is considered to be more of a (read "better") GT car the likes of it's Ferrari or Lamborghini competitors.

By all means, share your opinions, as this was the reason for the OPs thread. But there's simply no need to display such a negative attitude. Christmas cheer and all that....

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Sunday 26th December 22:04

[V8LM]

tonyhall38 said:

unless you have driven a manuel DB9 i would keep comments to yourself as you know nothing of what you talk about....mine is a manuel

"Si, si. I know nothing."

[tonyhall38]

iluvmercs said:

tonyhall38 said:

unless you have driven a manuel DB9 i would keep comments to yourself as you know nothing of what you talk about....mine is a manuel and in my opinion makes the car a proper car , the auto /paddle box is a fantastic piece of kit , but the gear stick and clutch brings the car alive.!!...you are driving the car rather than the car driving you.....if you really want a smooth gt get a jag....or as your title suggests...get a merc..

Steady on there! No need for such aggression

Did I say that DB9 manuals were bad?
I've driven my Dad's auto DB9 many times, plus a few occasions driving manual Astons, so I certainly do have some degree of knowledge as to what I'm talking about. If you please re-read what I have said, you will see that I have not said a DB9 manual is bad. Far from it, as I complimented Aston's manual gearboxes.

Merely pointing out most people have opted for autos, so may be better for a resale (as the OP already knows manuals are rarer).

If you are referring purely to my first line, I'm pointing out that a DB9 is considered to be more of a (read "better") GT car the likes of it's Ferrari or Lamborghini competitors.

By all means, share your opinions, as this was the reason for the OPs thread. But there's simply no need to display such a negative attitude. Christmas cheer and all that....

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Sunday 26th December 22:04

After re reading your post , i apologise for my out burst , it was un called for and over the top....

[hartley]

I have a manual 2006 DB9 Volante. I spent ages trying to find a manual. The auto is good but to my mind the ride in the 2006 car is so hard ( coupe or Volante )this is not a good GT but works better as a 'gentleman's hot rod '- doesn't go around corners but the experience is great and the manual gear box which is fairly
slick when warmed up to my mind adds to the involvement and the feel you are handling a 6 litre brute with too much power through the back wheels - still love it.

[iluvmercs]

tonyhall38 said:

After re reading your post , i apologise for my out burst , it was un called for and over the top....

Apology accepted my good man

Now back to the topic.....

Darren

[Zod]

Both boxes are very good. I didnt' really enjoy the auto DB9 I drove first becasue with the non-sports pack suspension, it was a bit too much of an easy GT. That's why I waited to fins a sports pack car with a manual box, which is fantastic.

I've driven the Rapide now and I enjoyed that, with the autobox, but it was the new adjustable suspension that made the difference over the earlier DB9 without sports pack. I don't think they offer the sports pack any more on new cars, because it isn't needed. You can get the tighter handling of the sports pack but also the comfort of the normal setting now with the adjustable dampers. The sports pack is a little uncompromising around town.

[Zod]

hartley said:

I have a manual 2006 DB9 Volante. I spent ages trying to find a manual. The auto is good but to my mind the ride in the 2006 car is so hard ( coupe or Volante )this is not a good GT but works better as a 'gentleman's hot rod '- doesn't go around corners but the experience is great and the manual gear box which is fairly
slick when warmed up to my mind adds to the involvement and the feel you are handling a 6 litre brute with too much power through the back wheels - still love it.

It does go round corners with the sports pack, but that was not available on the Volante.

[hartley]

Zod said:

hartley said:

I have a manual 2006 DB9 Volante. I spent ages trying to find a manual. The auto is good but to my mind the ride in the 2006 car is so hard ( coupe or Volante )this is not a good GT but works better as a 'gentleman's hot rod '- doesn't go around corners but the experience is great and the manual gear box which is fairly
slick when warmed up to my mind adds to the involvement and the feel you are handling a 6 litre brute with too much power through the back wheels - still love it.

It does go round corners with the sports pack, but that was not available on the Volante.

I agree the suspension on the earlier cars needs the sports pack - as you say sadly not available on the Volante although I can still think of better cars for going around corners. Later suspension seems to be the answer with a manual gearbox if you like workng a bit harder.