DB11 - some questions
Discussion
I’m going to be in the market for a DB11 later this year. I’ll be new to the marque, but I’ve always wanted one. Read loads of reviews, You Tube vids etc, but would like some genuine advice from Aston owners before I start the buying process.
First inevitable question: V12 or V8? I’m on my fourth supercharged V8 and fifth V8 in my old TVR, owned a lot of various 6’s but I’ve never owned a V12, so I’m thinking I should really scratch that itch. Tbh, I’m a GT man, through and through, so the opinions of journalists discussing the finer points of handling at the limit are the very least of my concerns. I want the car to be an event (obviously both would be), but also a fabulous GT for 4 annual drives from the South Coast to Cornwall, and a couple of blats to the Dordogne to see family. Standard fare for a DB of course. If I opted for a V8 would I always wonder?
Second question: my assumption and instinct is to only buy from a main dealer with an AM warranty; or are there great independents who I should also look at? I’ve been burned a few times over the years from independents and their so-called ‘after-sales’.
Third question: servicing, general running costs and depreciation. I’m expecting a jump up in annual costs, but with a proper warranty, I shouldn’t be too concerned or should I? Depreciation wise, I’d be looking at 2018/19 cars, they’ve obviously shed a considerable chunk of value already; what does the medium term outlook suggest for future values in say 2 years time?
Fourth (contentious) question: buy outright or finance? I will be able to buy outright, but considering depreciation, and a potential 2 year ownership before moving it on, what’s the consensus if any?
Final question: am I missing something? DBS? V12V?
Thank you in advance one and all.
First inevitable question: V12 or V8? I’m on my fourth supercharged V8 and fifth V8 in my old TVR, owned a lot of various 6’s but I’ve never owned a V12, so I’m thinking I should really scratch that itch. Tbh, I’m a GT man, through and through, so the opinions of journalists discussing the finer points of handling at the limit are the very least of my concerns. I want the car to be an event (obviously both would be), but also a fabulous GT for 4 annual drives from the South Coast to Cornwall, and a couple of blats to the Dordogne to see family. Standard fare for a DB of course. If I opted for a V8 would I always wonder?
Second question: my assumption and instinct is to only buy from a main dealer with an AM warranty; or are there great independents who I should also look at? I’ve been burned a few times over the years from independents and their so-called ‘after-sales’.
Third question: servicing, general running costs and depreciation. I’m expecting a jump up in annual costs, but with a proper warranty, I shouldn’t be too concerned or should I? Depreciation wise, I’d be looking at 2018/19 cars, they’ve obviously shed a considerable chunk of value already; what does the medium term outlook suggest for future values in say 2 years time?
Fourth (contentious) question: buy outright or finance? I will be able to buy outright, but considering depreciation, and a potential 2 year ownership before moving it on, what’s the consensus if any?
Final question: am I missing something? DBS? V12V?
Thank you in advance one and all.
Edited by Diderot on Monday 19th August 20:24
Welcome, lots of extremely valid questions!
For reference, I’m a long term Vantage V12S and classic Aston owner.
Some general observations:
Good friend had a launch DB11 V12, swapped it for a later V8, and rates it as as much better car.
The DB11 is a very big car. Excellent GT by all accounts.
The DB11 is not massively loved in Aston circles, maybe the looks, size, interior, Merc V8? Nothing really wrong with it of course.
Re depreciation, it will continue to head south, not sure at what rate, but probably faster than the earlier DBS/DB9 GT/Vanquish.
If you’ve not had a V12, you need one. But I would err towards the earlier non turbo N/A 6.0L in the Vantage/9/DBS/Vanquish.
Based on your comments, I would go main dealer with the approved warranty.
To conclude, I would recommend visiting a main dealer and test driving a DB11 V12/V8, DB9 GT and Vanquish/S back to back. Vantage V12/S too if you can.
I’m probably wrong, but I think you may well like the Vanq the most
For reference, I’m a long term Vantage V12S and classic Aston owner.
Some general observations:
Good friend had a launch DB11 V12, swapped it for a later V8, and rates it as as much better car.
The DB11 is a very big car. Excellent GT by all accounts.
The DB11 is not massively loved in Aston circles, maybe the looks, size, interior, Merc V8? Nothing really wrong with it of course.
Re depreciation, it will continue to head south, not sure at what rate, but probably faster than the earlier DBS/DB9 GT/Vanquish.
If you’ve not had a V12, you need one. But I would err towards the earlier non turbo N/A 6.0L in the Vantage/9/DBS/Vanquish.
Based on your comments, I would go main dealer with the approved warranty.
To conclude, I would recommend visiting a main dealer and test driving a DB11 V12/V8, DB9 GT and Vanquish/S back to back. Vantage V12/S too if you can.
I’m probably wrong, but I think you may well like the Vanq the most
Had my 2020 DB11 AMR V12 for12 months which I purchased from Chiltern Aston Martin with a12 month warranty. I paid cash as I didn’t want to pay interest. The car had two FOC services left of the original five. Inspite of their warranty, earlier this year I decided to purchase an AM Timeless Warranty (just in case). This proved worthwhile when last week I had some warranty work carried out that wasn’t covered by the one provided by Chiltern. Buying from a MD normally comes with a two year AM warranty. Like you I have never owned a V12 so that was a no brainer for me though others would say the V8 is more sporty than the V12? In AMR guise the car is perfect for me an upgrade can be had from a main dealer if your potential purchase isn’t an AMR. You may be able to get this done as part of the deal or pay for it (1K approx).
Highly recommend Chiltern Aston Martin who made my buying experience first class. They have also recently invested in the latest software so they can now support the newer cars.
Mine also has CarPlay installed which is another must for me.
Either way I’m sure you will absolutely adore your AM.
Good luck.
Highly recommend Chiltern Aston Martin who made my buying experience first class. They have also recently invested in the latest software so they can now support the newer cars.
Mine also has CarPlay installed which is another must for me.
Either way I’m sure you will absolutely adore your AM.
Good luck.
Edited by Budweiser on Monday 19th August 21:08
Hi - I've owned a DB11 V12 for over 5 years. Great car. Proper Aston V12. Merc V8 engined car seems to be depreciating faster of late (subjective, but I have been watching values for years).
Interior is high quality and lovely if specced right, it's just the central screen that is the let down. But you already know that.
All versions of the DB11 are solid and robust. The Aston engine has proven just as solid as the AMG (surprisingly).
Aston engine is smoother. It is not direct injection so is less economical but has less chance of needing intervention to clean valves. It's understressed.
Merc electrics make all versions of DB11 much more solid and robust and reliable than the VH cars. They are also much safer, more spacious and better equipped.
Ultimately both V8 and V12 (with AMR flash) are about as good as each other as cars. AMG engines car will always be more economical when driven gently.
V12 always smoother, to me suits the GT nature of the DB11 better. It's also an Aston engine, if that matters.
V8 car lighter in front so sharper turn in, lighter weight and better handling when you decide to push harder.
Horses for courses really. Surprise is the blown Aston V12 - it's British, both reliable and a monster motor (just a map to 725hp then 770hp in DBS SL, sadly can't be safely uprated in DB11 due to the weaker tx). The forged piston, forged conrod, forged crank over engineered beast of a V12 is an underrated peach and an absolute credit to chief engineer Brian Fitzsimmons. Max torque and no vibration from 1500rpm. Has to be driven to be understood.
Drive both and decide for yourself.
Interior is high quality and lovely if specced right, it's just the central screen that is the let down. But you already know that.
All versions of the DB11 are solid and robust. The Aston engine has proven just as solid as the AMG (surprisingly).
Aston engine is smoother. It is not direct injection so is less economical but has less chance of needing intervention to clean valves. It's understressed.
Merc electrics make all versions of DB11 much more solid and robust and reliable than the VH cars. They are also much safer, more spacious and better equipped.
Ultimately both V8 and V12 (with AMR flash) are about as good as each other as cars. AMG engines car will always be more economical when driven gently.
V12 always smoother, to me suits the GT nature of the DB11 better. It's also an Aston engine, if that matters.
V8 car lighter in front so sharper turn in, lighter weight and better handling when you decide to push harder.
Horses for courses really. Surprise is the blown Aston V12 - it's British, both reliable and a monster motor (just a map to 725hp then 770hp in DBS SL, sadly can't be safely uprated in DB11 due to the weaker tx). The forged piston, forged conrod, forged crank over engineered beast of a V12 is an underrated peach and an absolute credit to chief engineer Brian Fitzsimmons. Max torque and no vibration from 1500rpm. Has to be driven to be understood.
Drive both and decide for yourself.
Edited by Calinours on Monday 19th August 21:44
Edited by Calinours on Monday 19th August 21:46
I have a DB11 V12 for a little over a year now. Mine had to be a V12 because I love V12s. I also had a W12 in a Bentley CGT. For my car desires, these are just "musts". I also owned an AMG GTS with essentially the same V8 as the DB11 alternative. Nothing wrong with it at all. Great engine, well thought out, well designed. Still, I wouldn't have had it any other way in the DB11.
V12s are a quickly dying breed across the world, yet another reason why I had to have it. Not that V8s aren't also dying, but 12s a little more quickly for the few that are out there. BTW, my driving style (needs) are similar to yours. I like GT cars/GT driving. In fact, the last four cars I've owned I have no idea what the 0-60s are/were on any of them including this DB11.
V12s are a quickly dying breed across the world, yet another reason why I had to have it. Not that V8s aren't also dying, but 12s a little more quickly for the few that are out there. BTW, my driving style (needs) are similar to yours. I like GT cars/GT driving. In fact, the last four cars I've owned I have no idea what the 0-60s are/were on any of them including this DB11.
Have owned a launch edition since last November. Was never an Aston fan really but it just seemed like such good value that I had to try it. And I love it. I would go v12 all day simply for the coolness factor. I love seeing the little badge and if I’d have gone for the v8 I know I would have regretted it. That’s me though. I’m easily entertained.
In the US the AM dealer cars carry a hefty premium and the quality of the cars is no better. The warranty is nice if it comes with it but not much seems to go wrong on these cars. A one year warranty here is over $5k USD which isn’t worth it to me.
I wouldn’t finance at today’s rates if you can avoid it.
No idea on future values but I don’t see them going up. Maintenance seems reasonable if you are handy for the basics or have a good independent mechanic. A lot of the maintenance parts have identical twins under a different manufacturer name for a lot less coin.
In the US the AM dealer cars carry a hefty premium and the quality of the cars is no better. The warranty is nice if it comes with it but not much seems to go wrong on these cars. A one year warranty here is over $5k USD which isn’t worth it to me.
I wouldn’t finance at today’s rates if you can avoid it.
No idea on future values but I don’t see them going up. Maintenance seems reasonable if you are handy for the basics or have a good independent mechanic. A lot of the maintenance parts have identical twins under a different manufacturer name for a lot less coin.
Edited by bents99 on Tuesday 20th August 20:32
Diderot said:
Final question: am I missing something? DBS? V12V?
The V12V isn’t great as a GT but can be good fun nonetheless. Look at a Vanquish too. Can handle some proper distance and is a nicer place to be for longer trips. I’d choose (and indeed did choose, albeit an S) one over the DB11. Personal view, but there are some styling bits on the DB11 that i have never liked and the Vanquish just seem more special… and you then have a carbon fibre bodied V12 instead of “just” a V12.
Good stuff. If you are set on an Aston then we all hope you find what's best for you.
DB11 V12 vs Vanquish S has been played out on PH. Vanquish is no doubt more special and arguably better looking. It is also, however, older, slower and much lower tech.
That's the beauty of Astons though. I have a 45 yr old V8 with no electronics of any type and it is more preferred by myself and 99.999% of all folk I ever encounter on UK roads than absolutely anything modern, ie all sports and suoercars including anything made by Aston Martin themselves in 25 years....
DB11 V12 vs Vanquish S has been played out on PH. Vanquish is no doubt more special and arguably better looking. It is also, however, older, slower and much lower tech.
That's the beauty of Astons though. I have a 45 yr old V8 with no electronics of any type and it is more preferred by myself and 99.999% of all folk I ever encounter on UK roads than absolutely anything modern, ie all sports and suoercars including anything made by Aston Martin themselves in 25 years....
I’m a few months into V12 ownership (with the AMR upgrade) having come from an F-Pace SVR with the supercharged V8 that you’ll be familiar with. I went with the V12 for the same reasons you’re considering it!
In short, the Aston is more of an event but the Jag was way more fun. The good thing about that is I feel my licence is a little bit safer (touch wood!) as I don’t drive the Aston fast, it’s just a pleasure to drive steadily and enjoy either the very noisy V12 or the very noisy B&O stereo. That being said, when you do give it some beans it’s properly fast and pretty engaging - certainly engaging enough for most!
The Jag, on the other hand, was like an oversized hot hatch with the temperament of a TVR and just encouraged you to drive like a bit of a tit. It felt like the performance was more accessible and that it wanted you to use it. The Aston sort of knows there’s all that performance there but doesn’t encourage you to use it - I get the feeling the V8 DB11 might be a bit more like the Jag and might have been more ‘me’.
I do love it but I’m not sure I love it more than I loved the SVR. However, given that you’re after a proper GT, I think it’ll be spot on for your needs.
In short, the Aston is more of an event but the Jag was way more fun. The good thing about that is I feel my licence is a little bit safer (touch wood!) as I don’t drive the Aston fast, it’s just a pleasure to drive steadily and enjoy either the very noisy V12 or the very noisy B&O stereo. That being said, when you do give it some beans it’s properly fast and pretty engaging - certainly engaging enough for most!
The Jag, on the other hand, was like an oversized hot hatch with the temperament of a TVR and just encouraged you to drive like a bit of a tit. It felt like the performance was more accessible and that it wanted you to use it. The Aston sort of knows there’s all that performance there but doesn’t encourage you to use it - I get the feeling the V8 DB11 might be a bit more like the Jag and might have been more ‘me’.
I do love it but I’m not sure I love it more than I loved the SVR. However, given that you’re after a proper GT, I think it’ll be spot on for your needs.
Crumpet said:
I’m a few months into V12 ownership (with the AMR upgrade) having come from an F-Pace SVR with the supercharged V8 that you’ll be familiar with. I went with the V12 for the same reasons you’re considering it!
In short, the Aston is more of an event but the Jag was way more fun. The good thing about that is I feel my licence is a little bit safer (touch wood!) as I don’t drive the Aston fast, it’s just a pleasure to drive steadily and enjoy either the very noisy V12 or the very noisy B&O stereo. That being said, when you do give it some beans it’s properly fast and pretty engaging - certainly engaging enough for most!
The Jag, on the other hand, was like an oversized hot hatch with the temperament of a TVR and just encouraged you to drive like a bit of a tit. It felt like the performance was more accessible and that it wanted you to use it. The Aston sort of knows there’s all that performance there but doesn’t encourage you to use it - I get the feeling the V8 DB11 might be a bit more like the Jag and might have been more ‘me’.
I do love it but I’m not sure I love it more than I loved the SVR. However, given that you’re after a proper GT, I think it’ll be spot on for your needs.
Maybe you'd have been better off swapping the SVR for a Vantage (or maybe the DB11 V8).... it sounds like you prefer a sportier drive. While the DB11 V12 certainly has some bandwidth, esp with the AMR upgrade, it was really positioned with the V12 more as a bigger, heavier comfy silky smooth GT. The smaller, shorter wheelbase tools like the Jag, 911, Vantage etc better scratch the sporting itch. It's likely a reason why the DB11 V8 was so well received, the journos (who do tend to prefer a more sporting drive) saw it as the better compromise. In short, the Aston is more of an event but the Jag was way more fun. The good thing about that is I feel my licence is a little bit safer (touch wood!) as I don’t drive the Aston fast, it’s just a pleasure to drive steadily and enjoy either the very noisy V12 or the very noisy B&O stereo. That being said, when you do give it some beans it’s properly fast and pretty engaging - certainly engaging enough for most!
The Jag, on the other hand, was like an oversized hot hatch with the temperament of a TVR and just encouraged you to drive like a bit of a tit. It felt like the performance was more accessible and that it wanted you to use it. The Aston sort of knows there’s all that performance there but doesn’t encourage you to use it - I get the feeling the V8 DB11 might be a bit more like the Jag and might have been more ‘me’.
I do love it but I’m not sure I love it more than I loved the SVR. However, given that you’re after a proper GT, I think it’ll be spot on for your needs.
It's why decent test drives are so important, and the advice is always for an individual to drive as many as possible before deciding.
Maybe input from an owner of a DBS (2010) and a DB12 (2024) can help you a bit:
The N/A V12 in the DBS is really the best in sound, lineair performance, etc. Of cours e Vanquish from later years will do the same or even better.
Test drove the DB11, both with V8 and V12, but it never gave me the same feeling. Even the DBS SL did not really do it for me. Compared to my DBS, it was a no go in many aspects.
Then the DB12 came out.........only with a bi-turbo V8, but what a huge difference with the DB11/DBS SL! Not only the interior and the tech is very much upgraded (the tech having a lot of software glitches however, see other thread), but the driving is much more spectacular and the spread between GT mode and Sport+ is huge. This was the first Aston after my DBS, that convinced me to buy one. Next week the V12 version (Vanquish?) will be released, but at a price.
In your case I would certainly test drive a DBS or Vqs with the N/A V12, and after that the DB11 with V12, then the V8 and then the DB12, and you can make up your mind, but I think a used DBS or Vqs would be the best choice in that price range.
The N/A V12 in the DBS is really the best in sound, lineair performance, etc. Of cours e Vanquish from later years will do the same or even better.
Test drove the DB11, both with V8 and V12, but it never gave me the same feeling. Even the DBS SL did not really do it for me. Compared to my DBS, it was a no go in many aspects.
Then the DB12 came out.........only with a bi-turbo V8, but what a huge difference with the DB11/DBS SL! Not only the interior and the tech is very much upgraded (the tech having a lot of software glitches however, see other thread), but the driving is much more spectacular and the spread between GT mode and Sport+ is huge. This was the first Aston after my DBS, that convinced me to buy one. Next week the V12 version (Vanquish?) will be released, but at a price.
In your case I would certainly test drive a DBS or Vqs with the N/A V12, and after that the DB11 with V12, then the V8 and then the DB12, and you can make up your mind, but I think a used DBS or Vqs would be the best choice in that price range.
Calinours said:
Maybe you'd have been better off swapping the SVR for a Vantage (or maybe the DB11 V8).... it sounds like you prefer a sportier drive. While the DB11 V12 certainly has some bandwidth, esp with the AMR upgrade, it was really positioned with the V12 more as a bigger, heavier comfy silky smooth GT. The smaller, shorter wheelbase tools like the Jag, 911, Vantage etc better scratch the sporting itch. It's likely a reason why the DB11 V8 was so well received, the journos (who do tend to prefer a more sporting drive) saw it as the better compromise.
It's why decent test drives are so important, and the advice is always for an individual to drive as many as possible before deciding.
Yes and no. I have no regrets about the DB11 V12 at all and I do love it. I had no interest in the V8 and it wasn’t even up for consideration. It's why decent test drives are so important, and the advice is always for an individual to drive as many as possible before deciding.
I wanted to tick the V12 box, I need the four seats and I do like a GT - there are very few cars that meet those criteria.
Once the children no longer fit in the back seats and they no longer want to be seen with us then I’ll probably try a Vantage - either V12 or one of the newer V8s. For now I actually need to do some proper long trips in it to see what it can really do.
AWV12 said:
Maybe input from an owner of a DBS (2010) and a DB12 (2024) can help you a bit:
The N/A V12 in the DBS is really the best in sound, lineair performance, etc. Of cours e Vanquish from later years will do the same or even better.
Test drove the DB11, both with V8 and V12, but it never gave me the same feeling. Even the DBS SL did not really do it for me. Compared to my DBS, it was a no go in many aspects.
Then the DB12 came out.........only with a bi-turbo V8, but what a huge difference with the DB11/DBS SL! Not only the interior and the tech is very much upgraded (the tech having a lot of software glitches however, see other thread), but the driving is much more spectacular and the spread between GT mode and Sport+ is huge. This was the first Aston after my DBS, that convinced me to buy one. Next week the V12 version (Vanquish?) will be released, but at a price.
In your case I would certainly test drive a DBS or Vqs with the N/A V12, and after that the DB11 with V12, then the V8 and then the DB12, and you can make up your mind, but I think a used DBS or Vqs would be the best choice in that price range.
Thanks chap. The N/A V12 in the DBS is really the best in sound, lineair performance, etc. Of cours e Vanquish from later years will do the same or even better.
Test drove the DB11, both with V8 and V12, but it never gave me the same feeling. Even the DBS SL did not really do it for me. Compared to my DBS, it was a no go in many aspects.
Then the DB12 came out.........only with a bi-turbo V8, but what a huge difference with the DB11/DBS SL! Not only the interior and the tech is very much upgraded (the tech having a lot of software glitches however, see other thread), but the driving is much more spectacular and the spread between GT mode and Sport+ is huge. This was the first Aston after my DBS, that convinced me to buy one. Next week the V12 version (Vanquish?) will be released, but at a price.
In your case I would certainly test drive a DBS or Vqs with the N/A V12, and after that the DB11 with V12, then the V8 and then the DB12, and you can make up your mind, but I think a used DBS or Vqs would be the best choice in that price range.
After Looney Tunes recommended the Vanquish, I’ve been thinking I really must sample the N/A V12 before any foray into the turbo (though will of course test drive the DB11). Would a DB9 GT be worth a go as well, maybe as a 6 month proposition to sample that engine (always lusted after the DB9), then jump to a Vanquish or late DB11 V12? The next few years for me are all about experiencing hero cars, so I want to enjoy the journey so to speak. Not necessarily about the destination - if I find something along the way that I just gel with, then it’s a keeper.
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