Db11 daily driver advice sought

[Darkeeboy]

Looking to get a ‘17 v12 or ‘19 v8 DB11. So far I’ve looked at the last 200 pages of this forum and the thing that worries me about the v12 is the leaky bonnet vents. Seems even after a recall this is still an issue. The car will live outside and be used all year round. Is this a real concern or am I only seeing the very minor bad experiences being posted?
Secondly I really like the dual coloured interior but have concerns with colour transfer of jeans onto the cream. I had an X5 with guardx protection but the dye still transferred and wasn’t covered under their warranty terms. Is this an issue for the Aston leather too? Maybe the compromise is full black seats…
Your thoughts and experiences are very much appreciated

[68Jaybee]

Denim can stain cream leather, only a physical cover is a guaranteed protector. I understand that things like stainguard etc don’t protect from dyes from clothes - I have heard sad stories from those who thought otherwise.

If my guests insist on wearing denim in my truffle cream leather interior, they are sat on my kids’ old Spider-Man blanket.

[Westlondondriver]

When I specced my DB11 I did black seats but two tone door cards and dash which black on top to avoid windscreen reflections. It worked well and put some cream into the car to lighten the overall effect

I kept mine outside for 4 years with no water issues. I think the issues were with the AMG V8 rather than the V12 engine.

[mac_doctor]

I only have Jaguar experience, not Aston, but I would rather have an ivory interior (with or without denim stains) than a black interior.

... I do buy pre-washed Levis, though.

[Octavarium]

I’ve previously owned a DB11 V12 and am now running a DB11 V12 AMR, and have experienced no water ingress issues. I’ve only read of one or two problems where the two central vents have led to water issues with plugs or coils. I would suggest that if the car you are looking at has a full clean service history in that regard, then I guess any water ingress complications would have likely happened by now.

All my cars have had black seats, so can’t offer any firsthand experience with regards to denim contamination I’m afraid.

DB11s whether in V8 or V12 version are fantastic machines. Try them both if you can.

[Darkeeboy]

Thanks all, it’s good to get some of your experiences. I agree cream with the hint of blue for me is better than all black but I have seen cars with cream around the outside and a pure black seat… Maybe that’s the safest option for me. As for the V12 and the water ingress, the car I’m looking at is nearly 10 years old so as you say probably would’ve shown signs of regular water ingress by now. Road trip plan on Friday for a few test drives.

[bents99]

There are oem plastic parts you can install under the bonnet vents that limit and redirect any water that comes in. I have an extra set for the v12 if you end up needing some but I think they are easy to find on eBay.

I daily my v12 db11 and it s wonderful. Brakes take some getting used to in stop and go but I m hoping a pad change fixes that. Otherwise it s a wonderful car for a bargain price at current values.

[Darkeeboy]

Thanks, will look for those parts. Testing two v12 tomorrow.. can’t wait!

[Emilio Largo]

Look out for the well known cracks in the rear quarter trim. Without Extended Warranty (if covered at all) these trim pieces would be pricey to replace. The problem was allegedly solved but unsure from which MY onwards. And if left outside, I would be worried about that water ingress topic, too (but no personal experience at all).

[Darkeeboy]

Thanks. Need to have a keen eye looking all round the car. Great day today, the V12 really is a smooth engine…

[M1AGM]

I have been dailying a v12 amr for a few years now, up to 43k miles so far and generally its a great car to have as a daily. On long motorway commutes at legal speeds i am seeing nearly 30mpg and I think if I drive like Miss Daisy it would be well into the 30s, which is remarkable for a 5.2 V12 motor with no hybrid stuff going on, just bank shutdown tech doing its thing. And it really does the 2+2 despite what the naysayers say, perhaps not a basketball team but certainly smaller people in the back is no issue for shortish journeys, not touring.

Build quality has been very good so far, few if any rattles. The tech is old merc tech and fairly bullet proof, you can add carplay as an aftermarket addon. Theres not much else on the tech.

Not had any issues with water ingress affecting the plugs and coils. There was a recall early on in production to fit the plastic deflectors under the openings which mainly resolved the issue. Just dont fire the hose/jetwash into the vents when washing it as thats asking for trouble.

Weak point is the exhaust back box flaps sticking causing limp mode. This is a £3k replacement job by AM for the whole unit and a long backorder, or you could use an after market exhaust mech to fit stainless steel replacement flaps which solves the problem without the huge expense.

I am really enjoying mine and every time I think of changing to the next shiny toy I keep coming back to ‘why?’. Great all rounder, and best of luck with your ownership if you decide to take the plunge.

[Darkeeboy]

Thanks for the feedback… it’s all really helpful for my decision. About to make an offer so let’s see if I’m lucky today!