Could it now be time to buy my first Aston?

[gixxer1000]

Sorry if this thread makes some people groan (I'm sure it's been done to death), but I am considering a DB9 and have some numpty questions.

Around 17 months ago I bought a 54 plate 911 Turbo Cab (996) when I really wanted to buy a DB9. I went for the 911 at that time as I needed to do more miles than I usually do and required something bullet proof and 100% reliable (which the 911 has been).

The things that put me off buying a DB9 at that time were:

• Purchase cost - prices 18 months ago were a little more than I was prepared to allocate to a new car
• Cost of ownership - I had it in my head that a DB9 would cost much more than a 911 Turbo to run
• Reliability - I felt the 911 would be more reliable
• Surprises - I felt the 911 would come with no surprises at service time (I was looking to avoid the put the car in for a £1000 service and come away with a bill for £6000 type of thing)
• Service turnaround - I felt the 911 would be in and out quickly when it needed a service or repair and I had it in my head that I would be without the DB9 for longer periods whilst parts were sourced (for example).

Anyway, the 911 Turbo has been great but I am now in a position where I don't rely on it daily and will do much less miles than last year so I am now thinking of a DB9 again. Can anyone help me with the following:

• Other than put petrol / oil, and have it serviced, the 911 has not cost me a penny (ignoring deprecition for the moment). What should I expect with a DB9 (assuming I don't buy a pup)? How much do you DB9 owners expect to shell out a year on service and repairs?

• What's coming down the line at Aston to replace the DB9? I seriously considered a DB7 Vantage when the DB9 first came out, but I just couldn't get over the fact that to me the car looked very dated. I wouldn't want to buy a DB9 only to find the DB?? comes out soon and I feel the same way.

• In the last 12 months how many days have you been without your DB9 due to waiting to get it back from service or repair?

• Do you get "good and bad cars"? I had 10 years of TVR ownership and know only too well that hand built cars are variable and you definitely do get bad ones (TVRs at least).

• What should I expect in depreciation on a DB9 costing say £80-85k now if held for 2 years and with 5k miles per year driven (I know this is very subjective, but I am interested in opinions).

Many thanks,
Gixxer

[clorenzen]

Hi Gixxer:

I have had my DB9 for three years from new in Apr. 2005. I use it as a daily driver in and out of London. I also drive a 997tt cab.

The DB9 has been faultless. Has not spent any time away from home other than on a bonnet respray due to faulty paint under warranty. I have done 15.000 miles. Annual service is around 1200 pounds. I have had 2 new rear tyres at around 700 pounds at 10.000 miles. Twice rear brake pads at £ 300 pounds. Unless you live somewhere in the sticks the servicing is a 1 max 2 day job.
As it is going out of warranty soon, I took it to Works Service for a general overhaul where I went for a front spoiler respray and a wheel refurb, new rear brake pads and two front tyres. Bill was £ 3000.00. They fixed all the small rattles and a leaking coolant hose was discovered and exchaged under warranty. Incidentally it took 2 weeks to source the coolantpipe as they have changed the design on the newer models I was told. The car drives and feels like new and I am currently thinking of keeping it or exchanging it for a DBS where I am on the early waitinglist. Both servicing and running costs have been below expectations so I can wholly recommend the DB9 - it is a great car and an excellent "used" purchase if it has been well looked after. I would not be afraid of looking at cars with a bit more mileage than average as my experience is that the more you use it the better and more reliable it gets. Compared to a Porsche it is more delicate but I think that is part of the appeal.

Edited by clorenzen on Thursday 21st February 15:29

[gixxer1000]

Thanks clorenzen. Very useful input. I am inbetween jobs at the moment so the wife would go nuts if I turn up in a DB9 before securing my next job. When I do, I can see this happening. I have always wanted an Aston Martin and simply love the look of the DB9. I have never driven one though, so hopefully that will not disappoint.

Used prices are very reasonable with plenty of approved used stock sub £80k, and even some Aston Martin approved used cars sitting sub £70k.

Any other DB9 owners prepared to give their opinions would be most welcome. I have been spoilt in the Porsche forums of late as responses to posts come thick and very fast. It's positively pedestrian in here in comparison

Cheers ,
Gixxer

[LongLiveTazio]

Not an Aston owner, but when you have a go in one, wind the window down, eh? ;-)

And if you can get one with the full walnut including door caps and the big boy Linn hifi... mmm!

[davidproe]

Is this a recent mailing (i.e.) this year?

[DAVIDLONDON]

MY CAR IS A 2005 MODEL. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF MINOR GLITCHES BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE EARLIER DB9s HAD ELECTRICAL GREMLINS WHICH WERE SLOWLY FIXED VIA SOFTWARE UP-GRADES, EITHER AT THE TIME OF THE PROBLEM OR AT EACH SERVICE.E.G. ONE OF THE MORE COMMON WAS FOR THE BOOT TO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY THEREBY DRAINING THE BATTERY.
AS A RESULT OF THIS MY DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT I CONNECT THE TRICKLE CHARGER (WHICH CAME WITH THE CAR) IF I DID NOT USE THE CAR FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS, BUT I HAVE IN FACT LEFT IT FOR UP TO 8 WEEKS AND IT STARTED FINE.
I BUDGET £1,200 FOR A SERVICE AND NORMALLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE WINTER CHECK FROM THE DEALER WHICH MAY RESULT IN A MINIMAL OUTAY ON TOP-UP FLUIDS.
HAVE FUN, THEY ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY.

[968CSReading]

My business partner has just brought his second DB9 because the first one was so good. Used as a daily driver it has been 110% reliable.