As the owner of a 2010 DB9 V12 Volante you are right to say they represent a great bargain to purchase and have a jekyll and hyde driving experience. Can easily cruise serenely to the South of France and with a switchable exhaust can mix it with most cars on back roads. One large caveat, service history is everything! In my 12 year 30,000+ mile ownership I've had new exhausts, coil packs (twice), broken camshaft, failed sunroof (twice), galvanised body panels resprayed due to corrosion despite being garaged in a bubble full time, plus annual services and tyres. Still it goes like a scolded cat when kicked and makes a stylish entrance to any event.
Bought mine in 2005 (coupé), still have it and drove more than 40k miles. Been everywhere with it: b roads, autoroutes, alpes etc…Never feeling out of place anywhere I go: from supermarkets to five star hotels. Nothing like it at current prices.
As an owner of a 2008 DB9 purchased in 2020 I concur with your thoughts on the DB9 and the value they currently represent. For any perspective buyer I would highly recommend "The Definitive Guide to new Gayden era Aston Martin" by Grant Neal. Its an expensive book as it went out of print years ago but it is the bible and well worth the investment. Also don't be afraid to work on these cars, they are just a car after all, and a basic service is just as straight forward.
Always great to hear from DB9 owners and hear their ownership experiences and I completely agree with getting 'hands on' with the maintenance of these. There's a wealth of knowledge out there and it's the ideal way to learn so much more and really get to know your car. I will try and get hold of copy of the book you recommended too.
Greetings from Germany, having had the opportunity last year to acquire a low KM and 1 owner Rapide from 2011 (built at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria), I must say that this VH platform with a Touchtronic 2 automatic by ZF is definitely better and more robust than the Sportshift automated manual in the Vantage. Furthermore, in automatic mode it rev-matches perfectly, to the point where I rarely use the paddle shifters. As you mentioned, these Ford derived V12 engines (DB9 & Rapide) are quite bulletproof, if you regularly check the oil level (cold & hot states) and also keep up on the health of spark plugs & coils at least once per year. This latter point is of great importance, as misfires can have a catastrophic effect on the engine. Due to the close proximity of the first catalytic converters to the inlet manifold, a repeated misfire can destroy the ceramic internals of said catalic converters. These bits of ceramic will then be ingested by the inlet manifolds, resulting in engine failure. Bamford Rose, which you mentioned, made some excellent videos about this, even offering a solution which hollows out / deletes these first catalytic converters, while modifying the other catalatic converters so as to pass emissions MOT test (or TÜV HU/AU for us in Germany). In any case, if you find a good 1 owner DB9 or Rapide (if you need more space as myself), it is a great investment. The purchase price is comparable to a mid-range Mercedes/Audi/BMW, but with a clear chance of retaining the purchase price, since DB9s & Rapides have already attained their lowest point of depreciation. Yes, the service costs can be on the higher side, depending on the specific maintenance requirement, yet preventitive maintenance is the key. Fuel bills will also be higher, yet I found that when driving constantly at 130 KM/H (ca. 83 MP/H) over long distances, the consumption is extremely low. That consumption is extremely high around town or when pushing it, well, that's a given. In conclusion: when comparing a DB9 / Rapide to mid-range cars as previously mentioned, these VH-Platform vehicles are more luxurious & better built, will not depreciate as much and most importantly will give you an unsurpassed driving pleasure. Thank you for the great videos you create for us! With kind regards, TH
Thanks Matt, good timing, I'm just weighing up my DB9 options. In Australia we don't have as many and we tend to be paying more, but hope a move from a 2005 V8 Monaro to the AM soon.
If there were more specialists buying one would makes much more sense. I recall a friend had a V8 Vantage and would always buy his own oil as he could get it for a third of the price the AM dealer charged.
Absolutely! There are a number of Aston Martin specialists across the UK but you still may need to travel some distance to get to them. If you are willing to source parts and carry out basic work yourself, it can really bring the running costs down. Alternatively, a good specialist such as Bamford Rose and others offer fixed price servicing costs, so at least you have a good understanding how much the work will cost before you visit.
Always loved the DB9 valante, guess it is ‘affordable’ - I have just been scared off buy Servicing and availability of specialist dealers compared to the other cars such as Porsches, which I own. Maybe one day I will take the brave pill 😀.
Completely understand your reluctance to take the jump, it's a big commitment. There's a number of specialists out there but you may have to travel a distance to get to one . Fixed price servicing is offered by many (including main dealers), so at the very least it should give some reassurance of what to expect with servicing and running costs etc.
Since this video was posted prices have collapsed even further in New Zealand. People just dont want them, the examples on Trade Me sit for months and eventually are withdrawn, even examples now going for silly cheap money and they still dont sell. I guess the the fuel economy and the cost to run, when compared to a modern car, no one is prepared to take the risk. In reality there are only a tiny number of enthusiasts and a very large number of classics across the all the car makers. So what I am saying when you buy one of these you are pretty much stuck with it.
Not sure what any of it has to do with getting rich quick, it's more about enjoying a great car whilst prices remain relatively low, and really ownership costs aren't all that bad for a DB9. In terms of 'getting rich' I would argue those who purchased a DB5 in 2005 for circa £80,000 (the going rate for a good one back then) now have a car valued at well in excess of £750,000 + have done pretty well from buying an Aston Martin.
Sometimes you have to adjust things slightly in order to get the camera shot. I wasn't uncomfortable or awkward at any point, but thank you for your concern.
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As the owner of a 2010 DB9 V12 Volante you are right to say they represent a great bargain to purchase and have a jekyll and hyde driving experience. Can easily cruise serenely to the South of France and with a switchable exhaust can mix it with most cars on back roads. One large caveat, service history is everything! In my 12 year 30,000+ mile ownership I've had new exhausts, coil packs (twice), broken camshaft, failed sunroof (twice), galvanised body panels resprayed due to corrosion despite being garaged in a bubble full time, plus annual services and tyres. Still it goes like a scolded cat when kicked and makes a stylish entrance to any event.
Sunroof on a valance?
How’s that possible
Bought mine in 2005 (coupé), still have it and drove more than 40k miles. Been everywhere with it: b roads, autoroutes, alpes etc…Never feeling out of place anywhere I go: from supermarkets to five star hotels. Nothing like it at current prices.
I'd love one, always remember it having it's own Fridge, for the Cool Wall, on Top Gear.
I'd definitely own for 6 - 18 months, then pass on though.
As an owner of a 2008 DB9 purchased in 2020 I concur with your thoughts on the DB9 and the value they currently represent. For any perspective buyer I would highly recommend "The Definitive Guide to new Gayden era Aston Martin" by Grant Neal. Its an expensive book as it went out of print years ago but it is the bible and well worth the investment. Also don't be afraid to work on these cars, they are just a car after all, and a basic service is just as straight forward.
Always great to hear from DB9 owners and hear their ownership experiences and I completely agree with getting 'hands on' with the maintenance of these. There's a wealth of knowledge out there and it's the ideal way to learn so much more and really get to know your car. I will try and get hold of copy of the book you recommended too.
Greetings from Germany,
having had the opportunity last year to acquire a low KM and 1 owner Rapide from 2011 (built at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria), I must say that this VH platform with a Touchtronic 2 automatic by ZF is definitely better and more robust than the Sportshift automated manual in the Vantage.
Furthermore, in automatic mode it rev-matches perfectly, to the point where I rarely use the paddle shifters.
As you mentioned, these Ford derived V12 engines (DB9 & Rapide) are quite bulletproof, if you regularly check the oil level (cold & hot states) and also keep up on the health of spark plugs & coils at least once per year.
This latter point is of great importance, as misfires can have a catastrophic effect on the engine.
Due to the close proximity of the first catalytic converters to the inlet manifold, a repeated misfire can destroy the ceramic internals of said catalic converters.
These bits of ceramic will then be ingested by the inlet manifolds, resulting in engine failure.
Bamford Rose, which you mentioned, made some excellent videos about this, even offering a solution which hollows out / deletes these first catalytic converters, while modifying the other catalatic converters so as to pass emissions MOT test (or TÜV HU/AU for us in Germany).
In any case, if you find a good 1 owner DB9 or Rapide (if you need more space as myself), it is a great investment.
The purchase price is comparable to a mid-range Mercedes/Audi/BMW, but with a clear chance of retaining the purchase price, since DB9s & Rapides have already attained their lowest point of depreciation.
Yes, the service costs can be on the higher side, depending on the specific maintenance requirement, yet preventitive maintenance is the key.
Fuel bills will also be higher, yet I found that when driving constantly at 130 KM/H (ca. 83 MP/H) over long distances, the consumption is extremely low.
That consumption is extremely high around town or when pushing it, well, that's a given.
In conclusion: when comparing a DB9 / Rapide to mid-range cars as previously mentioned, these VH-Platform vehicles are more luxurious & better built, will not depreciate as much and most importantly will give you an unsurpassed driving pleasure.
Thank you for the great videos you create for us!
With kind regards,
TH
Thank you for watching and sharing some really sensible advice to help anyone thinking of buying a DB9 or Rapide.
All the best, Matt.
Thanks Matt, good timing, I'm just weighing up my DB9 options. In Australia we don't have as many and we tend to be paying more, but hope a move from a 2005 V8 Monaro to the AM soon.
Good luck!
Thank you🙏It’s so nice V12 engine sound. I enjoy😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
These are very cool machines, fantastic sounds.
Couldn't agree more. There's something very special about them.
I bought a used Rapide S last year…Absolutely 0 regrets!
Good choice!
If there were more specialists buying one would makes much more sense.
I recall a friend had a V8 Vantage and would always buy his own oil as he could get it for a third of the price the AM dealer charged.
Absolutely! There are a number of Aston Martin specialists across the UK but you still may need to travel some distance to get to them. If you are willing to source parts and carry out basic work yourself, it can really bring the running costs down. Alternatively, a good specialist such as Bamford Rose and others offer fixed price servicing costs, so at least you have a good understanding how much the work will cost before you visit.
Always loved the DB9 valante, guess it is ‘affordable’ - I have just been scared off buy Servicing and availability of specialist dealers compared to the other cars such as Porsches, which I own. Maybe one day I will take the brave pill 😀.
My sentiments too, that's why I own a classic Bentley.
Completely understand your reluctance to take the jump, it's a big commitment. There's a number of specialists out there but you may have to travel a distance to get to one . Fixed price servicing is offered by many (including main dealers), so at the very least it should give some reassurance of what to expect with servicing and running costs etc.
Is this specific DB9 available to buy? I haven’t seen it listed anywhere and it’s close to the spec I’ve been seeking. Let me know.
Ssssshhh! A DB9 is an excellent investment right now and a total bargain.
I couldn't agree more! It's hard to think that the DB9 is over 20 years old now.
Hmmmm
Wouldn’t say it’s an investment
How is the front bumper when going over speed bumps and steep driveway entrances? Any trouble with the car being so low?
Not too bad actually! It's low but I didn't experience any issues with speed bumps etc.
@@fuelupclassic thank you and very helpful as I am soon to purchase a DB9.
@@notabovebutequal Good luck with your purchase, they are wonderful cars.
You have to be careful with that one not so much with the speed bumps but some petrol stations turn in slowly 👍🏽
Since this video was posted prices have collapsed even further in New Zealand. People just dont want them, the examples on Trade Me sit for months and eventually are withdrawn, even examples now going for silly cheap money and they still dont sell. I guess the the fuel economy and the cost to run, when compared to a modern car, no one is prepared to take the risk. In reality there are only a tiny number of enthusiasts and a very large number of classics across the all the car makers. So what I am saying when you buy one of these you are pretty much stuck with it.
Baie mooi baie mooi
👍
The DB9 coupe is far prettier though
I wouldn't kick either out of the garage ;)
Wanna get rich quick? Don't buy an Aston Martin
Not sure what any of it has to do with getting rich quick, it's more about enjoying a great car whilst prices remain relatively low, and really ownership costs aren't all that bad for a DB9.
In terms of 'getting rich' I would argue those who purchased a DB5 in 2005 for circa £80,000 (the going rate for a good one back then) now have a car valued at well in excess of £750,000 + have done pretty well from buying an Aston Martin.
The driver in the clips with the tweed sleves looks too far from the wheel and awkward!🤔🤔🤔
Sometimes you have to adjust things slightly in order to get the camera shot. I wasn't uncomfortable or awkward at any point, but thank you for your concern.