What's Ailing Modern Aston Martins And Could This DB9 Replace My Entire Fleet?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2023
- The Aston Martin DB9 was always beautiful but it failed to make Aston grow enough.. The company has always struggled. The more modern cars like the DB9 were a big step forward dynamically but in the process they also became less appealing than the older more flawed Astons of the 80s and 90s. Today I drive this DB9, try and see if as one car it could replace my classic Ferrari for looks and sense of occasion, my Lotus Elise for fun and handling...
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![2007 Aston Martin DB9 V12 Review and Deep-Dive Into Aston History [Alanis King]](/img/n.gif)
I suspect that the DB9 is going to be a coveted classic in the electric future. A car that we all will regret not buying when they were relatively affordable.
We all?! Lol
there will be no "electric future", not with lithium stuff of yours )
We love Aston’s but the market doesnt
@@user-kl2yh7id2tif you are looking for an Aston to keep long term then 100% great value for money
It could never really replace your 3 cars, because you'd miss the fact that they all have very distinct, and very different characters. You'd miss that variation!
It's like a muslim men who got the option of 4 wives and yet majority of them just happy with 1🤭
But Jack is a man , who enjoys experiencing the variety , which is 'the spice of life' . He enjoys and loves each car , but moves on , to find new loves . Otherwise pound for pound ,the car to keep that does all ,, he still have the 964 💙
One car makes a less interesting TH-cam channel, especially if that car lacks the inherent electrical issues of a 70's Lucas fitted item.
The only common parts between the V12 and Mondeo V6 are the pistons, valve springs, tappets and valves themselves. Nothing else is shared.
I think this rumour needs to stop persisting.
I think the story is fair enough (sort of). Aside from the components you mention, just about everything (block, heads, camshafts, sump, cooling system, cam covers, crankshaft, etc) obviously have to be doubled up lengthwise to make it a V12, therefore making them different components to those fitted to the V6, although the basic design philosophy is much the same.
@@rogerking7258 Yes - in the same way that the X Type IS a Mondeo underneath no matter what the Jag bufties say. Sure, bits are very slightly different but they are simply modified Mondeo bits. The X Type is a Ford, and this V12 is a Ford derived design.
Wat?? Ber lah. Blahblahblahhh
The key with the DB9 is it was the first car produced at Gaydon not Newport Pagnell and were made on a more automated production line rather than hand assembled like the virage etc so they are inherently less special due to that. They were also made in greater numbers so are more common and engineered to be used more as Jack mentioned
Still awesome cars though
Quite right, the VH platform shared with the Vantage, DBS, DB9 & Vanquish
That 80s V8 Vantage was to me the last Aston .
Brittish engine , body , looks .
It looked like a Bulldog reddy to smash trough a wall , and that insanely gorgious dashboard !
It just oozes HANDBUILT .
I think exactly the same
Doug de Muro know well why he once owned one. You are right!
@@playtimehulot7383 Wait, what? Doug owned the modern Vantage, (ca 2010) not the 80's Vantage that Chris was talking about.
Looked like an ugly version of a Ford Mustang
Bamford Engineering made a good video about the origins of the engine. Ford commissioned Porsche to design a high performance modular single cylinder design with which the Ford engineers could design engines.
They made three, maybe more highly regarded engines, the Jaguar V6 which is becoming beloved of modifiers such as the V6 MX5’s, the Aston V12 and the Ford V6.
To my mind it’s a special engine and while it’s related to the Ford V6 it’s definitely not two Mondeo engines stuck together. No modifier has managed that one.
I like the Bez/Gaydon era cars. I think they are very special especially the styling which is very very very hard to get right. I don’t much like the Palmer cars with all the Merc stuff. I like that after Victor Gauntlet sold Aston to Ford they went out of their way to design a fantastic engine. It could have ended up with a Land Rover V8. I think it’s quite fitting that it’s a Ford engine.
I’m with you on the earlier Astons. They are truly special and I may have watched your Virage film ten times.
Wow!! Ten times… thank you!! And for you comment here
you have created a wee niche area here with a really balanced well thought out videos. I miss seeing the hands on stuff but still really enjoyable and well informed
I had a DB9 on my shopping list but ended up with a Virage (2011). It is rarer and more special than the standard DB9 and has the styling of the later ones plus things like carbon ceramic brakes so is great at hustling through the twisty bits with no hint of brake fade.
I couldn’t agree more, I’d take any older Aston over today’s offering, not because they aren’t good, but they just aren’t special enough. That said, I’d almost say that applies to many of its competitors too.
Hi Jack enjoyed the video. I’ve done 85,000 m in my DB9 and if I’m honest I don’t recognise the car from your review. The engine is more torquey than revy, the steering especially compared to my 360 has a decent weight and loads up nicely with speed and the interior was flawed but special at launch, more bespoke than the Jaguar switches in the DB7. It’s a great GT in my view but not comparable to any of your three for being a GT. interesting perspective though.
Thanks
Good video Jack. I think the 'problem' with high end sports cars today is that they are not bought new by petrol heads. They are bought by rich people who want to show off their wealth. They are more concerned with whether they can get their golf clubs in the boot than steering feel. So that's what car manufacturers produce.
We can only blame ourselves for that; the ratio of BMW M2 Competitions or Jaguar F Type ( when it was available) with manual gearboxes rather than glorified automatics is quite shocking.
Spot on! The downside of the improved reliability and driving ease of modern cars means they're no longer too much effort for non-enthusiasts.
I guess Lotus and McLaren don't suffer from this with their feisty hydraulic power steering with a lot of feedback (noting the manual steering Exige is discontinued I believe), due to their more niche enthusiast focus?
People don't seem to complain that much about Ferrari or Alfa Romeo steering either, even though they say it's "typical Italian light".
I guess one person's "lively feedback" is another person's "annoying kickback and tramlining" (and warranty complaint?!) hence why cars like the BMW M5 seek to remove as much steering feedback as possible?
There is an article on Car and Driver magazine where they interviewed a BMW engineer who explained how the majority of North American BMW owners surveyed wanted less steering weight and less steering feedback in their "Ultimate Cruising Machines"(TM) so that's what they gave them! 🙂
Quote:
Kistler explained, "When we moved to EPS, we learned how to divide the good and bad messages for the customer."
Asked to cite an example of bad information, Kistler explained: “Lines in the road with an orientation parallel to the car’s path cause what we call ‘pull drift.’ The tires try to follow the lines instead of the direction selected by the driver through the steering wheel. While that’s difficult to address with hydraulic power steering, with EPS we can install what we call pull-drift compensation to help keep the car locked on a straight path instead of following longitudinal grooves."
www.caranddriver.com/news/a15346236/steer-me-feel-me-exploring-why-bmws-no-longer-excel-in-steering-feel/
I think they are catering to a lot "accidental BMW buyers" hence the brand's shift from sporty to luxury.
Its a vrand tlurer, not some spikey, nervous, and un- accomodating " Nurburgring" handler, totally alien to its purpose. If you want to cover continents safely and rapidly, in flawless comfort necessary for trunk route concentration, buy a DB 9. If you want a track day blaster, buy a Lotus - cramped for full sized humans, derided by those with a bank balance and exuding all the crass bumpiness of a tarted up go - kart.
Really entertaining video Jack! 😅 I agree the older Astons feel more special because they are more flawed and as such aren’t able to be used as dailys! I’d love a vanquish 1 but they aren’t as reliable or useable. As a fan of yours for years, it’s such fun watching you review my car 👏😅
Thank you Ben.. I think in the video I come across harsher on the DB9 than I meant.. I did enjoy it and especially for the money they have loads going for them. See you gain soon chap!!
Was wondering when this video would come out
@@Number27 I enjoyed it! Good to get a different take on it, many moan about the modern current gen cars and love these but it’s funny to see someone so into classics that these are seen as modern ones as well 😅
I watch car videos for light entertainment and to fall asleep - so a lot of historical facts tend to keep the brain awake but something like Mr. Clarkson's remark that the 540 hp version feels anemic compared to the 620 hp version gets me triggered as well...
None of that here fortunately but what I was wondering about, especially when someone has a reason to compare an Aston Martin and a compact Peugeot, is how come gas mileage or petrol consumption, whichever is the proper expression, is not mentioned?
@@florkgagga Going from 3 cars to one, even with the higher fuel consumption it would be cheaper to run the one car I’d say with all running costs considered 😎
Aston with kids' finger prints on the inside of the back windows! Absolutely love that 😊
I recently sold my V12 DB7 because my young kids had outgrown the baby seats and I simply wasn’t using it. Yet I loved it, and still think it’s unbelievably beautiful. Now that the cheapest 9s are on a par with the dearest 7s I think a 9 is a wise investment, but as I have a 1978 V8 and a DB2/4 I’m gonna settle for 2 Astons for a while. They are special though - I’m a way that 911s can never, ever be.
You've got fantastic taste in cars mate. Every petrol head should own an Aston Martin at some point. I got to drive a Vantage 4.7 Convertible many years ago and loved the sound. In a car show at Bath a nice chap was doing rides for charity...in a DBS Superleggera. The torque of that thing! The DB9 has always been a dream car for me. They respond well to the usual NA mods - ported Heads, manifolds and high flow cats, diff gears etc.
Interesting points here. I have a 2013 vanquish and love it. I have no idea how fast I am going (no bad thing) as the dials are tiny but as a whole the ergonomics are great. The v12 is amazing and it's great as a daily. Tried the new vantage last week and would buy it as a second aston. Can't say the new DBS does anything for me as its a tad too aggressive looking without the dynamics of a vantage.
To my mind, the fact that the DB9 is a GT car it doesn’t really compare to any of your cars.
The DB9.2 (2014 onwards) is SO much better compared to the 470bhp car you tested. More powerful, better handling & better looking IMHO
The other thing, in my experience is that you will always be let out of junctions in an Aston, not necessarily in a Ferrari or a Porsche!😊
You always get let out of junctions in a Maserati also :)
That exhaust note! Love it
Good vid... I run an early 6 speed 4.3 V8 Vantage that looks beautiful, with suspension/damping/20" wheels and PS4Ss it rides and handles superbly. I am delighted. It makes every journey special...
You've got me with the Peugeot example. Yet I own a Maserati 430, a Aston DB7 i6, a Alfa 75 V6 QV AND a Peugeot 106 Mk1 with the 1,5 TUD engine. That's my absolute favourite! YES:Peugeots from this era were soo great! Thank you deeply for your content and your incorruptibility and heartfelt honesty!
Enjoying these comparisons.
Good video Jack! I miss the Fleet update videos you used to do a lot of though, although I do find these sort interesting too.
I agree with you. I like cars that are built for a specific task, so I would rather have 3 lesser cars than one that does everything at once.
Absolutely. In reality, there’s no logic in buying and running a £40k Aston and then saying you can only afford one car? Additionally, the added depreciation and maintenance bills you’d cause by putting big miles on it (vs keeping it for weekend use) would cover the costs of running a sensible alternative as a daily.
Agree, I own 2 vastly different cars, a 2002 C240 Mercedes as a daily driver and a Porsche 986 Boxster for when I feel like going for a fun drive.
'Jack' of all trades, master of none does not a great car make.
@@stevecade857 I dunno, the whole hot hatch category is based on that (well they do shopping/practical + sporty, though not luxury -- well not luxury if that want to do sporty properly) and a lot of them are quite good. E.g., hopefully the Honda Civic Type R shopping car is good enough down your favourite mountain road that you don't feel like you "need" to have a Honda S2000, even if you want a Honda S2000.
(Indeed it's true that any hot hatchbacks that try to be a bit luxurious tend to be more numb and have softer suspension with too much bodyroll though.)
@@TassieLorenzo Sounds like you're arguing with yourself about one car filling all roles ;-)
Really enjoyed your review Jack, thank you. I driven both the manual and flappy paddle DB9 and whilst I adored the sound track and the Gentleman's Club feel of them, I simply couldn't get over the sense of the bulk. Certainly when compared with Porsche or McLaren.
Beautiful car, none the less.
Keep up the good work 👌🏼
Jack - another great video! But by God, your summary of the recent and current Astons compared to those of the late 80's and 90's - spot on!! I've been saying that for years. I also think an engineering-first approach was supplanted by a marketing-first approach... Never more painfully personified than with the awful "Emotion Control Unit" to describe the key. The KEY!! Those Virage-era Astons are so awesome, brutish yet elegant, powerful and distinguished, and unmistakeably Aston. ❤
Great video, Jack and and interesting topic. Just the most gorgeous shape ever that car and an exhaust I could listen to for days. Oddly though a niche case itself I’d argue. If I was feeling like a rapid, eye-catching, yet restful and rather uninvolved cross country ride as I’m want to do on occasion, this would be the car. So certainly not a 308 or Elise replacement - I’d still love one though.
Great review.
The V12 sounds beautiful. It's a shame they won't be making any more
Hi Jack. I love yours (and James) reviews of the unusual and in many cases never seen in the US cars. One request, give us the year of these cars in you're reviewing to help put them into context.
I’ve got a new shape Vantage, and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Combines the performance of the 911 Turbo I had with the sense of occasion of the Maserati Granturismo that followed it. Only two seats, but very practical large hatch/ boot. Can cruise when you want it, be blisteringly fast when you want. You can even have it with a manual ‘box if you’re a bit odd. The red-trouser brigade hate it, of course, and people who are never likely to own one complain about the “two generations old Mercedes infotainment” (I have ApplePlay installed), but I can assure you it’s brilliant.
I drove past one yesterday and it looked stunning 😎
Hi Jack, loved the video and the acceleration sounds........the engine is wonderful as is the body design. My "Car Guy" had an Aston Martin in stock not too long ago so I got a good look at it. Thats my kind of car most certainly. It was white on black hides and it really was perfect. I need to get more money somehow!!
Very interesting - the idea that the more sanitised and predictable the experience, the less intense and exciting. As a child around 1970 or so in the UK - an Aston DBS (first, Jensen Interceptor second), was my V8 dream machine; they were beautiful, brutal. Later in my early 20s in Oz, l had a metallic green 1970 Chrysler VIP with a 318 (5.2 litre) V8 and torqueflite auto. It was the primal urge of the wheel-spinning v8 encased in enamel and chrome that really got me. It wasn’t about efficiency, it was about style and urge. I’ve driven modern high performance vehicles, including electric cars, but miss that anachronistic individuality.
Your friend has a point. Despite the baked-in corporate "efficiencies", it's still an Aston Martin. Cheers Sir David Brown
Very nice car. Wish these could be upgraded to the ubiquitous ZF 8-speed. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
DB9s are so beautiful. But regarding my budget I probably could only afford to include a DB7 to my fleet :-D still beautiful outside but far off regarding the rest I assume.
Very interesting! Would have loved to be part of the pub conversation you had with Ben discussing the pros and cons!
i know they have problems but they are still my dream car.
Ah, thank you Jack! I’ve just finished my Self Assessment submission and I need some relief from the subsequent head****!! Just the job, great review, as ever.
I had a 2018 DB11 V8 Volante for a few weeks & was totally underwhelmed by it, & I think your right, it did feel far too sanitised. Weirdly I also had a Rolls Phantom DHC & found the same thing with that, although, the sheer bulk of that thing gave it a huge level of "presence". I feel my Jag XJR (X308) is a better practical compromise than either of them, & although isn't as efficient (largely due to weight) than the later ally bodied X350 XJR, it has that "British feel" that's almost extinct now.
I think its because "we", as in our car industry, have increasingly felt the need to have "Germanic" levels of attention to detail to compete, BUT, critically, a lot of people who have traditionally wanted these British icons, me included, specifically want them because they ARENT Germanic, we WANT some "flaws" to make them feel bespoke & have "personalities", we don't buy cars to beat German rivals round the Nurburgring, we don't want Lexus levels of refinement either, we want something that talks to our souls in a way nothing else does, so we can feel a degree of love for them, but we seem to have lost all that in an effort to satisfy the automotive press criticisms that have historically been levelled at "us", & now we`re left with increasingly bland, soulless stuff, that, although is appealing to the masses visually, does little to satisfy car lovers... Its a shame.
Another fun video Jack. Love that car, the v12 vanquish is another Aston favourite of mine. In terms of pure looks you'll be challenged to drive another car more beautiful than the 308.
I love the looks of the older Aston Martin's but I think the new stuff with all the older Mercedes tech well I'm not a fan, to be honest when I spend time dreaming about what I'd buy if I won the lottery an Aston never enters my mind! Excellent job as always Jack 👍
Its funny how different perception can be. For me as a German a Aston Martin is truly special, much more than our German brands and even more than most of the Italian ones aswell. I am surprised how often British journalists and influencers are much more critical with several of your "heritage" brands. Do you have any idea why that is so?
It is a British characteristic.
@@richardwoollaston3650 "apologetics?"
you are very right, we are our own worst critics.
My fingers are crossed that British car brands will overcome the challenges at the moment and find a healthy future, especially Lotus, Aston Martin and Jaguar 🤞 Without them the car industry would loose a lot of character.
I think you're right on the money ref British journalists, with very few exceptions, especially when it comes to Aston Martin, a certain Mr Needell never seemed to have a good word for them 🙄
You nailed the quintessence again. I would absolutely describe it the same way! Did you ever try an early the DB7 i6? For me, they still have that special British feeling (see my own films from Dutch CineCars channel) with all those imperfections but beautifully mixed up together. The Swansong of that British feeling, leading the way to the new world of Aston. (I already liked your review of the Continental R, as I own both, the Conti and DB7)
Yes, please!! A Aston Martin DB7 i6 manual would be a great follower after these two great examples from the Aston Martin history. You are the right one to say true words about the "Jaguar" that makes the perfect first non tractor 6 cylinder Aston which not only looks like heaven (DB5 in Birch Silver) but also drives like heaven!!
That exact same feeling, I have with Alfa Romeo.
The DB9 is still a very beautiful car. Thank you Jack.
That engine sound is addictive thats for sure.The styling is first rate.There is a lot to like about this car.A car for those special weekends.
Thanks for posting this. Great as usual. Could you PLEASE let us know what the nearest town is to this driving location ? Nice area. thanks.
Been waiting for this video since I seen your 306 gti on his channel
What you're saying is that you like classic cars over modern cars because of their flaws, their uniqueness, their character, their 'Alfa-ness' ... which is perfectly ligitimate. I agree in general ... I'd still love a DB9 over my XFS though ... just for the way it looks!
Blimey, this DB9 is doing the rounds !! Can I use it this weekend ?
Hello Jack. I love your videos; the Influenza was terrific!
As for the Aston: They never were at the top of the table, and yet I'd own one if I could afford it.
I agree with all you said, especially that although flawed, like many "classics", they have soul.
I grow up on Italian cats: Fulvias, Zagatos, Alfas and Fiat's - if only I had them today, they would cost a fortune! All flawed, yet had more soul than and modern car of today.
Bring back the classics!!!
100% get what you’re trying to say and the reason is Ford, the same with Jaguar & Volvo of the similar period. All 3 were owned by Ford and felt in places like a Ford (buttons, switches, keys, engines etc) just Ford bits. So they all lost a little of their individuality and gained a bit of Fordness….that’s why the older cars of those 3 makes felt different & looking back felt special…
You didn't mention fuel economy and I think that would be a deal breaker for a daily driver. I doubt a normal guy could afford to put gas in this beast!
Average about 18mpg, did 4000 miles in the first year which cost about £2000
@@dadcars Thanks! That would be 15 mpg's (US) which is considered pretty abysmal here as an average. I'm sure some people wouldn't think twice...I'm not one of those people!😀🚗🚗🚗🚗😀
Totally agree with you Jack! Long live the Oliver Reed of all cars the 1977 DBS vantage!
Can't agree on this one Jack - Modern Astons feel just as special! Different characters and drive yes but still special! Although I wouldn't necessarily consider the DB9 to be a 'modern' Aston.
Great video.... I do agree that the new ones don't quite have the "soul" of the previous ones....2016 and under are, for me, more unique and special. I have the 2014 DB9.2 and it, with the carbon ceramic brakes, 510 bhp engine, and updated ZF gearbox makes it in, essence, a DBS from 2009-2012 (sans the manual gearbox) I've had a few different cars over the years from AMG's to ///M's to Maserati, and I liked them all, but LOVE my DB9.2.... I am smitten every time I get in her. Cheers
Is this the first time an Aston Martin has been described as a "compromise?" How did we get here? Terrific!
Enjoyable video but maybe a bit harsh on the beautiful DB9. Surely it is in spirit a true GT car rather than a pure sports car. Does anyone really buy these car expecting lightning fast gear changes. Surely sublime looks and that sonorous V12 are the true high points of ownership.
The DB9 really is a GT and so it'l never compare to the Elise or GT6 as they're balls out b-road/track-day racers. I remember those GT6's they've very loud road noise - great fun but a couple of hours and you'd have tinnitus for the rest of the day.
Hi Jack,
Quite a quandary reducing your fleet, when it's often sensible to have two cars on many counts.
A few suggestions:
Firstly, a Lupo GTi which have a cult following and then the three pot Audi A2 TDi which deserves approbation.
Personally can not see how you would part with your 308 after the pain that you have been through, and now being in a sweet spot of ownership.
I think what you're alluding to is charm/character, like the small pool of oil on the driveway - that's character, that is.
If anything, I think Ben's car hits the sweet spot. 80's/90s Vantage/Virage are dinosaurs in the car world. We love them but don't want to daily one. Today's cars are disposable white goods. They do everything well but in a modern, clinical way. Just by having that 6.0 V12 shows that 2005-9 era Aston's still had a bit of headbanger about them. Because the ergo's aren't good shows there was still human input and not all designed by AI. If I was to run a prestige GT daily then this is a good a choice as any.
Here's the rub (for me): For half the price and about 90% of the thrills you could land a same era Jag... and have four doors if you so pleased. The 308XJR or XKR would be my one car garage...
Great comment 👏 Im hoping to get some jaaaaags on the channel soon
What you are saying makes sense to me. I drive an Alfa Romeo Giulietta, previously had a 159. The G is OK, the 159 was a thing of beauty with a fantastic driving position, but to many purists they aren't "proper" Alfas because they lack the charm and quirks of the old ones, even though they work most of the time unlike the old ones.
keep it up Jack....enjoy your formula...have you thought about a 'Number27' breakfast meet at Prescott ?...would be a lot of fun !..ie as many of your reviewed cars as can make it.?
Great idea! I’ll keep on mind for the future. Difficult to squeeze it in right now!
A nice sounding Aston Jack.
Please don't ever get rid of the "Influenzo"!
I think I'll stick with my DB6...
1/18 scale of course...
But I think that’s the car that ticks all the boxes, at scale 1:1 of course.
Perhaps the De Tomaso Pantera is the car to use instead of all your current fleet? Thanks Jack, the Aston was special, but not special enough! 🙏🙏
This is a beautiful car hands down.
So a flawed Aston is more special ? I’d rather have my db9 thanks decent reliability gorgeous looks and an absolute gem of an engine with the hypnotic exhaust note . Comparing too lotus or Peugeot , that had me in stitches . Love the channel Jack reviews are usually great ,,,,,,,,,,, 😂 each too their own opinions
The 306 was I feel was the peak fwd car, refined in a way the Saxo / 106 was not, yet still light enough to be useful. After that the push for safety meant affordable cars could never be so light again.
Anything with a V12 is special. DB9 has aged really well I think they are fabulous and light years ahead of the DB7. I’d love to try a manual one. Owned a V12 Vantage a while ago it was glorious, current Astons don’t appeal just can’t get on with the weird Merc based interiors. DB9 interior still looks great to me.
Yeah I blooming love this generation interior, it’s so special to my eye 😊
@@dadcars me too like a Breitling watch!
But Jack...it had its own space on the 'Cool Wall' . Yes it has faults and is a bin parts car but you need to compare apples to apples, its a GT car for long journey's not for pottering around town and certainly you can't compare it to your collection in terms of what it was designed for. Keep up the great work on your channel.
I’ve always loved the shape of the V8 Vantage, but I have to say that the DB9 is growing on me! Manual would be a must!
All said & done, the 308 is a work of art! Though 1964 DB4 is both with Italian styling & British engineering! Thanks Jack!
Very nice video - what's amazing is that Aston Martin never found a solution to the problem of fogging in the DB9 headlights (see the start of the video) - The solution they found. .. is that the owner's manual states that "from time to time fog may appear in the headlights...it's normal...it disappears after a while...) - I can to say that it does not disappear... on the contrary... that being said, it is a magnificent car... one of those that people will be silent on the way to listen to the melody of the sound of its engine. .... Best wishes
Another great video, Jack. It's very hard to have a sports car (or GT) that can do everything - maybe it's easier to have a practical family car, that has sporting pretensions? RS6, E63, or a working Cayenne Turbo that won't drain your bank account in repair bills. English marques all lost their unique quirks when they were acquired by other firms. The striking design element of the DB9, its grille, was slapped on all of Fords cars when it acquired it - maybe the most expensive grill in automotive history!? It also hurt the unique design and face of the Aston.
Ford did that, and I was seething with rage at the time. The sacrilege! You are the first one I see commenting on it. Thanks!
What do you expect from Yanks. No class.@@silvaanosvs8783
Very enjoyable video, particularly as I actually rented a DB9 in Germany identical to the one tested here. Going along the Autobahn at 240 km/h the car really felt in its element, safe and stable, the V12 like a turbine. The exterior design is really lovely and people were staring at the car at intersections. The ergonomics were not so considered and I would them inferior to my Corvette's, although the interior finishing was very nice. The weight of the car is really obvious at lower speeds and I am not sure it can be considered "fun to drive" compared to the Lotus or Peugeot but as a GT car (albeit with a surprising lack of boot space) it shines--although at Autobahn speeds the fuel gauge dial moves rapidly towards "E!" However, why I can see why someone might consider a 10 or 12 year old DB9, the original price could not have been justified in comparison to its competitors and the speed of its depreciation reflects this.
I kind of agree with you that the not so good older cars had a better sense occasion, though I think their rarity is a big contributing factor. The DB9 is probably better in every way, but a DBS V8 from the 80’s has so much more appeal.
Enjoyed the video Jack, but have to say it’s unfair to label the DB9 as a flappy paddle car. I think you are referring to early sequential shift manuals (I.e vanquish, BMW’s SMG, etc) whereas DB9 has full blown 6spd automatic with torque converter. The paddles provide manual interaction, but it’s not what most would refer to as a flappy paddle box. Also why you detected no jerkiness, and why it was so keen to change up.
Yeah I must admit this being my first ever auto I was really impressed with this touchtronic 2 box, think it suits the car well but I wasn’t surprised as Jack just doesn’t like autos full stop 😅
Jack as I have grown older, I find my needs changing...One year ago I bought a 2004 BMW 645Ci SMG conv. to go with my BMW 328 X-Drive 6speed manual- 4dr. I would NEVER and I mean never, drive the 645 in snow/slush/winter or salt. The AWD Xdrive is PERFECT for that..... Unstoppable, safe, fast and fun BUT the 645 is a vastly superior and more fun to drive and yes, the SMG floppy paddles are simply FANTASTIC....and besides its topless: Get the Aston Martin and keep the Lotus.....that is what this Canadian thinks anyway
I did a bit of a double take when you went from talking about a 306, then a 308. I was still thinking Peugeots!
I have to agree with you. On the outside, Aston's are almost incomprable. But when when you're in the drivers seat, you want it to feel you are sitting in something special, surrounded by the finest materials. Other marques have nailed this and have done so for a long time - think Bentley or Rolls Royce. I love Astons but I'll stick with my Bentley, if that's okay. Thanks for sharing.
I like your assessment of modern Aston Martins. It's kind of like the worst of both worlds. They are not as good as the equivalent 911 of their era and they are not as good as their predecessors because they have sacrificed their specialness for modern ubiquity without managing to the best in terms of modernity.
My son owns a 75 Aston 6.3 V8 Vantage, he bough it from me 2 years ago and we both love it, we both agree it has its idiosyncrasies but would never replace it with a modern Aston. WE are looking at buying a Virage has to be a 5 speed as she dis likes autos, also the 6.3 500hp/ 480 lb-ft torque as she likes quick cars for my daughter/his sister for her 26th birthday. So a bit of a hard find in great condition, we will find one tho.
I'm not sure you can really compare Aston Martins today with the pre-Ford era of Aston Martin, but I take your point.
My father and his business partner were looking for new cars in the late 1960s and they both looked at an Aston DB6, my father's business partner bought one, but my father found the Aston dealer to be too snooty and condescending and went for a Jaguar E Type, and I think that was the difference with the old company, they didn't make many cars and they could probably choose who they sold them to.
They never made a profit and by definition the whole manufacturing ethos had to change and thereby the nature of the cars too; Aston still struggle to survive as an independent company, but I'm glad that they're still around.
Biggest problem with Aston Martin in Australia is the cost of parts and service, they make Rolls Royce and Porsche look cheap, friend owned a 2008 V8 Vantage and the price for parts was terrifying, same friend also owns a 1979 911SC and by comparison parts are cheap. When he first bought the AM he took it to a dealer for a post purchase inspection, they charged him AU$2000.00 and they didn't actually do anything, they just inspected and wrote a report, he kept the Porsche and sold the AM
in essence, the character and style of a car is in its weaknesses, to be truly bittish, it's got to be pleasantly flawed. I suppose it also has a single figure handicap by tradition.
Like antique furniture, it's not really practical on a daily basis, but they both carry forward priceless tradition and ultimately, success derives from tradition.
I agree completely. I've always enjoyed cars for the things that make them stand out; their little quirks and oddities gave them character. When you drive a car like that, it's an experience you can't replicate with other cars. Cars today are far too homogeneous and don't really look or feel as distinctive, which kind of takes away their charm.
I think I'd rather have a DB9 than three, four or five other cars, regardless of whether it could practically replace them - say, one of them were a pickup truck, for instance - but then I am mental. Especially about DB9's and Aston Martin.
😂👏
Like.the first e type, the owner, like an airplane pilot, was in a special class to know which in the long row of toggles to flip. : )
They were so flawed that they felt special… I think you summed it up perfectly. Smooth out all the eccentricities and you end up with boring. I loved my Ferrari 308 and 328, and my Porsche 964 with its random dash switches is absolutely special. Modern cars have been refined to the brink of uniformity. Well put!
I agree with you, I had a DB9 for a day about 10 years ago, it’s a capable GT car, but I would not swap it for your three.
That is the most “Hammond” thing I’ve ever heard you say.
JC: So you’re saying that the old ones are better…because they are worse.
No.27: Yes.
JC: And on that bombshell it’s time to end.
😂😂😂😂😂 very good!!
Lack of “specialness” - bang on, Jack. Astons & Jags all lost that “something” in the early-mid nineties. Whatever the reasons - desperate for cash as much as anything - they’ve all felt like clone war players since, going for the widest audience at the expense of individuality. I’m happier in my technically and power figure deficient XJS 3.6 manual than I was in an XK8, XKR and even newer 911s and fast Audis. Dinosaurs’ delight! Keep trying the old, the quirky and deranged, loving these vids 👍
I think you need to watch Top Gear from about 2003 when Clarkson drove it new and raced the train. Amazing video. I’m sure you’ve seen it. He absolutely loved it. Perhaps things have moved on. It looks like you’ve driven in DB 11 which perhaps influence your view.
Still love my 2002 db7 vantage volante and the smile it puts on my face knowing greta cries every time I floor it 😂
Who am I to disagree? I just want one of those Aston’s, it a very nice car.
It's amazing how the DB9 has come down in price close to the V8 Vantage. I was tempted by both. The DB9 is far more special but the Vantage would probably be a lot easier and cheaper to run. Hard call. If you feel that you can have a DB9 and do a bunch of required work yourself it is probably the type of car you can keep for life. It'll always look and sound wonderful, it'll never go any lower in value and perhaps one day up in value. Probably a great buy to get in on the ground floor today. Fair chance it'll be worth a lot more in another 20 years, despite being overshadowed by the DBS.
The DB9 has less maintenance if we're talking the automatic. The Clutches on the vantage are a huge maintenance expense even with the auto because it's an automated manual
This situation of charm loss has happened to many vehicles, British are a big sufferer though, another example is the new Land Rover Defender, a wonderful and very capable vehicle, but just no charm at all compared to the old series Land Rovers or the last generation of Defenders, you could put 10 in a row and every one would feel different somehow, that is the real charm of British classics, ever vehicle had a soul....
You didn’t cover your opinion regards daily operating and maintenance costs. If you have only one car it needs to be cost effective and reliable. You have no back up if your sole transport needs constant maintenance and repairs. And daily operating cost needs to be reasonable. IMO. Thanks for the out of the ordinary review 👍
For me, the last true great Aston was the DB7 Vantage. Forget the "Jag with a frock on" rubbish and the Ford parts bin special tag by the haters, it's a great car with proper "beauty, power and soul". However, as I've offered before, for a daily driver that sits outside day in day out, has looks to die for whether top up or down, the R230 SL500 has a great deal going for it. I use mine every day to go to work, it's not (too) bad on fuel and I even take the garden rubbish to the tip in it! Have a whirl, it's a cracker and it only cost me £12,000.00 three years ago with 43,000 on the clock, got just over 60,000 now which includes several holidays to Cornwall and the Lakes. I think you'll be surprised.
Fascinating, but these days I no longer have an Aston on my wish list. If I had Mr Metcalfe's storage arrangements, it might be a different matter!