Originally Posted by droppedclutch

First of all, I'm coming from a 2009 Porsche Targa 4. Excellent car, no complaints, and I'll definitely be keeping it. BUT... although it is an exciting car, I'm hoping to find an exhilarating car. Something less common on the streets, a little bit quicker, and maybe rwd so I can have a bit more fun (the Targa 4's 4wd system makes it extremely difficult to lose traction, and when you do, it very quickly sets you straight again). I'm also looking for something that is sufficiently reliable such that I can, with some high degree of certainty, assume that it will take me from point A to point B on a semi-daily basis without qualms.

The DB9 will not be as tossable as the Porsche due to size, engine location and it not being 100% sports car. It's VERY easy to lose traction as the RWD and tons of torque make for a lot of tail wagging if you want. Reliability will be OK but probably highly variable from car to car.

Oh right, and something with 4 seats so in emergency situations, I can get transport a few passengers a short distance (or long, usually it's female asians that need the transporting, and they fit fine with room to spare in the back of the porsche, so as long as the db9 has as much space, that's plenty).

I'm 6 feet tall and have to alter my regular driving position to have my 8-10 year old sized kids behind me. I didn't have to do that in the 911 Turbo. Asian women are small but even they will complain.

From what I've read so far, the db9 might fit the bill exactly.

So, all that being said (and please correct me if the db9 will not fulfill these needs for some reason), the leads I've found so far are:

2009 Aston Martin DB9 - USED - 900 miles, $160k - Story: Celebrity car trade in after a few months for a DBS, and not because there were any problems with the car itself.

Too much $ for a "used" car regardless of miles or celebrity ownership.

2007 Aston Martin DB9 - USED - ~10,000 miles, ~$80-90k - I'm not as keen on this one since I really do like the ECU even though every person who's ever posted anything on youtube/television hates it, and coming from the 911, probably could use the extra 20 hp to ensure the car feels more lively.

The "extra" 20 HP couldn't be more meaningless if it tried. I test-drove an automatic 2007 and it pulled like mad. 450 or 470 makes zero difference and I'd tell you to strongly consider the almost 50% discount you'd see on a well-kept used car. Do use some of that savings for the extended warranty if you end up with one of those.

2009 Aston Martin DB9 - NEW - $??? - A ton of dealerships have a ton of leftover 2009 Aston Martin DB9's on their lots. Not sure why they ordered so many during the biggest recession of the new generation, but most of these places still list these at the $200k MSRP. I'm hoping to get some guidance from you all as to how much off MSRP would be reasonable to ask for. I'm assuming there's been no changes in the 2010 model from the 2009 model, but please let me know if there is.

I'd expect you should be in the $25,000 off MSRP range shortly on new ones and if you see there are a number of them out there similar to how you'd like the car, even better.

2010 Aston Martin DB9 - NEW - $??? - And the final option is to just custom order a brand new one. Pros of this is that I'm looking for a Tungsten Silver/Chancellor Red ext/int, but almost all db9's I've seen in stock are Tungsten Silver/some sort of black. I'm not a fan of black interiors since I think it masks the detailing. Cons of this is that I'm not sure if I can get something, if anything off MSRP. Does anybody know if it's reasonable to bargain down from the $200k sticker, and if so, by how much?

If money is no object than go ahead and pull the trigger for an order. It's likely the only way to get what you want but be prepared to take a beating if you aren't keeping the car for years. Before you do this consider getting a used DBS which will be similar money or less and hold it's value much better. You also mention that all the cars you've seen are automatics and I will tell you that the transmission/paddles they put in the Rapide is great. If that exact transmission is used on the 2010's and you need/want an auto, then that alone might be worth it. I would also suggest you try the Rapide because it was great and offers 95% of the looks of the DB9 coupe unless you have been talking about Volante's.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Originally Posted by Red Devil

I'm assuming you haven't driven any cars yet and highly recommend you do so. Most of my response is "hidden" in the text above in case you don't see it clearly.

Originally Posted by XJRS Owner

The back seats of a DB9 are suitable oinly for babies or very young children at best. They really are there only for show. You might be able to squeeze 2 people on the passenger side if both passengers are very short, but behind the driver?, forget it.

Originally Posted by kosmo69

You do realize that the DB9's performance is at best equal to the P?
I've noticed the leather wear on the older models. its especially acute in the smooth leather.
late last year, 09's were offered w/ $25k off msrp.
If you can manage a DBS, do it. Its simply exhilarating!

Originally Posted by Red Devil

Got an e-mail blast on another local car: 2008 DB9 Volante with 4100 miles they are asking $126,500. I sent them an inquiry about the tranny, but 90% of DB9's are usually automatics.