2009 DB9 - Daily Driver and Shocks
#1
2009 DB9 - Daily Driver and Shocks
I am about to purchase an '09 DB9 coupe with sports package for about $106K that is in very good shape and very low milage. have a couple of questions for late model DB9 owners:
1. I've driven several DB9's and my intention is to use the car as my new daily driver. Anyone think this is a mistake?
2. My independent PPI went very well with only one exception. The AM techs claim that the shocks are "sweating" at 7K miles. After discussion, they also said that there is no need to replace them immediately. My understanding is that shocks often display fluid, even at low milage but this does not indicate a need to replace them. Anyone have any data on late model DB9 shocks related to wear and tear?
Any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Mike
1. I've driven several DB9's and my intention is to use the car as my new daily driver. Anyone think this is a mistake?
2. My independent PPI went very well with only one exception. The AM techs claim that the shocks are "sweating" at 7K miles. After discussion, they also said that there is no need to replace them immediately. My understanding is that shocks often display fluid, even at low milage but this does not indicate a need to replace them. Anyone have any data on late model DB9 shocks related to wear and tear?
Any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Best,
Mike
#2
Mike, I think you could drive the DB9 everyday, with the sport pack it's tight and you feel all the bumps in the road, handling is great but it's not as soft riding as the non sport pack equipped cars. I personally don't drive my late model DB9 every day, I live in the city and there are better choices, with rough roads and fuel consumption as factors... However on a trip or cruise it's my first choice!
As for shocks Ive never thought leaking, sweating, or any fluid coming out of a damper is a good sign in any way, shape, or form...period. From having a racing background and having dealt with suspension components on/off the track in short, fluid loss = dampers not actuation optimally... Now that said on a road car, you might get away with driving the car for some time with a slow leaking damper (sweating) but it will eventually need to be replaced, and is not a good idea and will comprimise performance if not immediately then eventually sooner then later. At 7k miles seems a little low for something like this but then again I don't know if it's all directly related to miles, I would rather tend to believe it related to impact on the damper body, compression cycles, usage environments (for example rougher surfaces vs smoother surfaces), or a defective component/arbitrarily failing or the sort.
As for shocks Ive never thought leaking, sweating, or any fluid coming out of a damper is a good sign in any way, shape, or form...period. From having a racing background and having dealt with suspension components on/off the track in short, fluid loss = dampers not actuation optimally... Now that said on a road car, you might get away with driving the car for some time with a slow leaking damper (sweating) but it will eventually need to be replaced, and is not a good idea and will comprimise performance if not immediately then eventually sooner then later. At 7k miles seems a little low for something like this but then again I don't know if it's all directly related to miles, I would rather tend to believe it related to impact on the damper body, compression cycles, usage environments (for example rougher surfaces vs smoother surfaces), or a defective component/arbitrarily failing or the sort.
Last edited by sunir; 08-26-2012 at 02:42 PM.
#3
Thank you, Sunir. This is great advice and I appreciate your help. I didn't set out to choose a car with the sports package - this just happened to be one of the additional features on what I have found to be a very reasonably priced late model DB9, so I'm going to make due. I agree that the shocks will need to be replaced...according to the AM techs perhaps within a year or so. However, the car passed the PPI and is eligible for an extended warranty, which I intend to purchase.
#4
Sounds good Mike, post some pics let's have a look I really enjoy driving my late model sport pack DB9, I have a 6 speed manual which is a compliments the sport pack really well for grand touring and spirited driving! They are great cars, enjoy
#5
Mike, I use my DB9 as a DD with no trouble at all; it's been very reliable. I've got a short commute, so I make sure to stretch it's legs on weekends The more I drive it, the better it gets.
#6
Thanks, yvr...that's great advice and also in my plans to hit the Texas highways a bit. I have a Boxster S as my "weekend" car and find that I didn't drive it regularly. This is especially so in recent years as it has been so easy just jump in my SUV. Therefore, I'm consolidating to just a very nice DB9 and have pledged to drive it with gusto every day. My inspiration - I once read a quote in Car & Driver that likened keeping miles off a fantastic sports car to avoiding sex with a hot wife in order to save her for her next husband
#7
Ha! Very good! I'll have to remember that one.
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#8
Mikey, I love that quote, and still look forward everyday to driving my later model DB9. These cars aren't known for their resale value yet, so you might as well Live & enjoy. Life is too short to not enjoy driving a car you love if you can afford to do it.
I've put on about 13K miles this past 18 months after the car only having 7500 in the previous 6 years with the original owner. I replaced all fluids, got a good battery (as these things power drain) and had the gearbox oil hoses re-done as they were cracked & leaked when in use and I didn't want to have to pay for that repair!
Other than non engine related issues of which some I've not yet fixed (subwoofer with an annoying mind of its own, cabin air flow actuator, woodpecker valve, made the expensive mistake of not getting a clear bra for a DD low front car, etc) I've not had any serious issues.
Other randoms:
I do let the car warm up until the temp needle is in the middle of the field....about 5 minutes. This helps the engine for obvious reasons, and also makes the car less jerky as the RPM revs go down.
I average 22 miles/gallon...seriously.
I have gadgetry to let me know when highway patrol may be around.
I hope you enjoy as much as I do!
I've put on about 13K miles this past 18 months after the car only having 7500 in the previous 6 years with the original owner. I replaced all fluids, got a good battery (as these things power drain) and had the gearbox oil hoses re-done as they were cracked & leaked when in use and I didn't want to have to pay for that repair!
Other than non engine related issues of which some I've not yet fixed (subwoofer with an annoying mind of its own, cabin air flow actuator, woodpecker valve, made the expensive mistake of not getting a clear bra for a DD low front car, etc) I've not had any serious issues.
Other randoms:
I do let the car warm up until the temp needle is in the middle of the field....about 5 minutes. This helps the engine for obvious reasons, and also makes the car less jerky as the RPM revs go down.
I average 22 miles/gallon...seriously.
I have gadgetry to let me know when highway patrol may be around.
I hope you enjoy as much as I do!
#9
...but the next husband won't be paying you for the wife, and paying you more if she has fewer "miles" on her. While I don't believe in keeping a car as a garage queen, the other extreme isn't great either IMO.
#10
Agreed....
RacerX - totally agree. I just mean to drive the vehicle as it was intended...
MFrankel - thank you for the reply and great information. So, you recommend getting a clear bra? Could you tell me a bit about why you decided not to?
Best,
Mike
MFrankel - thank you for the reply and great information. So, you recommend getting a clear bra? Could you tell me a bit about why you decided not to?
Best,
Mike
#11
Mike, I highly recommend a clear bra. I've got it on my front bumper, headlights, lower part of the hood, side mirrors, door handles, sills, and rear wheel arches (would probably do full hood next time). I've also got the stone guards on the trailing edge of the front wheel arches.
The film has definitely taken some abuse in all of those places, but outside of the protected areas I've only got a couple of small rock chips. I'd prefer the look of bare paint, but there's just too much crap that gets kicked up off the road. And Astons have a reputation for having soft paint.
The film has definitely taken some abuse in all of those places, but outside of the protected areas I've only got a couple of small rock chips. I'd prefer the look of bare paint, but there's just too much crap that gets kicked up off the road. And Astons have a reputation for having soft paint.
#12
I "daily" drive my Vantage S with no problems at all. I do have a backup for rainy days, snow, really fricken cold, etc. I did get a clear bra on a large portion of the car. My only complaint is how **** I have become about finding a decent parking spot in a crowded parking lot.
#13
^^^ Ross I hear ya! especially drivers around us blatent disregard for swing doors open or not looking when parelled parking! DC/MD/VA area drivers in the majotiry are rushing around they don't pay attention, soccer moms, caravans, SUVs are the worst - !
Mike...Clearbra is a good thing, some people wrap the entire car (which I don't know that it's needed)...many products out there, 3M, Venture shield, and Avery Dennison are 3 of them... I have bumper, bonnet and front wings (fenders) leading edge portions done, front bumper, mirrors etc. You can hardly see it until you really look up close. I prefer the look of naked paint as well. Here are a couple of pics, very hard to tell the clearbra is even on there, one is in color the other black and white, either way can't see the clearbra lines.
Mike...Clearbra is a good thing, some people wrap the entire car (which I don't know that it's needed)...many products out there, 3M, Venture shield, and Avery Dennison are 3 of them... I have bumper, bonnet and front wings (fenders) leading edge portions done, front bumper, mirrors etc. You can hardly see it until you really look up close. I prefer the look of naked paint as well. Here are a couple of pics, very hard to tell the clearbra is even on there, one is in color the other black and white, either way can't see the clearbra lines.
#14
Mike, please take the advice on the clear bra. I balked on the price, ans within just a few weeks my front end was badly pitted ans now I get to pay for a paint job and clear bra. I would post pictures, but it is too scary.....and I'm away on biz this week.
#15
Sunir - wow. That is one great looking DB9! Love the color and I appreciate the pics. I've seen clearbra before but didn't realize that it's an aftermarket addition. Mfrankel - I am definitely going to look into having clearbra applied.
Here are a couple of other questions from a soon to be AM newbie - what do you use to condition the interior and how often do you get the car washed/detailed? Is there anything special you do for regular cosmetic upkeep?
Best,
Mike
Here are a couple of other questions from a soon to be AM newbie - what do you use to condition the interior and how often do you get the car washed/detailed? Is there anything special you do for regular cosmetic upkeep?
Best,
Mike