Hi Fellas,

I tried to search for reliability issues for early (e.g. 2005) DB9, but couldn't find much info. Any owners out there who can shed some light? Thanks in advance.

 

2005 had a few early issues, but there really aren't that many and they should have been dealt with during regular dealer services.

1. Bi-metallic corrosion at the transmission cooler pipe interface. Fixed under warranty, or about $2K if you're out of warranty.
2. Imploding heated rear window -- heating elements got too hot too fast. Software fix.
3. Power steering judder at low speeds. Fluid change I think.
4. Automatic transaxle judder on low speed turns. Fluid additive required.
5. Bluetooth microphone sometimes needs to be replaced/augmented.
6. Shorter oil dipstick to ensure one extra quart of oil.

Low mileage garage queens might not have had all these dealt with. Don't be afraid to look at a car with a few miles on it. They're better when driven.

 

^^^ What he said, nice job yvr

I agree don't let mileage scare you, DB9 is a an epic, probably one of the best ever GT/Sports cars so it's not uncommon for these to see long trips, a well taken care of car with some miles is much better then a car that doesn't get driven much at all. Don't be afriad to drive the DB9, or use it on canyon roads, and spirited driving, if you don't mind a stiffer lower and much better handling car look for the sport pack option, and although very rare, a manual 2 disc clutch and gearbox same as the one on DBS is available on DB9 and it transforms the car, but luckily the automatic TT2 in the DB9/DBS is absoltutely fantastic also!

Happy hunting...keep up posted

 

I have a 2005 and it has been reliable so far but I have low miles 12.4k. I prefer to buy the lowest mileage example I can that has good service records! There is a reason why low mileage examples hold their value!

Definitely make sure the updated oil dipstick and transmission cooler line have been replaced. I have experienced none of the other issues that the other poster has made mention of, and to be honest its the first I have heard of those other ones(and I did extensive research before purchasing).

I'm curious what fluid additive is required for the transmission "shutter at low speeds" (there should be a recall on this if thats the case)? It seems odd that a fluid change would fix the low speed steer shutter? Did Aston use the wrong fluid from the get go? If so there should be a recall on this and I don't see any mention. Can you provide more info?

Thanks

 

Here's a discussion link: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1173920. Here's another one: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-2006-db9.html

When I had my 7 year service recently the dealer put the additive in as part of the transaxle fluid change. I never experienced the problem, but a friend with an '05 DB9 did, and the additive was the fix. Don't recall the brand name or spec.

The power steering judder is a low speed, near lock sort of thing. I just checked on AMOC again and apparently it's hoses (not fluids) that get changed. I get a bit of it when the car is cold, but not enough to bother me.

 

The judder (not shutter, which is used on windows to keep storms at bay...) is caused not by the transmission, per se, but by the LSD. At low speeds in tight turns, the LSD grabs, which causes the outside wheel to be dragged, which then causes the LSD to release, which then repeats, hence the juddering of grab/release.

An LSD additive usually can correct this situation by altering the friction in the LSD clutch plates. This problem is common in mechanical LSD systems, and is exacerbated by cold temps.

 

This tells me AM used the wrong fluid from the get go than! There are two types of diff fluids one for a open rear end and one for a limited slip application (LSD). After the holidays I'm going to call the dealer on this.

 

I've not noticed any shudder or jutter on my DB9 that I can remember I will keep an eye out for it as the weather gets colder, I dunno if having a sport pack equipped car with a manual transmission will make a difference or not.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. I always have been in BMW/Porsche scene but never in Aston side. I have an opportunity to acquire 2005 DB9 w/ 12500 miles w/ no accident and all service has been up to date and been done at AM dealer. The asking price on the car is $59k. Do you guys think that's a decent deal for this type of car?

 

I'm from the Porsche world as well, welcome! I have a feeling that car is not going to last long at that price. That car is priced far below what others are asking on the internet. Make sure its not a scam.. is this from a private party or dealer? If it has a pretty complete service history I wouldn't hesitate to jump on it if everything checks and ONLY if you can see this car in person.

 

The car is at the dealer. It's actually at the Porsche dealer where I service my Porsche. I've seen and driven the car (BTW, that V12 is something else ).

 

Yea, no doubt the noise these cars make is unbelievable. Looks like your dealer hasn't advertised it on the internet yet as I don't see it. I have a feeling once they do that car is going to go quick. Get the car checked out quick if you are serious. Good Luck!

 

Have it checked out it's at least 10 or more grand (conservatively) lower then where it should be, even if your dealer isn't aware of pricing a simple Internet search would have given an idea of going rates. You just wanna make sure with outliers and anomalies, check to make sure everything is okay, get an indepented ppi evaluation from an expert, that sorta thing, check the engine compression & leaksown... Heck I even. Have a body shop do cross chassis measurements when I buy any of my cars.