Hello guys

I currently own an Audi A5 that im considering replacing with something better..

I like all these three cars about as much. The Maserati is a bit more beautiful on the outside and interior but an Aston is always an Aston. The DB9 would be 2004-2006, the Vantage 2006-2008 and the Maserati about the same.

What I'm afraid of with the Maserati is that I've heard the quality is about as worthless as Ferraris. I wonder if it's true from someone that actually have a clue about the quality and if the AM's are better or about the same. I am not filthy rich so I would prefer something that goes and goes without breaking down like a Porsche (the annual services you can't get away from of course).

I am 23, do you think either of these cars would not fit my age? The Vantage is probably the one who would be best suited for my age but the DB9 would go better with the Jaeger-LeCoultre

I will be cross posting this in the Maserati forum

 

If you really like the Maserati get the newest one you can afford. I believe 2007 model year was when the put in a much better transmission in them. As for the Aston the DB9 is pretty reliably but it is an exotic and even maintenance costs are stupid money (oil change =$800) so be prepared. I work on my own cars so I don't pay those stupid prices but if you have to rely on the dealer maybe an Aston wouldn't be the best "daily driver". If I were you keep the A5 as daily driver duty and the DB9 for weekend fun.

 

So you think the Maserati is of better quality? I was expecting ridiculous maintenance costs but shouldn't the Maserati cost about as much? How often do you need to send these kind of cars in for service? Same as a 'normal' car or more often?

I work from home and only use the A5 during weekends, barely then, so I think I could have a more exotic car as my everyday car without putting too much mileage on it.

 

Nice choices. Looks are obviously completely subjective, and I think the Astons are among the few cars that are even better-looking (inside and out) than the Maserati. I haven't owned a Maser, but it was one of the cars I looked at very closely a few years ago when I was car-shopping. I bought a 4.7 V8V. IMO, these cars represent a continuum along the GT-to-sports car line, from the most-GT-like Maser (hence its name), through the DB9, and then the Vantage being the most sports car-like. I prefer the sports car. Also, I wanted a manual gearbox, so that ruled out the Maser for me.

I've heard good and bad things about Maser reliability. You'll hear the same about Aston Martin. In both cases, quality and reliability improved over the years, so a later car will generally be more reliable than an earlier one, and I think it's very fair to say that Aston reliability is generally very good. My '09 V8V has been superb.

I do think that Aston Martin is better than Maserati from a build quality perspective, and by a fair margin. When you look at the details, the Aston is fantastic. It's more hand-built than the Maser. The paint on Astons is spectacular. Aston's use of very high-quality materials is, IMO, a league above. Aston uses metal trim and fittings extensively, whereas the Maser has a lot of plastic. The Aston's grille is metal, for example, as are the side strakes and the mesh in all the vents. The door handles are beautifully flush-fitting pieces of alloy craftsmanship. Maserati uses plastic for all of these things (as does nearly every other car company). In the interior, just look at Aston Martin instruments -- they're machined from an aluminum plate and are just stunning. Most of the switchgear is alloy, as is the center stack (except where it may be wood). Again, Maserati uses plastic. To me, all of these things set an Aston Martin apart from nearly everything else.

Aston's swan wing doors are beautifully engineered, they work well and they look cool. Look under the hood of the cars. Astons are beautifully presented, and you can see not only the engine (sadly rare these days), but also much of the alloy structure. In the Vantage, you have the gorgeous dry-sump tank. The Maser's engine also looks great, but everything else is hidden under a big plastic cover.

Also, the Astons use the truly superb and extremely structurally stiff alloy VH structure, while the Maserati's is stamped steel.

Of course, if you want a truly usable back seat, the Maserati is the clear choice.

This may sound much more anti-Maserati than I intend it to -- I don't mean it that way at all. I think the Maser is a great car and I'd be delighted to own one. Aston Martin, though, IMO is even more special, and it's my preference.

Happy hunting.

 

I have to disagree with you about the inside. In my opinion the interior of the DB9 looks like an old car whereas the Maserati look like a new one. I agree with the gearbox, here in sweden i'd guess around 99% of cars are manual so that would be prefered for me as well.

Do you know if the Aston from 2005 is equally good as your -09 or did they upgrade engine,gearbox etc a lot during that time? I would have liked a backseat for my two cats but they are big ones and have big carts (I think that's the word for it) so they may not fit in there anyways?

Not at all, I can tell you love your Aston though. Besides, when asking whether Aston or Maserati is the 'best' car I didn't expect unbiased answers

Thanks for your very good post!

 

Buddie,

Generally, Astons get better as they get newer -- they are continuously developed. The DB9's first model year in the US was 2005, the V8V's was 2006. They're all good cars, but the early cars seem to have been less reliable than later ones -- much like many other cars. That said, by now the early cars' issues have probably been sorted out.

MY07 brought new seats. The big changes were for MY09, especially for the V8V. The DB9 got more power and torque (470 hp and 443 lbs/ft vs 450/420 previously). The V8V went from 4.3L (380 hp and 302 lbs/ft) to 4.7L (420 hp and 346 lbs/ft). Both cars got the new center stack from the DBS. The Sports Pack became available on the V8V for MY09 (from the MY08 limited edition N400). The Sports Pack became available for the DB9 for MY08 (or during '07?), and adaptive suspension during MY10 (I think) and it was made standard in MY11. MY11 for the DB9 also saw some mild changes to the nose and tail. The DB9 was available with a manual 'box from MY06 through MY10 (I think -- it was definitely available through MY09, and not in MY11).

Those are the highlights that occur to me, but there are many smaller changes also.

You should get Grant's book -- The Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Aston Martin.

 

^^^ Great info from Speedraser and Dan, buddie listen to these guys they are giving you some real insight. Having read thru this thread my recomendation to you is the 4.3 V8V or if you can the 4.7 V8V.

 

Haha yes I kind of got to the same conclusion.

Would you rather buy a -06 that have gone 30-40k km or a -08 that have managed 75k km?

 

^^^ mileage doesn't matter that much Astons are very well built they are one of the most reliable exotics/supercars you will find. Go for a well cared for, meticulously maintained example, with records and documentation.

You can bring your cats in the Vantage, just use a pet crate and lay down a blanket. Vantage has space for that....just don't bring a 150 lb rotweiller lol

 

Just got a PM asking what I do for a living since I can afford such a car at 23. I don't have enough posts to be able to send PM's and I don't want to be rude enough to not answer so I'll just do it here. I've played online poker for a living since I was 19. No property yet but I plan on getting into that business eventually. Poker is just a means to an end.

Cheers

 

The question of how somone can afford lux items is such a taboo in North American culture. I like that somone was bold enough to ask and that Buddie was OK with answering. I've often thought of starting a thread asking those who don't mind sharing how they afford their Aston life. This wouldn't be a way to judge people, but rather a way to dispell myths (like out departed friend from Vegas) and make us all a bit more human.

Meanwhile, Buddie, buy an Aston.

 

that's awesome good for you!!

I own an Industrial construction company, took me to the ripe old age of 48 to get mine! and could not be happier with it.

 

I guess I'm not the youngest person here! Good to know! I bought my DB9 when I was 30 (31 now).

I have an 05 DB9 and its been dead reliable so far. A lot of the early cars had updates done during warranty so just make sure they have been done before you buy. I seem to think miles are very important so buy the lowest mile car you can afford. Better yet..drive a high mileage car vs a low mileage car and you will see what I'm talking about. Good Luck!

 

Buddie the Vantage is the right car for you, considering your needs, age, and so forth. They are relaiable no real problems with modern day Astons.

In my mid 30's now, 5 cars...Aston DB9, Porsche GT2, Benz SL55 AMG, BMW M3 Race car, GTi 337 DD. I'm selling my AMG now, don't have the space since living in the city, and I don't really get a chance to drive them as much as I should and enjoy them. Plus trying out some new hobbies and changes in businesses/careers. I've been going thru cars since my early 20's at a rapid clip, seemed to never be fully satisfied, or wanted something new sooner than later.

 

I currently have a V12 Vantage, basically a DBS drivetrain stuffed into a Vantage body. I prefer the size of the Vantage to DB9/DBS cars. More sports car like.

I used to have a V8V and it was an excellent daily driver. I didn't drive it all winter, but I know people who have.

The v8 had no creaks, no issues etc. as mentioned earlier maintenance is costly, but running costs are not horrible. They aren't too hard on brakes or tires.

I also looked at the Maser, but felt it wasn't the car for me. It is basically the car you have, but in a sexier body with worse electronics and higher maintenance costs.

The Astons will look and feel a step above if you delve into the details.