There's been a 2006 DB9 Volante for sale by Gulf Coast Auto Brokers of Sarasota for some time. It has 23k miles and is currently listed at $49,988, which is obviously a low price.
The salesman says that the car's known issues are a small door ding, a paint "crack" on the bonnet, and a wood trim blemish. He also said that the alarm remote doesn't work... you have to use the key.
Carfax reveals an engine replacement in 2008 at 7600 miles, but that seems to have been a success. Carfax also reveals that it's had 5 owners!
Deal, or run away quickly? Thanks!

 

It's "appears" the car MAY not have been well cared for. It's a $49,988 question. I can only speak for myself - I passed on many prior to buying. Lets say your going to get the KNOWN things you mentioned professionally fixed at an Aston dealer (get a rough estimate) add those $$, to the price, plus throw in the cost of new set of tires -- then see what that amount will buy you in an Aston.

 

I looked at that one myself First take a close look at the Carfax. You did notice the string of hands changing on that car within the past two years. Several owned it for just several months. I understand flipping it, however seems like it might be something else. Sales guy said the same thing to me, and the owner of Gulf drive it on the weekends.

1. Ding in drivers door, remote doesn't work (poss just a reprogram), chip in waterfall facia, drivers seat bolster is very dirty and worn, (leatherique might correct that), Beautiful car, however the engine scares me.

Engine replacement----- This was done under AM warranty. Was told by independent AM dealer that those are specifically done by total engine replacement, including a lot of peripherals. That should be not a bad thing, however if you are having doubts, I did too, then that may be why all other dealer/owners are having trouble selling it also. There is a reason for sure.


Take a look at the 06 Black on Black red caliper Volante for 59k. It has 35k miles. I personally will tell you I did the research on the vehicle. The car had a extend warranty for the past 3-4 years, and the owner took it into Aston Martin Washington DC for everything possible down to a squeak or rattle. Everything was fixed and maintained. I did look at the car, all papers, books, remotes, umbrella, took kit are in place. The car looks phenomenal with normal swirls in paint, no dents, several touched up chips on Bonnet.

No clear bra, 5k left on tires, drivers window switch does not work, (they said they would have that fixed), Excellent condition Volante top, functions as it should, very good tint job, interior shows NO wear. This would be a great car to buy and trust. Especially if its a garage car. I DID NOT drive it, there were 15 cars in front of it in the warehouse.

06 V8 Vantage------ BMW Fairfax has one listed that is MINT. 59k so they can come down a bit, but 15k miles. DROVE Perfect and like brand new. Clear bra on whole front, need rear tires, all maintenance records, serviced at AM W DC, Quicksilver exhaust. The car is beautiful and a perfect specimen.

Dan on the forum has a Blue DB9 that would be a great buy also. 13k miles. Perfect condition with way more maintenance done than any I have ever seen. A car you could drive with no issues for a very long time.

Good luck on your search, OH, 55k price, Met Blue/saddle interior 30k miles--- also seems like a perfect one on cars.com.

Hope this all helps, spend the extra 6-9k and get something you can trust and not worry about. Thats my whole issue with my Maser. Every day I crank it up and worry something is going to cost me 5k. Sometihng is always going on with it. Engine is great, just things like window regulators, F1 tranny lines dry rotting, seats heat up on their own , wipers will turn on their own, radio changes station on its own. I think its possessed. Heheheh Anyway hope this all helps you out.

 

The engine replacement is what would worry me the most. This tells me a lot on how the car was treated. Makes me wonder what kind of shape the transmission is in to? Below are a couple of things to look out for on early DB9's (05-06).

1. Transmission lines - leak on early DB9's must be fixed ASAP before catastrophic failure occurs (low fluid).
2. Plastic gear in NAV display motor - tend to break because of the grease AM used at the time (chemical reaction). AM has a update kit for this.
3. Oil dipstick recall


Happy Hunting!

 

Thanks for all the advice... and particularly for all the research, SheriffDep!

 

Yep,
When I talked with SA at Washington DC AM, I mentioned that engine issue, and was told that since the engine was TOTALLY replaced (thats the only way AM does them) and it was done at 7k miles, and has been 14k more, then should be totally fine. Likely something was wrong and since it was under warranty they replaced it.

1. I personally was not sure how long I would keep the car, so worried about resale, likely why it has changed hands a few times and harder to sell.

2. I very might well be a good car, for great money if you planned on keeping it for a good long time, it would be worth it

3. However----- spending 10k more now, might be a better situation. I would trust that 35k miles 59k priced Black on Black w/ red calipers car over that one. But both might take 5k less to make a deal. So 45k on the blue, might be a steal. If you are on a tight budget DONT get it. Make sure you find a good one if that is the case. Just if something were to happen.

PM Me when you do, I can help with a Paint Correction and detailing advice for you no problem. Should do a whole thread on here for it for you guys.