Hello everyone,

This is my first post, and I hate that it's an ask for something, so I'll introduce myself first.

My name is Ross, and I've wanted an Aston Martin since I was in college, and I think the time may finally have arrived. Up till this point I've had mostly very high performance, very stout and reliable domestic cars (modified Corvettes, modified Vipers). I mean, you have to be blind and deaf and nerve damaged not to see what would attract somebody to an AM, but I was drawn to the DB9 by the fact that it looked and sounded better than pretty much any other non-hypercar exotic, and was reported to be much more reliable (and cheaper initially). I've always been in love with this marque specifically anyway, the other stuff was just kind of biding my time.

I've done extensive googling and read the older threads on the car, and will continue to do so, but I was looking for any additional information on scouting one out, especially since I'm going to be buying one used.

Specifically, I have the following quesitons:

1. Aside from an AM PPI, if the car has little/no documentation but seems to be in exceptional shape (as is often the case with trade-ins), how much of a drawback is that? I know for Ferraris, etc. even having a competent DIYer work on the car rather than a shop can hurt the value, let alone having no documentation at all.

2. Are there any major mechanical issues with the 2005-6 DB9's that I should be aware of or look for? I know about the "too long dipstick" thing. Out of curiosity, is this something I can bring a tape measure and check if the documentation for the replacement isn't there?

3. How long is the clutch life in a manual transmission DB9, roughly?

4. I'm a big DIYer, I've done everything from clutch swaps to engine rebuilds to trans and diff rebuilds, all on jack stands. How hard is it to get service manuals for the DB9? Is it impossible for a layperson to ever find them, or are they out there somewhere?

Any other useful tips or advice is appreciated too.

Thanks!

 

Hi Ross. Keep researching. This site is great and the search works pretty well, but also check amoc.org and pistonheads.com for even more info.

1. If the car's been serviced in the AM network they might have some history but probably won't share it with you. I bought my 2006 with PPI but no history, and my local dealer was able to get info.

2. Sounds like you're looking at a manual so no need to worry about the auto transmission cooler lines corroding. Newer dipstick part # is 4G4E-6750-AC imprinted on the plastic tip. Early cars could blow out the heated rear window if the software update wasn't performed (dealer job).

3. I have an auto, but I've never seen anyone post anywhere about changing a clutch in a V12 car due to wear/mileage.

4. Go to astonmartintechinfo.com and buy a one day subscription for about $100. Download everything in sight including workshop manuals, service bulletins, and such. Most are PDFs. Take more than you think you need 'cause it'll cost another $100 if you have to go back the next day. Grab the owner manual PDF while you're there & keep it on your phone -- you can't open the glovebox if your battery dies.

It's worthwhile getting the "Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Astons" for model year changes, issues, etc.

 

I would as yvr said go online spend the $100 and get the manuals. You can find old versions for free too online. The "Definitive Guide to Gaydon Era Astons" is a good source that identifies wreaks and strengths thru the years. I recently purchased a 2005 auto and have done all of work myself including the cooler and lines. Having to take the right side exhaust down to check the transmission fluid level makes little sense but then much of the interior is held together with Velcro making it easy to work on. Taking the complete drive train out to do a clutch is no different than newer Corvettes just triple the cost. I find it takes a little longer to the work because I just and up staring at its beauty.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'll order that book from Amazon. I'd actually expect the Aston to be substantially easier to do a clutch on than a Corvette because they tend to be loved. Ever tried to remove 100,000 mile, driven-in-winter exhaust header-midpipe bolts? Those and the pilot bearing (also 100K miles) were probably 50% of the repair time.

Seem like stout cars, I'm excited to get one.

 

My 2005 has been the most reliable "super car" I have owned. As others have mentioned make sure the trans cooler lines and dipstick have been done. I have the shop manuals on PDF and can email them to you. I have serviced my DB9 myself and its a pretty easy car to work on in terms of basic stuff (fluid changes). I made a few "How To's" on a coolant flush and diff fluid change if you need help in those areas.

 

Or buy it from author Grant Neal direct as I did, and put all the purchase price back into his pocket so he can continue to provide more superb revisions. Look for link.

 

Some of the early models develop the engine tick. Mine started ticking a few months after I bought it. I'm not sure if there's any method of checking to see if the car will tick in the near future. Embarrassing to have such an amazing car tick like that. Other than that, I love the car.

 

@Endeka: Good luck with your search. I'm a new Aston owner since July last year with an early 10-2004 DB9 and it's a great car indeed. Buy the best of what you can afford and I couldn't agree more with the fellow-member advice: make sure it's service can be traced back

@dan87951: would you be so kind to email these to me? Looking to change-out my LSD-oil soon so a manual would be helpful. Will send you my email adres thru PM

 

This is normally a problem if the car has been run low on oil. Both Aston Martin dealers I spoke to verified this. Not to get off topic but was your car serviced properly?