I am in a similar situation. Looking to spend around $60k for a fun, sporty, exotic car. I have money available for issues, but just don't want to spend much more. Originally, I was looking at a Maserati (gasp) but I really enjoy driving my friend's granturismo S. But the GT is large so I checked out the Gransport. Fun, quick more sporty car with two legitimate rear seats. But the paddle shifters turn me off even with upgraded software. It took a good portion of the test drive to get comfortable with the tranny on the Gransport and it only comes with the F1 tranny. The coupe is made in a 6-speed and may be an option. I also drove a quattroporte which is very nice, but I want a sports car. I have 3 kids, so a back seat was part of my original criteria. After a few months, I have come back to Aston as they are just spectacular vehicles. The DB9 has two small back seats, but I find myself leaning toward the V8V based on looks and driving experience. I have a range rover and LR3 to schlep the kids around so I think I can live without the extra seats. I am 6' 2" and from what I have read, the V8V actually has more leg room than the DB9. I will be test driving a V8V 6 speed soon.

 

I have perused your website. Very nice improvements, especially to the DB9. The older ones are looking a bit dated but the enhancements really make a statement. Its tough to find a DB9 with a third pedal.

 

As has been said: V8V is the smaller, lighter, more nimble sports car. DB9 is the larger, smoother, big GT. Very different characters, both wonderful cars.

I've had my V8V for close to 6 years, and it's been wonderful -- and completely reliable. My dealer, who is superb, tells me that the V8V is the most reliable car Aston has ever made. They were well-sorted by the 2008 model year, and most '07s seem to be good too. The DB9 requires more money to maintain and is reliable, but not as reliable generally as the V8V.

Coming from a Cayman, and based on your V8V drive, I think you'll prefer the V8V experience, but they're both fantastic cars.

 

Agreed. At this point I've def settled on the Vantage. Now it's just a matter of getting my current vehicle moved as well as finding my Vantage