Thanks. I would like a roadster again to give some driving variety. However I've had two sportscars together for many years and I always preferred one over the other. Now I'm down to one it's a lot easier to appreciate it fully, but after seeing your photo it might be a different story when our summer comes round again!

 

So while you're at it, do you mind giving us the impression of the DB9 vs your Vanquish? Cheers.

 

Got to be the gearbox in the Vanquish as the first issue that jarred me. The Vanquish clutch system was an earlier version of my Vantage and I just didn't get on with it. With both the Vanq and my Vantage I was constantly worried about clutch replacement, and while the cost wasn't a great issue, the thought of having a short time-expiry item made me nervous on every drive.

I also wasn't comfortable with the long nose on the Vanq as it scraped its way though my city gas stations, but of course the DB9 is the same length and I'm happy to work round the access now. Before that the problem was just another factor added to many that made the Vanq less attractive to me.

The Vanquish was quite badly assembled with slightly different colored panels being the main issue. I could also never get used to the lower quality after many German cars I've owned with their perfect gap lines, and the AM 'handmade' excuse for lower quality didn't wash with me until I read recently about the high skill level it takes to handcraft this car, and so now I'm actually blown away by how good it is - several years too late... sorry AM!

The DB9 is better build quality in all ways since the few years between them (2003 vs 2007) and another company owner has made a big difference.

The interior of the Vanquish was smooth leather that gave it an old fashioned look, backed up with a tape deck in the console - something again I could never get used to but was a great talking point.

The Vanq ride was definitely harder, and steering felt slightly disconnected to the car as well as producing kickback on some rougher roads that made me feel less in control. The DB9 ride and steering is very much better, but from 2010 up it is a major improvement as I discovered from the newer DB9 and Virage I drove a short while back. I expect constant improvement, but the improvement gap from the Vanq to the DB9 is bigger than the one in these later models, in my opinion.

There's a lot I liked about the Vanquish... it's looks mainly - with the strong haunches that set it apart from the DB9's softer shape.

But I love the improvements of my DB9 with perforated leather seats and modern console and dashboard that brings it more into the 21st century. It's still an 'old' design but one I enjoy a lot on this older car while enjoying a model and year where depreciation has maxed out.

 

Here's a photo of my Vanquish being serviced next to film director Peter Jackson's beautiful DB5, taken several years ago now.

 

Great comparison, thanks. It sort of makes sense why Vanquishes can be had for very reasonable prices.

 

Sure, but you can bet that regardless of the Vanquish's flaws (in my mind at least), prices will rise in the future because of the small number made. Mine was featured on the cover of a popular car magazine which should have given me some extra $ on selling back then, but unfortunately didn't.

 

Seems to me that Vanquishes, V8V and the DB9's have almost all bottomed at the same time. Weird.

 

I seriously doubt V8Vs and DB9s have bottomed, though the bulk of their (early-ish ones) depreciation has likely already happened.

About the Vanquish -- interesting comments, Ken. I bought a 2005 Vanquish S a few months ago. It's fascinating comparing it to my '09 V8V, but more to the point here are my observations about its build quality. IMO, it's beautifully crafted. It's not as "perfect" as the V8V, but it is beautifully made, and I love the true hand-craftsmanship methods that were used. Your comments about the paint on yours are surprising -- the paint on my car is truly stunning. The Vanquish is definitely a car that got better -- a lot -- over the course of its production, and by the time the S arrived (with Sports Dynamic Pack suspension and more power & torque) it was far more thoroughly developed than when it was introduced. Accordingly, the S commands a significant price premium over the non-S cars (which, when fitted with the various factory updates, are also wonderful cars).

As you said, it's definitely an "older" car than the Gaydon cars. IMO, that makes it a different experience -- better or worse depends on what one wants from the car.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aston-Martin...m=111737838503

 

I probably got a Factory Friday car

One of the panels - the sill section you can see on the photo - was so different I asked the dealer if the car had been pranged, and they assured me it had not. A couple of experts also confirmed it was an original part. That made me a little upset but as my first Aston Martin I guess my expectations were probably unreasonably high.

There were smaller scale fitting problems with my V8VR, but by then I was ready to allow some slack. The DB9 by contrast is very nicely put together.

Your S sounds delightful, hope you're getting much enjoyment!

 

Glad to hear you're happy with the DB9. I wouldn't be surprised if the sill of your Vanquish had been repainted if the match was that far off -- it wouldn't have had to have been hit, just scratched/damaged enough to warrant painting. I guess we'll never know...

DBAM, I've seen enough eBay cars to know that drawing conclusions about the overall market from an eBay advert is less than reliable That said, even if the car in the ad you linked is in nice shape, it's a very early car, and (as I acknowledged) they may be nearing their bottom. But what do we know about it? Actual condition? History? How was it serviced? Any records? What does it need? Etc... IMO, DB9s generally haven't bottomed, but early ones may not have far to go.

 

Oh trust me, I know I'm no expert, but when I obsess over something I tend to research the hell out of it
There probably are some issues with that particular one, but even so, a DB9 for less than $40k, thats a forty something year olds average joes dream

 

That car kills me; I just paid about that much for my 911, and I really wanted a DB9 but the cost was still outside of my budget. I believe it has a clean CARFAX as I looked at it on cars.com, and *if* it doesn't have any problems that they're trying to hide, it seems an insanely good buy. I'm guessing it does have something wrong, though. That car by all rights should be at least $50k based on what I've seen out there.

 

I wouldn't know anything about obsessing over things

 

Excellent writeup Ken Silver!

Are you considering treating her to a new wheel setup?