Hello, new to the forum.


Looking at these 2 cars, both are verts and have a bunch of questions:


1) I have an xk8 vert and do most of my own work, do either of these need special tools or special maintenance?


2) What do I need to look for when looking at these two?


3) Is there any known issues to look for, i.e. oil leak, rust, etc...


I just had my Evora totalled, so looking to replace it and the jag with one of these.


Thanks,
Randy

 

On a basic level, they are two different cars.

DB9, more of a grand touring car with two jump seats, V12 with an automatic. Was made with a 6 speed manual, but very ra

V8V, smaller, sportier, 2 seater with a 6 speed transmission either manual or hydraulically assisted with paddle shifters.

DB9 slightly quicker to 60 due to extra performance of the V12 while weighing about 300lbs more.


From what I gather, the V8 is a pretty robust engine while a few of the earlier V12s had some oil issues which require a rebuild. If you can stretch to a 2009 V8V, you get an increase in displacement from 4.3 to 4.7L with a small increase in performance.

Then it comes down to personal style and shape and which one speaks to you. Drive both and decide.

 

Thanks and is it possible to get a service manual for these cars?

 

I'm looking at these too. I currently own a 2000 Jaguar XKR and a 1998 Jaguar XJR; and these look plenty serviceable; but keep in mind that parts on Jags are cheap, and the XKs can be run for pennies. These parts are a lot more.

I DIY everything; and these cars look like they can easily be DIYed, but they will cost substantially more than an XK8 to run, and the Aston breakers charge more for parts than you'd think.

 

There is a guy on one of the other Aston Boards that posted a link to download the service manual. I have an 07 DB9 and downloaded a copy. PM me if need be and I can figure out how to FTP it your way.

As to the car, it is a cruiser, not a roadster. I have a 2014 Vanquish that is a totally different car. I drive Porsches as well and they are sports cars. I see the AM cars as more GT. JMHO

 

I probably put 8-10k miles a year on a car and I know the aston's will be more expensive then my xk8, that does not worry as much as not having a AM dealership close by.
If I can get by with an average of $3,000 a year in maintenance, I will not complain.

 

I know for me it would be Troy, MI (Detroitish) or Downer's Grove, IL (Chicagoish) area in terms of closest AM dealer to me. Grand Rapids isn't really the mecca of exotic cars.

 

do yourself a favor and drive the '08 V8V and an '09 V8V or later model year. The 4.7l engine plus interior/tech upgrades are worth it in my opinion. I own a '10 V8V.

 

This not an 09 near me, well atleast according to autotrader, I am currently looking at an 07 db9 and it looks to have been maintained by a moron. But it is a beautiful blue over blue vert, my jag mechanic says he can do a basic PPI, but does not have the equipment to do the drivetrain, except for looking for leaks.

Headlights have yellowish specs, both on the inside and outside, so I am guessing new headlights will be needed, anybody know how much they run?

Top needs to be replaced, PO or someone put clear weatherstrip sealant around the rear window. TPMS light is on, but they promised me, they would fix that.
Interior and paint look good, what else do I need to look for?

TIA

 

Fix the TPMS light by disconnecting -- $0.00; new TPMS wheel sensors because the batteries died -- $1K-ish for a set of 4.

Astonmartinbits.com has new headlights at 1100GBP each.

 

Thanks, so probably around $1400 ea. shipped to US, I am guessing.

Is there any independent parts dealers in the US?

 

If the top really needs replacing, then walk away unless the car is dirt cheap.

 

Why?

Any good top place should be able to get the material and make a new top.

also, the top itself looks greeat, it is the clear weatherstripping sealant around the window that makes me think there is a leak around the window.

 

Ive been very pleased with my 07 DB9. I disconnected my TPMS a long time ago. Not a problem because its a MY2007. You may need to consider new coil packs in the 35,000+ mi range, but that's not a given. Tires and Breaks (including rotors) a must to look at. If it's from an area that uses salt on the roads, and a Moron did own it, look for corrosion. As far as DYI, yep - there is a lot many on this board do and share ! Best of luck in your search.

 

Good to know thanks, are the coil packs like the jag?
Under a cover in the valve covers?