Hello folks, I’m new here - transitioning into Aston Martin ownership from a Porsche. Desperately need your advice.

I’m in Toronto, Canada, and have found what seems to be the only DB9 coupe on sale on the eastern coast - it’s a 2008 car with the sport pack, 88k on the odometer, VIN SCFAD01A28GA10472.

Here’s the link:


http://www.autotrader.ca/go/5-51732367

I’ve paid for a pre-purchase inspection at a local Aston dealer, and a number of issues came up. Please see the attached image.

Some of them look concerning to me, specifically:

• Leaking rear dampers
• Missing misfire correction profile - sign of ECU being flashed or replaced?
• Car reported stolen in 2017? Yet no US, UK, Canadian police, or CARFAX have a record of this. I’ve emailed AM to ask how they figured this.

Dealer offers to fix ~ $8k worth of issues.

In general, car appears to be a bit “gangsta’d out” - a 15% tint on windows, blacked out trim, etc. 😬 Doesn’t instill confidence lol. BUT the “want” factor for me is very strong, I reeeally want a V12 AM.

Looking for opinions on:

• Go for it, or definitely walk away? I can allocate, let’s say, $20k for out-of-pocket repairs.
• Which items should I press the dealer to fix pre-purchase?

 

I would definitely keep looking. Appears like an extensive project to begin with, and then there is always the unknown.

 

Just met with the dealer and test drove the car for about an hour. Runs and shifts very smoothly 🤔 No leaks afterwards whatsoever either.

Dealer also offered to fix all issues on this list, besides the dampers. 🤔

 

Aftermarket dampers are reasonable, so perhaps you can budget that into the equation.

 

Yup, not an issue. I’m more concerned about things like catastrophic engine or trans failure..not that there’s an indication of either. Still, it’s a 13 year old British V12 supercar with 88k on it. What’s the typical age/mileage interval on these for an engine or transmission rebuild?

 

i've found that owners with such poor taste as to "pimp out" a DB9 aren't very circumspect WRT car maintenance. YMMV.

 

Part of my concern, yes 😁

 

You should be able to have the dampers rebuilt. I plan to have my shocks rebuilt when it's time and my local AM dealer has company they use just for this. You could also buy the ZF transmission service kit (pan with filter and fluid) and maybe they'll comp the install?

Personally, I would keep looking unless it's your dream color combo.

 

Because of the long crankshaft and duratec lineage, the v12 is susceptible to engine bearing issues. Basically it needs to be warmed up for 5-10 minutes before being driven hard. Who knows what the PO did? Based on all the issues, I suspect they were a get in it and go like stink kind of driver... Would be great to pull an oil sample and get an analysis done (I used Blackstone).

I see the CEL is on and they will fix that... Unless they PO removed the catalytic converters they will need to be replaced at 88K miles.

Fun car, they are pretty common on Ebay and I recommend buying from a wealthy ****-retentive, record keeping driver! The unknowns can really add up.

YMMV,
Larry

 

With all of the issues this car has, and with a questionable past, I would not even consider this DB9. Add on to this the infamous DB9 tick and you may be looking at a lot of misery and expense.

I know you are super exited, but I highly recommend you walk on this vehicle. I remember how disappointed I was when my first Vantage deal fell through, but it was an absolute blessing when I found the next one which was perfect. Be patient and you will find your perfect Aston.

 

Google Victory Chevrolet in Petaluma, (unfortunately in California and not in Canada) for a newer DB9 at $85k with lower miles.
I realize geographically it's not in your backyard (and don't know your budget), but I think the details may be of interest to you in helping make your decision.

Good luck in your search!

 

I'd keep on looking

 

Thanks gents, this is helpful. Been reading about various issues that may surface too. I’m fairly mechanically inclined (I work on a few classic cars and bikes I own), but as this is a modern car, my DIY options would be somewhat limited.

I am confused about this vehicle though, still on the fence. The paint, for example, is in fantastic condition, and the interior is quite pristine.

 

How does the value compare to like vehicles in your area? If you were to buy and have a change of heart could you sell with not much of a loss? Now is not the time to be buying, as prices are crazy above average. But, if it's your only option and it also looks like your set on it being the one. DIY maintenance and repair is fairly straightforward. Parts, not so much but there are always options if you research.

Cheers, James

 

With the mileage on the car, you might be soon in need of new plugs/coils, which is a significant undertaking. That the misfire correction profile is not coming up as "learned" in the diagnostic means that a scanner will not be able to show the real-time misfire counts, which may be one of the more significant things to be aware of with any of the V12 cars. If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to read up on the risk of failure of the primary catalysts in the V12 (they are built into the exhaust manifolds) and the chance that they may ingested by the EGR system. While the risk may still be low, the consequence is effectively the failure of the engine.

As others have noted, these cars tend to be very well treated by their owners and for one to have so many issues suggests that the prior owner(s) may not have taken the greatest of care or properly maintained the car. There will almost certainly be more cars on the market come the spring and so you may be well-served by being patient.

They are great cars and tend to be a rare sight here in Canada (well, Ottawa at least).

Good luck with your search!