Hello Aston owners,

My 5.0 XKR Jag was recently totaled in a minor collision and I’m looking to replace it with an early (05-07) DB9 coupe.

I happened to find one in town that a mechanic/dealer purchased at auction. It was missing the air recirculation button (strangely), had only one key and volvo fob, and did not have service records/manual. It also had aftermarket wheels that I would like to replace with oem ones. The carfax indicated that it was imported to Canada and brought back to the US in its lifetime.

Other than these issues, it seemed to be in decent condition.

This car was priced at just under $40k with negotiating room to spare. Many other DB9s with similar mileage seem to be priced at $48k-$52k plus the cost of driving it back to my town.

I live in an apartment complex and work on my cars at a friend’s house. It wouldn’t make sense for me to buy a “concours condition” car when I know it will generally deteriorate under my ownership.

For those of you that bought a problem car at a reasonable price, do you regret not splurging for the most perfect example you could afford?

For those of you that bought pristine cars and use them regularly, do you regret not buying a more weathered example to begin with?

 

i fall into your second category. the days when i look forward to fixing my cars are few and far between. i prefer a car in decent shape and am in a position to spend more than the average price to get one, but.....

if one does not have the money, for whatever reason, then the point is moot. get the cheap one and and as far as work goes, DIY.

 

I tend to be the “right car, right price” type. Usually this means cars that are a under maintained with questionable history but on inspection do not show signs of being abused. Expect paint correction, fluid changes, battery, potentially trans cooler hoses and in the age range you are looking at suspension bushes (which means replacing control arms).

Key is being fully aware of what proper upkeep means for these cars and prepared for the costs of catching them up. They generally are not that bad to maintain, but parts can be expensive if there are not 2nd source alternatives.

 

Sounds like you have convinced yourself to buying it. Confused with your title of pristine but what's the worst case scenario? #1 thing is runability, oil level correct and no ticking noise at operating temperature. 1st gen cars run/drive well if taken care of, regardless of mileage. AM spent alot of man hours making sure the car that would keep them in business was a quality product.

 

No longer the case. Powerflex now have a complete range of replacement bushes available.

 

IMO, $40K is not a great price for a 'problem car' especially if you have no place to store it properly.

 

+1 for MRCW.

 

Worst case scenario 1 would be buying a basket case case car that requires more work to “get right” than it would cost to buy a completely sorted car to begin with.

Worst case scenario 2 would be paying extra for a single owner/low mileage/all service record car that could end up developing problems regardless of its pedigree. These are ~ 15 year old used, British cars and problems are a way of life! It would be a waste of money to pay for a perfectly sorted example when it could develop the same mechanical faults as a cheaper example (worst case scenario).

 

I would certainly consider that your realism about “deteriorating under my ownership” may well apply to the car’s historical maintenance. Early DB9’s have specific issues as well as common Aston expenses like tail lights. Going in with eyes wide open would definitely include a PPI and a healthy familiarity with parts costs and various DIY videos. Good luck with your quest!

 

Sounds like you want a driver, with a little TLC you may have found it. I hope you are pleasantly surprised. That doesn't mean don't do the proper amount of due diligence on the car. Make sure to DRIVE it in-town and on the Hwy. Like any car check Tires, Oil, A/C, radio, seat movement, lights, breaks, and for sounds with the motor at start up and running with the hood down and up. Any leaks you can see, remember it has an under tray. The need to change the coils and plugs in that range year DB9 WILL happen. Most likely in the 29,000 - 35-000 mile range. Merry Christmas !

 

Speaking only for myself here.
I have bought only "pristine" for many years...all slightly used...1996 Lincoln Mk 7 (I think), 2003 Jaguar XKR, 2012 V12 Vantage, and more recently 2019 DBS Superleggera...
Since I have owned them, they have all turned into "High mileage cars".. I have enjoyed their reliability and their elegance...never have regretted not purchasing a more weathered model...choose to do the weathering myself.
I don't buy cars looking at the potential resale value...but to drive and enjoy.
Thanks,
JH

 

Looking online there is a 2005 with 20k mi. $43k SF sports cars in California

 

So you are right! Seems they are not listed on the USA site but I will have to look into these as I have the low temp groaning.

Thanks for the tip.

 

I don't think you will like a DB9, coming from an XKR. The XKR is more powerful, spacious and more comfortable. And a lot cheaper to maintain. But if you're set on a DB9, I'd try avoid the early (pre 2009) cars as they seem to have all kinds of oiling and/or machining issues that end up in catastrophic engine failure. The issues seemed to have stopped when the 470hp cars came out. The BamfordRose channel on youtube has good videos describing the issues.

Also $40k should get you a pretty good automatic car. AM parts are very expensive. So don't think restoring a "problem" car will make financial sense. Know that you would be doing it for entertainment purposes only.