Hey guys, still looking at a used 05 DB9, but I don't live anywhere near an Aston dealer (located in Arkansas, closest dealer is Dallas or St. Louis). I've heard that the DB9 has some problems and is often in for maintenance issues... I was wondering if anybody out there with a DB9 or friends that have one know anything about this. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

I've "heard" issues with the tranny. Im not sure if it was with the van.S or the db9's though.

 

No issues with the DB9 tranny (that is the Vanquish, which has a mushy gearbox). DB9 gearbox is very NICE.

With regards to reliability, I've only had mine since December and I can say I've not had any major problems so far - however, I would not recommend getting an Aston if you live far from a service center. There are lots of 'little things' that happen that you need to get handled periodically. Right now, mine says 'Emissions System Service Required' on the dash computer and it's going in tomorrow to have it fixed (according to my dealer, it's a software glitch and is a 2 min fix.

The two known issues that tend to affect most DB9's are:

1) Glitches with the tire pressure monitoring system (it gives warnings all the time even when nothing is wrong, as the radio receiver module loses contact with the sensors on the tire stems frequently and it does not adjust for temperature swings which affect the tire pressure.

2) Software and performance issues with the Linn 950w stereo option - DB9's had 3 diferent stereo options and this is the high end one. I personally have not had any problems (and I have the 950w option) but I've read about lots who have had all kinds of random errors, but that most have been fixed by all of the factory service bulletins and the latest software updates.

Check www.amoc.org forums for lots of DB9 chat and feel free to PM me with any questions.

Rio

 

DB9 gearbox is solid, Vanq's not so much.

 

You can get a Linn 950W stereo in an Aston? I think I'm in love . . .

 

Can anyone elaborate on the Van. tranny? Whats wrong with it and is it just the reg. Vanquish or the S model? Also, what year trannies?

 

I don't know any specifics, only know that almost every single review I've read or watched of the Vanquish has criticized the gearbox and the 'slushy' or 'mushy' feeling one gets when working through the gears. I've also heard others say it's just an 'acquired taste' and that you can adapt to it once you understand it. I don't know if this got better in more recent years - but I think it's a by-product of the transmission being a true manual box that is adapted to the paddle shifter interface of the car.

The DB9 has a totally different transmission and is available in a rare 6 speed manual model with clutch and the more common 6 speed 'TouchTronic' model which has an automatic mode and a mode to shift with the paddles that is very satisfying and visceral.

 

Is the DB9's automatic mode smooth? Some cars, such a as the quattroporte come with the paddle shifters and the auto mode is horrible...

 

Not anymore there's an all new (for the maser) ZF 6speed auto box available starting this year.

 

What is with a AM V8 Vantage?

 

Yes, the DB9's automatic mode is VERY smooth. My friend has an early Quattroporte and his totally sucks and it is night and day difference.

The new Quattroportes are supposed to be much better.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

I think the V8's only come with manuals, at least all the ones I've seen are manual.