Car Elegance: Is an Aston Martin DB9 a Good Investment?
If you’ve ever slid behind the wheel of an Aston Martin DB9, you’ll know: this isn’t just a luxury coupe, it’s an event. The kind you dress up for, even if you’re only popping out for milk. I’ve driven a few over the years—early cars with that faintly rebellious manual, and later DB9 GTs with the extra polish—and the sensation never dulls. The DB9 is a grand tourer with old-school charm and a V12 soundtrack that makes tunnels feel like concert halls. But is an Aston Martin DB9 a good investment, beyond the emotional tug? Let’s talk sense, with a side of heart.
Why the Aston Martin DB9 Still Turns Heads
The DB9 is one of those rare shapes that hasn’t aged. Clean beltline, long bonnet, haunches like a sprinter on the blocks. It was penned under Henrik Fisker’s watch, and it shows—timeless with just enough theatre. The hand-built 5.9-liter (okay, “6.0”) V12 starts with a cultured flare, then settles into a thick, velvety idle. On the move, the numbers stack up nicely:
- Power: 450–510 hp (later DB9/DB9 GT cars sit at the top end)
- Torque: 420–457 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: roughly 4.4–4.7 seconds
- Top speed: around 183–190 mph, spec depending
- Fuel economy (U.S. EPA): about 13/19 mpg city/highway, real-world often lower if you use the right pedal enthusiastically
On a damp B-road, the DB9 feels beautifully balanced, the steering measured and unhurried—deliberate rather than darty. It’s grand touring in the classic sense: fast, long-legged, and serene. Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (2+2, technically) and plush enough that an Alpine ski weekend sounds less like a challenge and more like a plan.
Aston Martin built roughly 16,000 DB9s from 2004 to 2016. Manual-transmission cars exist but are rare; most DB9s feature a 6‑speed ZF automatic (Touchtronic). Some later models offered optional carbon-ceramic brakes—expensive to replace, brilliant to use.
The Aston Martin DB9 Driving Experience: Subtle Drama, Big Personality
I noticed right away—on rough roads especially—that the DB9 rides with an expensive, controlled suppleness. You feel the road, not the punishment. Early cars with the manual add a nicely mechanical layer to the experience, but the auto suits its GT brief perfectly. Rear-wheel drive and a transaxle layout help the weight distribution, and when you lean on it, the DB9 flows. Not a scalpel like a 911, more a silk glove with a steel handshake.
Brakes? Strong and confidence-inspiring on steels; with the optional carbon-ceramics on later cars, you get less fade and more bite on hard downhill runs—handy if you’ve planned a spirited Sunday and a long lunch.
Living With an Aston Martin DB9: The Honest Bits
Let’s be real: running a premium GT isn’t like running a Civic. Annual servicing is crucial and not cheap. A healthy battery is essential (most owners keep a tender plugged in—it’s almost part of the Aston ritual). Infotainment is very “early-2010s luxury”—functional, a little quirky, occasionally sulky. Seats are superb for long stints, and the boot will swallow a couple of soft bags or that tuxed-up weekend’s worth of luggage.
Small quirk? The car is wide. Supermarket parking bays will make you breathe in. On the plus side, materials feel rich and smell even better—leather, metal, and the faint sense that someone actually cared about the stitching.
A Quick Interior Upgrade That Actually Makes Sense
DB9 carpets are lovely, but they’re not thrilled by muddy boots or beach days. I’ve tried tailored mats to protect that cabin without spoiling the vibe, and the snug-fit sets make the most difference.
- Precise fit to the DB9’s footwells
- Easy to clean after a rainy track day or a sandy coastal run
- Keep the OE carpets fresh—which matters for resale
If you want a tidy, OEM-plus look, these are worth a look:
Is an Aston Martin DB9 a Good Investment?
Short answer: it can be—if you buy the right car, for the right reasons. The DB9 had its depreciation years, which is why you’ll now see cars from roughly $50,000 to $150,000 in the U.S. market, depending on mileage, condition, and year. Lately, the very best examples—late DB9/DB9 GT models, rare manuals, tasteful specs, flawless histories—have shown signs of firming up. Don’t expect air-cooled 911-style fireworks, but a well-kept DB9 has a solid shot at holding value and possibly creeping up over time.
The trick? Provenance and maintenance. Comprehensive service records matter as much as color and spec. Budget sensibly for upkeep, factor in insurance and tires (it’s a V12 GT—consumables are “premium”), and get a pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist. If you buy smart and actually use it—cars like these like to be driven—you’re in the sweet spot: a rolling asset that pays dividends in goosebumps.
Aston Martin DB9 vs Alternatives: What Fits Your Life?
| Car | Character | Power | 0–60 mph | Why You’d Pick It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin DB9 | Elegant GT, V12 charisma | 450–510 hp | ~4.4–4.7 s | Style, soundtrack, long-haul comfort |
| Bentley Continental GT (W12) | Sumptuous, heavier, all-wheel drive | 552–626 hp | ~4.0–4.3 s | All-weather luxury missile |
| Porsche 911 Turbo (997/991) | Precision tool, devastatingly quick | 480–540 hp | ~2.9–3.4 s | Ultimate pace and usability |
| Maserati GranTurismo | Operatic V8, gorgeous but softer | 405–454 hp | ~4.7–5.0 s | Style and sound at a friendlier price |
What to Check Before You Buy an Aston Martin DB9
- Full service history: annual servicing by a specialist is gold.
- Battery health and charging: most owners keep a tender connected; electrical gremlins often start with a weak battery.
- Cooling and ignition: look for evidence of coil-pack and radiator maintenance on older cars.
- Brakes and suspension: carbon-ceramic replacements are pricey; listen for knocks, feel for wobble under braking.
- Transmission: autos should shift cleanly; manuals are rare—check clutch wear and engagement.
- Volante (convertible) top: inspect seals, operation, and drains.
- Body and trim: check for corrosion on hardware and careful repairs; the VH aluminum structure is robust but specialist checks are wise.
- Tires and alignment: a fresh, high-quality set says the car’s been loved.
- Specialist pre-purchase inspection: non-negotiable on any six-figure GT.
Protect the factory carpets. Clean, protected interiors help resale, and your nose will thank you on hot days. Tailored mats that fit properly make the cabin feel “concours ready” even after a wet weekend.
Verdict: The Heart Says Yes. The Head… Mostly Agrees.
Here’s my take after time behind the wheel: the Aston Martin DB9 is one of the most satisfying ways to spend a Sunday—and a sensible way to park money if you buy carefully. It’s not a get-rich-quick collectible, but the right example looks stable, even promising. More importantly, it’s special every single time you start it. If an “investment” can make you take the long way home and look back in the car park, the Aston Martin DB9 might be the smartest irrational purchase you’ll ever make.
FAQ: Aston Martin DB9
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Who designed the Aston Martin DB9?
Primarily Henrik Fisker, building on design DNA established at Aston Martin by Ian Callum in the preceding era. -
How many Aston Martin DB9s were made?
Around 16,000 units from 2004 to 2016. -
How fast is the DB9?
About 0–60 mph in 4.4–4.7 seconds with a top speed near 183–190 mph, depending on year and spec. -
Is an Aston Martin DB9 a good investment?
Potentially, yes—especially late DB9/DB9 GT cars, rare manuals, and well-maintained, low-mileage examples. Buy on condition and history, and budget for proper upkeep. -
How do I keep the battery healthy?
Use a battery tender when parked for more than a few days. The DB9’s electronics are happier—and more reliable—on a fully charged battery.
