Aston Martin Expert Inspects My DB9, And Explains Why It Feels Wrong - Did My Friend Sell Me A Dud?

[@roopher2]

God, I love listening to someone who REALLY knows what they're talking about, and Mike is that in spades.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

He really is!

[@geoffaries]

This one of Jay's better videos and confirms my view, and Ferrari experience, that it's very rewarding, not just financially, to seek out and independent specialist. I've never owned an Aston Martin, but it's now on my wish list.😊

[@brianiswrong]

When you listen to Mike £350 for a pre or after purchase check over is actually money very well spent.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

After listening to Mike, I wouldn't just trust him with my car, I'd trust him with my life.

[@275lucky]

Aston here in Nashville wants $1200 to do a PPI... :(

[@MrSCOTTtheSCOT]

Part Two , Why I sold my house to pay for Mikes "Tinkering" can't wait this was a really great insight , always great listening to a specialist in a marque,

[@Chris.1812]

I have learnt so much from the Bamford Rose YT channel. So much so that I may even take the plunge at some point next year. Huge thanks to Mike for sharing what is incredibly valuable information that the average punter would know nothing about on their own

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They're amazing about sharing their knowledge

[@judemurphy3356]

Mike and Bamford Rose are legends really cant wait to see how this turns out in part two .

[@deanrockett3110]

I've had Mike and the team at Bamford Rose service my vanquish for past three years true professionals in every way

[@karlt10]

My '05 (US) Mazda6 3.0 Duratec V6 was from a production batch that had a similar cat issue. Owners were sucking-back material and ruining the cylinders. I was able to install headers, removing all 4 factory cats, replacing them with a exhaust manufacturer-recommended universal model that served me well for 13 years.

[@NomadJRG]

Mike really seems to know his stuff on these cars, great video! Love finding a good specialist who you can rely on to fix those tricky issues. Much prefer specialist history to dealership history when car shopping tbh.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Yes, because they deal with the mechanical problems that occur with the cars as they age.

[@MediocreHero66]

I could listen to Mike all day. My dads Aston has had all work done by Bamford including upgrades. They know there stuff inside and out and it really shows. So glad that a decent youtuber like yourself has finally gone to see him and give a bit more spotlight on the work they do!

[@gerrywatson261]

Excellent content James. I love listening to technical people who know what they're talking about! Iain Tyrell is another I could watch all day long! Keep up the good work my friend. 😁

[@mrclubby26]

I drove a few thousand miles in DB9s whilst working for a car hire company and never felt that the front was connected to the rear in fast corners, now I know why!

[@Boyzee355]

What a fantastic insight. I’m no expert-I do have a classic 2 stroke that I tinker with (rd350lc)- and am not mechanically minded yet am pretty obsessed with special cars so these insights are awesome as we learn more about the hows and whys rather than constantly hear the same info droned over and over. Would love to see more of this content especially from great guys like Mike. Great job and super interesting. Jay your channel is just FAB and certainly feed and nourish our appetite for cars we find hard or impossible to own ourselves- Salute

[@rhone81]

I'm about two months into owning a Rapide S and the Bamford Rose videos formed a large part of my research. As did JayEmm's video on the car. The main thing I took from Mike's advice was to get a PPI done. BR were too far so I sought out a closer specialist who gave the car a good report. Really enjoyed this video, Mike has a tremendous way of conveying knowledge.

[@CraigK80]

Why do I now want to buy an Aston? Guys knows his stuff and seems genuine AF. Quality 👍

[@lukeshardlow768]

He knows his stuff, found his KZbin channel very informative and helpful before I bought my DB9.

[@Harmonyww]

Watching this channel makes me feel a lot better about the £2,000 bill I'm about to get for a blown head gasket and warped head on my 2015 Transit Connect. Great to see such an experienced and knowledgeable independent mechanic as well. Without the independent specialists, a lot of great cars would be unaffordable and off limits to so many more people.

[@ashleywright7909]

Mike at Bamford Rose looks after my V12 Vantage for me. I wouldn't take it anywhere else. I also had the primary decat and high flow secondaries. It goes and sounds magnificent and I know it's immune from cat failure.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@paultucker1272]

I've been following Bamford Rose for a little while as an Aston has always been my dream exotic car, but if I was ever to get one, it'd be at the lower end of the price range. It's comforting to know experts like Mike "tell it like it is". For now, Astons will remain a dream for me (I'm more than happy with my 2 Mustangs......kind of an Aston's uncouth American cousin lol?) but I soak up all the Aston info I can. Looking forward to part 2!

[@25johnlowe]

Out of interest what Mustangs do you have? I've had 67 Fastback and 2017 S550 GT. Loved them both, also a big Aston fan and, a Vantage and Vanquish are definitely on the dream list.

[@paultucker1272]

@@25johnlowe both of mine are S197 models. I have a 2005 V8 which is known as the Garage Queen (I keep her as clean as possible and even now she has 22k miles!). That one I've owned 16 years. A couple of years ago I bought a 2006 V6 as a daily driver. I honestly think the William Towns' DBS/V8 models of the 70s and 80s owe a fair bit to the early Mustangs.......and even today, the S550 has overtones of the DB9 era Astons. A friend of mine has a '68 Fastback which he was kind enough to let me drive. For me, the '67-'70 Model Year Mustangs were the pinnacle of muscle Mustang styling.

[@25johnlowe]

@@paultucker1272 very nice! Yes both turned heads but the 67 FB I could never fill up without having people want to chat or take pictures etc. Quite the headturner that car was. The S550 was amazing as a daily and worked well taking 2 kids to school/nursery too, had it from new for nearly 5 years, sadly it got stolen last year.

[@paultucker1272]

@@25johnlowe I'm so sorry to hear your S550 was stolen. Not uncommon for the model, unfortunately. I hope one day you're back in a Mustang........or an Aston :)

[@longtailgt]

I LOVE listening to people like Mike who genuinely know what they're talking about, that they don't even need a script or anything to convey their point! 22 minutes went by like 22 seconds, wish this video was longer.

[@daggidding4478]

Great video! I love the more in depth technical stuff. Thank you to the Aston Martin specialist 😃👍

[@christopherdawes4414]

A great edition of the journey. Nothing beats a knowledgeable, down to earth independent garage. Hard to find in certain parts of the world.

[@andrewellis5092]

I cannot wait for the next video about this. We could do with many more videos like this, as it prepares potential new owners of special high end cars for the pitfalls to avoid!

[@oggie1967]

Great video! To be quite honest, I’ve watched loads of Mikes Bamford Rose videos and with me being currently in the market for an early DB9, he’s scared the crap out of me and made me decide to dodge a bullet and look at other marques instead! I don’t have another £25k to spend on repairs if I get caught out!😬

[@bm7760]

That chap knows his stuff, eh! I was glued to that. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@bpschi]

What a refreshing video! Folks like Mike are a rare breed these days.

[@sayrerowan734]

I really like the way that guy detailed the possible issues and the fixes they had for some of them. Those headers looked sweet.

[@harveytr7106]

Watching the BR KZbin back catalogue gave me the confidence to get into V8 Vantage ownership earlier this year. Top man.

[@crypticthecat7563]

The primary de-cat is extremely good advice. Basically the right idea is to get the whole exhaust redone, as these guys have shown a fine example of. This is the right garage to use.

[@jameswingrove7421]

There’s an Iain Tyrell level of knowledge and detail in Mike’s head. It isn’t often you find someone with such in depth knowledge of their respective field. I could listen to people like him all day long.

[@jonathanknight9997]

I’ve been going to Bamford Rose since I got my 2006 DB9 Volante 3 years ago and I wouldn’t go anywhere else. As well as servicing I’ve had all the upgrades that Mike recommends too. Bilsteins replace the original Dynamic shocks. Main decat and sports secondaries. Stiffer undertrays and rear anti roll bar. My biggest regret was not having the BR exhaust manifolds over the main cat removal in the original exhaust. Mike and I discussed this at the last service a month or so ago and having paid for the decat, it’s difficult now to justify the additional cost of new manifolds on a 17 year old car given the modest performance gain. If I were you, I’d go for their manifolds and cat upgrade now rather than have the same regret as me later. I’m not sure if your car will have the same issue but Mike disabled the tracker on mine. He can tell you why. Again, a common problem on older cars. Stick with Mike and you won’t go far wrong.

[@ricatiman]

Wow - it must be so comforting to have a mechanical engineer with this level of skill and enthusiasm for the marque working on your car! Lucky you...

[@joedevlin9493]

Brilliant listening to a true specialist expert on a specific range of cars that can save owners/prospective owners a fortune

[@ThreeFiddy1701]

It doesn't save you a fortune in the longer term. Common problems not evident at inspection will show up in year 1, 2 or 3 of ownership. Unless you 'hot potato' the car, hence why so many old performance cars have 6-7 owners ...

[@joedevlin9493]

Saves you a fortune from buying a dud no? My experience of owners who can afford this type of car is they are butterflies flitting from car to car as they are easily bored

[@joedevlin9493]

Saves you a fortune from buying a dud no? My experience of owners who can afford this type of car is they are butterflies flitting from car to car as they are easily bored

[@joedevlin9493]

Saves you a fortune from buying a dud no? My experience of owners who can afford this type of car is they are butterflies flitting from car to car as they are easily bored

[@joedevlin9493]

Saves you a fortune from buying a dud no? My experience of owners who can afford this type of car is they are butterflies flitting from car to car as they are easily bored

[@2006Vantage]

Agree with Mike thoughts on the 4.3 manual coupes. I’ve had mine 14 years and 50,000 miles with zero issues. They are super easy to service and if you skip the stealer or an independent, I find my running cost to be about $500 a year

[@obsessedcloset2638]

I think the conclusion is simple here. If you have an Aston you take it to this guy. It’s that simple. You instantly know he knows what he’s talking about.

[@femiomomo4467]

Mikes the dogs nuts he is the ONLY person I would listen to regarding Astons, Nicholas Mee being my 2nd choice. Awesome relatable video 😊

[@HE13PLE]

very very impressive listening to this guy , even thought im not a martin owner and never will be , but i simply love enginneering

[@m0601168]

He really knew his stuff and explained it so well Would love to see your other exotics taken apart and talked about like this 👍🏽

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I always take the opportunity when I can

[@chrisd924]

It is truly a joy to watch the very best of the UK's master automotive tech's such as Ian Barkaways, Mike Beake and Iain Tyrrell as they have so much passion, knowledge and really care about their customers cars and the service they offer is second to none worldwide. Well done Jay for highlighting legends like Mike and his team. Have a very happy Christmas and a profitable New Year in 2024.

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Brilliant input from Mike, he's well worth following on the Bamford Rose YT channel. He exudes two things- vast knowledge and INTEGRITY. If I reach the position whereby I can purchase a V8 Vantage, I will most certainly be heading to BR to have it looked after. This was a most excellent video- great effort Jay and Mike!

[@roelfkromhout]

This man knows his stuff. A pleasure to listen to.

[@Jason-cl8hk]

This chap really knows his onions. Good update, thanks.

[@chowd.a.d.8309]

Top class, finally this is what I like to see on a car youtube, you nailed it Jay. All the best.

[@jackwilliams1508]

I’m not in the market for an Aston Martin, but if I was I would 100% be choosing Mike to carry out an inspection on my future purchase. Professional, honest he seems to know his stuff.

[@rudeboyranking642]

As a DB9 owner and ex mechanic this is so helpful and informative. Last summer I took the under trays off and all was very dry and dusty…just what you want to see. Even though I’m familar around motor vehicles I’d still consider booking my DB9 in for a specialist inspection at an independent Aston garage. The nearest one to me is In Macclesfield so may give them a call.

[@davebarron5939]

Living in the USA, I will most likely never experience the joy of a Aston Martin, beautiful cars. This review was delicious with details. Glorious and Thanks!

[@richardcarter1000]

I ran a 4.3 V8 manual for 3 years. Great car and cheap to run. No real issues

[@jonahcornish]

Hi JayEmm, could you please get Mike to explain everything, ever? :-)

[@billwild673]

I can't believe we have to wait for the next instalment to find out what needs doing. What a cliff hanger!!!

[@speedypete64]

Brilliant... Really interesting listening to Mike and to have him share his knowledge and experience. Thanks for such an interesting video.

[@BeetleBeetleY]

I could listen to him, all day.

[@mmrahman82]

Not sure what made this video so good to watch, but I was just glued to it. Knowing that some of the changes and modifications being done to the car should transform how it drives and feels, compared to what what was handed in originally, is quite exciting. I'm really looking forward to the next video.

[@roberttaylor3652]

pleasure listening to an engineer who knows his stuff

[@S2000Y]

Having watched BR for many years it's amazing just how many faults ( some design) that Astons have.

[@Graham_Wideman]

3:40 "these cars can rack up big repair bills pretty quick"... cut to shot of James driving away at top speed... hahahaha

[@r.hagenau3541]

Beautiful! Updating an older / elderly car with more modern stuff. Absolutely prefer it over the cr** that is built today.

[@MarkmanOTW]

Great to see you taking the Aston to Bamford Rose, James. I've been watching Mike on the BR channel for over a year now (probably due to you mentioning?) - and have learnt so much. I'll be watching with interest to see what the BR team will do to your DB9.

[@michaelkingston9203]

Well I found this video massively important to me as a non owner,hope to be one as I believe the biggest Aston fan on the planet.

[@WeLikeGoPro]

Mike is an Aston legend - so much knowledge.

[@Turpingreen]

Absolutely brilliant informative chapter. Proper no nonsense information. Can’t wait for the next one. Cheers.

[@blann65]

This is what you expect from a mechanic. I've had a range of cars and time and time again I keep going back to the same mechanic because he know exactly what he's doing. Weather it was this week or last year when he had the same car in the shop as mine it doesn't matter he knows his stuff and you can just here it in my mechanics voice and this guys sounds just like my mechanic.

[@HQBProductions]

Of If I buy an Aston, he is the man who will look after it! What has engaged me most is his words on dampers and the difference between Dynamic and Bilstein. So months ago we bought a new Puma ST Vignale for my wife’s car and it is really good..but the ride, even on 18” wheels, is very jittery at low speeds in a way I have never experienced in literally hundreds of cars. I have done a lot of research and experts have not given an answer that I think is a solution. It is about to have the softer Titanium specification springs fitted but after listening to this video, it confirms what I have said all along, the dampers are simply too stiff…I need those Bilsteins as they describe the Aston problems in exactly the way I do about the Puma…it need subtlety in smaller rebound movements…next job, find a set that fits! 🤔😬😃😃

[@TheKARMMARK]

He has got a clip board so that has done it for me. The real deal. 🙂

[@iandavidson99]

I'd buy a DB9 *just* so Mike could look after it!

[@reinmansmith]

I would imagine that Mike’s ‘tinkering’ comes at a price but it’s obvious that he knows his stuff and that your car will benefit greatly from that expertise. Whatever the cost I think it will be worth it if you’re intending the Aston to be a long term ‘keeper’ 😊

[@JayEmmOnCars]

More in the next episode!

[@dallisb1047]

The DB9 will look good forever! It is cool that yours is in good shape.

[@kierenhawksworth4480]

Excellent episode, like an extended 5th gear from back in the day!

[@tonymoreton7166]

Hell. This guy knows his stuff, and is great at explaining it to others who know not a great deal - i.e me.

[@EdgyNumber1]

Mike will now be a busy man. This guy is the Aston Martin guru!

[@Surreptitious_1]

Mike is like Clarkson, Hammond and May all rolled in to one excellent motor enthusiast.

[@rpc2210]

Mike mentioned that he was on socials. It wouldn’t hurt to link to them in Part 2. Great video, James.

[@rjdavies1982]

Clearly the man to go to if you have a VH platform Aston. My dad still get's his 2005 Aston serviced at AM Bristol, he like's the official dealer servicing but I tend to think the car is of an age now where he would be better served by somebody like Mike.

[@laurencemoore5737]

What a nice guy! You can tell Mike knows his stuff and is passionate about Aston. Really interested to see what he tinkers with. Now onto auto trader for an Aston. Keep up the good work Mr M - 🙏

[@bangkokballer4103]

James nice to see you talking with the best guy in the modern Aston game

[@GeoLunar]

If I had an Aston, Id be taking it here, great knowledge and attention to detail

[@seaninglis111]

This guy knows his stuff, great video 😊

[@jamesjohnson1099]

Brilliant video, I would travel from Manchester to this man if I owned a Aston Martin

[@jonathangiles4854]

This guy is a guru. I would trust him in a heartbeat

[@autoscribe2364]

Such an impressive and informative film. Kudos to all involved!

[@rob9752]

Other cars are prone to that cat failure as well, I lost a 4.5 liter Nissan VK45DE V8 from ceramic cats and the large overlap method of EGR. While I was getting it replaced the same garage had a small SUV 4 cylinder come in with the exact same issue.

[@derekgb3780]

Very interesting insight into a few technical Aston issues - but explained really clearly.

[@fizziani]

Mike is a terat, having used them many times especially on my Vanquish S I can vouch they are the best for these models

[@JudithGrainger]

Fantastic GT cars. I have always said “if you pay £x for a used car which costs say £60K when new, maintenance costs will still be for the £60K car” always be prepared to pay for maintenance if you want to keep it in top condition. But, sometime in your lives try to treat yourselves if you love these cars.

[@russellsmith1375]

Great video and what a fantastic collab...looking forward to the next one!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

If I was considering the purchase of an Aston, Mike is definitely the chap I'd want to have a look at it before I signed the cheque. In that context, £350 is probably the wisest investment one could make.

[@G58]

Excellent video. Brilliantly explained and presented. In fact I now feel fully qualified to carry out my own inspection. And just a brief glance of their performance manifold was all I need to fabricate my own, despite my total lack of any TIG welding skills… or indeed a DB9. 👀🧐😎😜 Thank you for sharing. Happy birthday Jesus/Happy Yule etc. Peace

[@roninthedestroyer8958]

If you live in a area where you don't get snow or a lot of rain. So that alone is a major plus on wear and tear and rust issues. I live in the USA and no snow so no salt not a lot of rain and temperatures get low in winter but not to cold. Summer is hot so some strain on body and suspension

[@justinjay6930]

Mike you have not aged since our DBS trip to Switzerland!

[@markcarter9476]

The rear subframe on my DB9 is suffering a little from surface corrosion. Every time I remove the rear under tray (I like to tinker so this is fairly often) I spray the subframe with Rustbuster Fe-123 which converts the rust into a protective surface layer preventing further corrosion. This is not as comprehensive a solution as removing the subframe and power coating it, but it is considerably cheaper and as far as I can tell the subframe is now stable.

[@chiefrocka8604]

Buy a subframe , blast and powder coat it , get any other bits the rear needs and swap over , then you’ve got your old one to refresh and sell or move on as it is

[@conner.9262]

It appears just like there is Thorney MotoSports for McLaren’s we also have Bamford Rose for AM’s …… all good news and information on your Chanel…. Great job 👍

[@adixon021]

Yep great informative video really enjoyed that guys 👍

[@rightaboutnow]

Something I didn't hear mentioned was that the reason the catalysts are put that close to the exhaust valve outlets are so that they heat up quicker and therefore cease production of that noxious paint smell of presumably hazardous gases on cold start in less time. If you've got kids you might find this especially relevant?

[@pauldyson5121]

Great video because Mike an expert and Aston Calibration Engineer is the focus! When's Part Two then?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I filmed it yesterday and it should be out next week

[@ChrisHib01]

Always a car I've been aspiring to own.... I perceived that catalyst problem as just remove it, saves a ton of money, hassle... And possibly your engine

[@leostreat3573]

This guy knows his Onions and Shallots and everything else in the Onion family. Tinker away!!! Looking forward to next bit .

[@astrobuddsy6230]

Cheers James a great vid. Really interesting. I enjoyed watching this.

[@OmarShaffi]

Who else goes onto autotrader to look at early DB9s and by the time they’re finished only a super clean DBS will do.

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

The only thing that puts me off buying an AM is that I don't think there's anyone outside the UK who is as qualified as Mike to work on one, let alone conduct a proper pre-purchase inspection.

[@roninthedestroyer8958]

Emergency brake cable can be lubricanted with silicone that won't wash off

[@6rimR3ap3r]

I would love to see this kind of deep dive garage insights on a DB7. It's the sort of guilty pleasure Aston I, at least from time to time, would think of buying if things align.

[@chiefrocka8604]

Let me save you the trouble, I went to see one that has been serviced here , think it was past it’s best before the corona but matey a retired mid level exfootballer footballer owned and the bill to sort out the gremlins was more than he was asking for it basically. I couldn’t buy it just was financial disaster so I put 5 grand more into a Cosworth which made more sense, same miles but older, no rust where as the Aston was pickled all along the tops of the door under the windows both dp sides so needed doors or it’d of been a right bodge that would haunt you, all brakes needed refurb, the steering wouldn’t and it was mouldy inside and a wheel arch was going too. Amazingly no corrosion ever on the mot history or welding etc which drew me to it but I’d of been better spending 8-10k more on a better one than fannying around with a tired one . Didn’t want to hear it run even it was that sad

[@chiefrocka8604]

Forgot the suspension was shagged out too and trying to figure out what’s db7 and xjs to save a few quid was irritating although I could get pads which I double checked were off some obscure french thing for like £20 rear and £25 front if you were not arsed about premium stoppers . Ahh yeah the tyres were nackered too , the car was 15k and he was quoted around that to sort it out but I don’t know if that was all or just mechanically as you’d of painted both sides if swapping the doors and just bodywork my man who paints main dealer BMW’s wanted £2500 to sort out a proper job pound notes