Pre-Owned Aston Martin Buyer's Guide - Things to know when buying a DB9, Vantage, Rapide, DBS, etc.

Members of the Aston Martin Owners Club have put together a list of things that potential new owners should look for when purchasing a pre-owned / used Aston Martin. This video talks specifically about the "VH Platform" Astons - the previous generation of cars such as the Vantage, DB9, Virage, DBS, Rapide, and Vanquish.
A PDF version of this guide is on the AMOC South Central US website at www.amoctexas.org/info.html The PDF version contains some additional information, and will be updated as we observe new trends as the cars age.
0:00 - Introduction
2:07 - Finding a Used Aston
3:37 - Have the car checked out
4:38 - Reliability & Maintenance Costs
6:33 - General things to look out for
14:34 - The V8 & V12 Vantage
17:29 - DB9, Virage, DBS, & Rapide
18:44 - Vanquish
20:23 - Warranty
21:49 - Conclusion

[@ralphpearce2129]

Very strange to view anything on the internet that is genuinely informative. This video is excellent, informative with non of the "in your face" stuff that younger people love to transmit. Great job.

[@dugsdale]

Oh BOY am I right there with ya. No headbanger music, no smoking donuts, no amped-up yammering, just the straight stuff presented in a sober and responsible fashion. Thanks Brian!!!

[@T_THE_TRAIN]

HUGE Aston guy here. Thanks for the video! I can confirm you can fit a car seat in the back of a Rapide S and your two year old will be laughing her ass off as you put your foot down!

[@pfeamg9658]

Hahaha “Supercar Douchebag Scale”. I nearly spit out my iced tea lol. Your Vanquish is stunning!

[@johnwhodat8135]

I started to laugh hard when that scale popped up. Lol. I drive a 911 and i was relief to see where the Porsche was.

[@mojogrip]

Def saving this video. Thanks for such a detailed and well informed video.

[@Dan-wq8id]

clicked thumbs up when the "Supercar Douchbag Scale" came up :)

[@gaara4667]

Same here😂

[@paulscarpa1248]

As a current Aston owner I might be a bit biased but I don’t think you will find a better looking or more stylish car on the planet. Astons have always been stunning to look at. Art on 4 wheels. Keep up the good work Brian.

[@nkosanam1583]

This is one of the best automotive buyer's guide videos I've ever seen. The one thing I learnt from this video - low mileage with a full service history do not necessarily mean a good buy. Gotta put some mileage on that Aston to keep it in good mechanical condition.

[@sardonic_smile_8752]

Came back to this after some time

[@Pete_Finch]

Supercar Douchebag Scale got me good 😂😂

[@rk24133927]

Traded in a 2016 Porsche 911 Targa 4S, just not comfortable to drive for my back anymore. Bought a 2015 Vanquish Volante Diavolo Red only had 22500 miles on it, bought a 5 year extended warranty. Glad I bought a 2015 has the 8 speed auto trans, they say its a big improvement. Live in the US local AM dealer has bad reputation, friend of mine is a Rolls/Bentley mechanic gave me the name of a good English car specialist. A couple of months of ownership check engine light cost me $5000 + $2500 paid by warranty company, needed coils & injector seals & spark plugs, said cars in good shape should have no more problems with it. They say good things about AM compared to other exotics lambo's Ferraris. Basic 1 year service for the 911 at the Porsche dealer was around $1800, $1400 for the AM. I love the car stunning color no regrets.

[@rickarad]

Fantastic video - thanks for posting. Of course a couple weeks ago I went out and broke most of your rules to buy a 2006 DB9 Volante sight unseen. In fairness, it was an incredible price and I was looking for a unique project. One common issue among DB9s (and I think all V12 from the Graydon-era AMs) is the development of piston slap with warped cylinder sleeves and/or very slightly loose wrist pins. It makes an unmistakable ticking noise that shows up after the car is up to operating temperature. This is *likely* not catastrophic until you start burning oil although the cylinder(s) where this is taking place will lose compression and result in lower power. The fix is an engine out rebuild...which is a bit more intimidating of a project than I had anticipated!! Not many engine shops will touch it and the cost at the dealership is higher than what I paid for the car. Still though....what a car - I've been fortunate to own a 996 Porsche and a couple AMG Mercedes, which I loved, but this is something next level. Hard to describe the feeling of having the top down, starting up the engine (uncorked of course), sitting in some truly amazing seats, with the beautiful wood trim. I've still got a lot of work to do on the car and I doubt it will ever be restored / mint condition (using lots of bits from the Mazda / Ford / Land Rover / Volvo parts bin...) but I just don't care about that!! It looks amazing and all the neighbourhood kids (and dads) want me to rev the engine when I pull it out.

[@hollaz2]

Thank you for filming this and creating the PDF. You've got great taste as exemplified by your beautiful Skyfall Vanquish.

[@Driven-Productions]

Phenomenal content. Been in the market for a Vanquish they are finally hitting their bottom depreciation curve.

[@paulwinn3208]

An excellent prospective purchasers guide; superbly delivered by Brian, with the credibility you’d hope for when considering to spend the necessary on this marque. Really enjoyed it. Looking for when we return to Houston, so the advice comes from the right location too.

[@bob007fl]

Very educational and sophisticated video, thank you!

[@paulyoung5514]

Brilliant video Brian. One day.... I live near the Aston Martin workshop in Durham (UK). I went on a guided tour there a few years ago and have loved the cars ever since. Happy driving.

[@zepe70]

Now this shows up on my feed??. Lol, took me a long time to gather this info when I first went Aston shopping and you just laid it out in 20 short minutes. Wanted a DBS for years but ended up with a db9 carbon after driving every VH Aston. Btw Vanquish S is only car I’ll trade up for and that includes the new cars. This should be a must watch for any prospective VH buyer.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, very useful to me

[@TheKorusuk]

I'm in the UK and still found this very useful. Not sure we'll have the same sort of problems with the interiors as you do in Texas, but the rest was solid advice and part of my "checklist" when I purchase a used AM sometime in the next 18 months!

[@dresdonfury]

Killer advice. Thanks so much! I can’t wait to join the club

[@burtdemill9393]

Nice review Brian, very helpful for those looking to enter the Aston world!

[@slidecatch]

Wow, what a wonderfully informative and generous video! Thank you for making this.

[@cbracerx]

Excellent video! Thanks for the owner (and club member) experience.

[@steveatx8295]

Great video thanks for putting our 2003 Vanquish in there! One more thing about buying an Aston Martin, join the AMOC club you’re gonna love it, Being a member of the club and getting to meet all the wonderful people actually is the second best thing about owning an Aston

[@PKPhoenix83]

I love the VH gen DBS, later DB9 and Virage. Thanks for the video. This helps a lot.

[@jerrymorris4739]

I want to send along my most sincere appreciation for this video. You are honest, knowledgeable, humble, and so informative. I took notes for when I look at a car this week.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks!

[@stevef]

Fantastic video. Looking for a used DB9 or DBS. This helps so much.

[@andrewmaxfield5873]

My dude - you've got taste. Great video as well - thanks for sharing.

[@einstein0808]

A honest "review". Nice! Thanks a lot.

[@qushu]

Valuable information, thanks! I'm considering to purchase a 2007 DB9, I'll definitely check the points you mentioned...

[@LukeScott74]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you.

[@warakanda7356]

I owned the AM Vanquish since it was launched until today. I love the designs in all the AM variants, they are sexy with the wide buttock and the duck tail, of which other brands are following now. It is really really marvellous .. Thanks bro

[@pacificbuildingcare]

Great video, I'm shopping for a Aston Martin so I need this information

[@coyletom04]

OUTstanding level od detail and solid reporting with no bias and no 'opinion' except that based upon Brian's personal experience. A+. Thank you sir.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks!

[@ViperaRaddei]

This was an incredible video for someone considering a used DB9... I think I'll pass for another few years until the "teen" models drop into my price range, but I'm glad to know much more about these gorgeous cars!!

[@7wnb]

Thank you for all the detailed information and honesty

[@richardbrayshaw570]

Great video, thanks very much. Subscribed and look forward to further wisdom!

[@jaceB71]

Excellent buyers guide. Many thanks 👍

[@dugsdale]

Brian, kudos to you and your fellow AMOC members for the video. You’re a superb brand ambassador, and by the time I got here, I’d been through so many amped-up over-energized over-edited whiz-bang presentations on Astons that your video was like an afternoon in a forest glade. Initially drawn to the V8V circa 05-08 for the low purchase price (which I could JUST about afford), I’m grateful to you for laying out running costs so clearly. (Love how you context new V8V clutches in the category of “It’s just one of those things you do every 20K miles.”); forewarned is forearmed, and I clearly can’t afford these cars, yet I can’t stop gathering info about them. Would some of your AMOC pals be interested in putting together another video, with several owners presenting their cars with the cars' individual pitfalls and pleasures detailed? Would love to see that! Thanks again.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks! That’s a good idea about getting some people together to talk about their cars.

[@daniel_zedcast9108]

Exceptional Video. Great work!

[@JFNMHCFHCH]

Thanks for this super informative video. I agree they are exotics but also practical to own and maintain.

[@TechnicaX]

Great info. I love real world user car reviews.

[@AM-he6je]

Love the video. I’m also part of AMOC North America!

[@parloitaliano2]

The video is very informative.. Thank you very much.. appreciated

[@neimad8497]

Perfect video. Thanks from France.

[@viewfromthewheelthorntonsm4614]

Excellent presentation really useful thank you

[@Driven-Productions]

Phenomenal content sir. Looking into a DBS now. Also had a 09 Vantage 6 speed two plus years and no issues.

[@burtdemill9393]

Beware of the multi-owner cars with poor/no service history for sure. Vantage 4.3L is also known for valve cover leaks at 40K miles or so, check for it.

[@Driven-Productions]

Burt De Mill sage advice Burt. Thank you.

[@fredricklee9451]

Thank you just got a DB9 And love it so far so good. You just made my day just left the dealer for some oil and drives like a dream. Fingers crossed. Oh and good presentation.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks! Sorry you had to watch the video in lo-rez though. Seems KZbin is taking a while to process the HD and 4K versions of it.

[@josephjohnson1284]

Thank you very informative you have talked me out of buying one.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Probably for the best. A lot of people don’t realize what they’re getting themselves into when they buy an exotic car. Doesn’t matter if it’s an Aston, Ferrari, Lamborghini or whatever; it’s a commitment.

[@murraypeacock9316]

Worth watching. Thank you. I’ve been looking for a ‘15 V12VS.

[@johnc5clive]

Bobert Beaubert, get one immediately. You won’t regret it!

[@mannyboy669]

Exotic cars are expensive to maintain period, but when you get a great deals on these ones its very tempting to purchase, but u have to get extended warranties which adds up to your expenses.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Yeah, but unfortunately most of those extended warranties don’t cover most of the things that go wrong. I found that out the hard way.

[@jovonperry1269]

Great video!! Thanks buddy💯🤙🏾

[@TheRausing1]

That Vanquish is absolutely amazing... pretty much peak Aston for me.

[@VictoryReverseMortgage]

I love the old-school vanquish, and the sound of that exhaust is like a symphony. But I keep talking myself out of it because of the age of the car at this point and the potential cash cow that will have to come to fix the car. Great video and thank you very much for the information.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Yep, that’s the biggest issue. Getting parts is harder and more expensive. It’s not terrible yet, but my fear is what it will be like in 5 years. It’s costing me around $3K/year to keep it running which isn’t all that bad considering.

[@TortugaDeRio]

Wish other videos were as straight forward as this one👍

[@flaagan]

Have to say, really appreciate this candid listing of all the things to watch out for. I haven't completely ruled out the idea of getting a Vantage, but considering I'm looking for something that can handle being a daily driver as a potential replacement for my 2014 Z51 Corvette, it's sounding more and more like an Aston Martin wouldn't be it. My Corvette has nearly 90k miles on it and is still on the original clutch, with no signs of it going out any time soon. It also has sat outside in hot California weather day in and out for the past several years with no signs of damage to the dash or interior. It's actually a little disheartening to hear how much you have to pamper a car like the Aston to avoid high cost repairs. That said, they are gorgeous cars with an amazing sound, will have to see if I want to take the risk of getting something that my regular activities would potentially thrash.

[@aymansgarage]

Love your Vanquish Volante!

[@sidelnie]

Brian - Great video, still very relevant today! One thing about 2015-2017 Vanquish is that in addition to the 8spd ZF box, AM also stiffened the suspension spring rates by 15% in the front and 35% in the rear. I think that will be too stiff for me. The 2018 Vanquish S had the suspension retuned for both more comfort and performance. For me, I would take a 2014 or 2018 Vanquish because I need reasonable ride comfort. Also, I always drive my 8spd Rapide S in manual mode any way (except on the highway), so I think I can live with the 6spd on the '14 Vanquish. Hoping to add to my garage in the years ahead!

[@philc4520]

Fantastic Brian. You totally rock👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻

[@elvingallard7255]

Great informational video.

[@hallowedsound]

Excellent video- thank you!😊

[@callumliddell8408]

Awesome video very helpful, think I’ll put off buying an Aston for a few years, try an advance down my career more. Really don’t want to go buy one then be unable to run it, love the Vanquish S definitely my dream car, though that’s a long way off!!

[@Jeffybonbon]

Hi from over the pond Your info is so helpful thank you

[@robertadamcik9179]

Gorgeous Vanquish, sir!!!! As an Ohio State alum, I appreciate the grey color with the red brake calipers.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks!

[@thedude6810]

the front end on those are awesome

[@ElDell]

Really well done and informative.....

[@yatesaw]

Great video. In my experience 2012 V8V One item to watch for is the window regulators. One of mine was replaced under first year of warranty. 2nd unit being replaced at present t under second year of warranty. In the UK these are about £600 installed by dealer.

[@richardkamm1283]

Well done! Anyhow, you should add, that all in this car is, what it seems: Alu is Alu, Leather is Leather etc. and ... you are driving the disinguish way without excesses. I do 12000 Miles a year on my V8V and it works: abolutely perfect, beeing a "wow" everytime I drive it.

[@dcs0113]

Great video, thank you for the insight.....I just sold my Maserati gran tourismo and am actively searching for a 2013-2016 db9.....slim pickings out there so far though.....

[@jimmcculloch3786]

Brian, excellent video, thank you so much _ James, UK

[@1slamExplained]

Beautiful vehicle.

[@halp112]

Awesome video! Thanks 👍

[@leonardcilenti179]

GREAT VIDEO !! VERY INFORMATIVE , GREAT ADVICE AND ENTERTAINING ! I ALSO OWN A 2014 VANQUISH VOLANTE . I HAD A 2000 DB-7 VANTAGE VOLANTE. ALL THE BEST TO YOU .

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks!

[@BobMahal]

One of the best and most informative videos I have seen about buying any used super car, never mind an Aston Martin. A first rate and very very watchable video. Well done Brian! On a side note, here in the UK the cost for repairs seems to be a lot lower than stated in the video, well according to the AM forums here in the UK (eg a vantage clutch typically costs circa £1500 so they say on the AM owner forums). Could it be that the repair prices quoted are simply higher in the US, cheaper in the UK or simply varies per market/region?

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks! Yeah, others in the UK have told me that various repairs there are much less. I suspect it is due to the lack of qualified people here in the US and the cost of shipping parts from overseas.

[@LD-bv1pm]

Very helpful, many thanks.

[@barryfarrell123]

Excellent information thank you !!!

[@KFM330]

I live in the UK and I stumbled on this very honest and informative video. It makes a refreshing change not to see a petrolhead showing off and making a complete ass of himself. Thank you....keep them coming!

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks!

[@ashotofmercury]

As a fellow Brit, I appreciated the Monty Python reference! 👌🏻😆

[@Hogey72]

Great video! Thorough and informative! Looking for a 2009-12 DBS, manual shift. So sad that they stopped making these in manual, but with the new ownership, perhaps they'll respect driving pleasure over fast shifting.

[@td8552]

Hey there here in Germany a blue one´s for sale with a manual if you´d like to look at? :) home.mobile.de/MULSANOHANNMUENDEN#des_283156402

[@Yukikazehalo]

Good note about the 6 speed and 8 speed transmissions in the Vanquish, the newer one is a big improvement. The Rapide has a similar issue, the first models and the 2013 Rapide S had the 6-speed but they didn't upgrade to the 8-speed until 2014 models.

[@bernsveden1]

Great info, thank you!

[@michaelsternberg1274]

Greetings from London! What a sensible, informative and authoritative guide.Might you now post some more on say the DB7, the original Vanquish and Vanquish S and the DB11? I hope so: anyway many grateful thanks for posting this.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thanks! I don’t have enough data on those other cars since not many of the club member have them. A few have had the older V12 Vanquish, and they have been maintenance nightmares. Nobody in the club has a DB11, so I’m not sure how those have been going. I heard from the shop that they’ve been having a lot of check engine light issues.

[@cavaleer]

Great points. Thank you!!!

[@user-rt6mt7op6l]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@leslieyao3073]

Very good video. Planning to buy another car beside my 911. I’m thinking about Rapide. Hopes there’s more info about that model.

[@hussainfadwani3828]

douche bag scale is the scale i didn't know i needed--- but damn its so powerful! lol

[@jlsreed1]

Great non-bias information!

[@zeeman385]

Great tips!!!

[@CarMotionUSA]

this guy is very very knowlegable and just great speaker, im a new subscriber, considering my first Aston, bentween DB9 and new generation Vanquish. Any suggestions? Maybe facelifted Rapide?

[@BrianGreenstone]

You can’t go wrong with any of those. Really depends what you want.

[@asv4k8]

hahaha awesome I'll keep an eye out for you at the Austin events sir.

[@mang1953]

Good informative understanding of the different marks. I'm just not the guy that will [ever] own one...the idiocrasy will hold me back

[@stephenrose9157]

Excellent, thanks.

[@nicetomeetme5150]

Looking into buy my first special car. Thanks for a great video. Just a question? What was in Connecticut?

[@sidelnie]

One other thing the dealer told me to do is NEVER shut my 2015 Rapide S off UNTIL the coolant reaches operating temperature. I would probably stay away from any V12 Aston that has frequently been driven very short distances, especially in the cold. Something about exhaust gas recirculation that can hurt the engine when unburnt fuel hits primary catalyst, damages it, and then ingests some of the damage. Bamford Rose and Aston 1936 have some videos about this. I don't understand the science, but I either never drive short distances or wait for the coolant to reach that 9 o'clock mark. 🤞

[@paulhirschhorn5897]

Great video

[@magdalenabaron5136]

Great video and insight. Thanks! But as the old adage goes, if you have to ask how much it all costs, you can’t afford it! Dodge Viper anyone? Now that is also pure unadulterated raw V10 power!

[@patriciacristinalorenzi7472]

Los mejores autos.Sin duda. De Aston y Martín...

[@thebiffer100]

Very informative video Brian and much appreciated. In my later "mid/late" life crisis once again beckons the calling for perhaps one more supercar to add to my list and the Aston may be the car. My whole life being a manual stick guy your comments on how best to screen any possibility of problems to avoid are wise and something I need to pay attention to. If I may ask you are the only A.M. cars equipped with a manual on the Vantage model or and others such as the DB series? Thank you.

[@BrianGreenstone]

Primarily the Vantage, but I believe there were some manual DB9’s at some point.

[@tomthompson7400]

What a great advert for Porsche ,

[@hoanglevin]

thank you this help a lot...

[@anthonyabiaad5252]

thanks for the info