Aston Martin DB9 (2004-2016), illustrated at dusk

Aston Martin

Aston Martin DB9

2004 – 2016

  • 6.0-litre V12

A classic grand tourer for comfortable, long-distance drives.

Ownership overview

Cooling-system care, gearbox servicing and regular use help preserve the grand-touring experience.

Best fit
Grand touring
Big risk area
Cooling and gearbox neglect

A sorted DB9 is a genuine useable GT, not just a garage ornament. Ownership tends to go well when the car sees regular heat cycles, quality tyres, and annual attention from someone who understands Aston-specific weak points.

Engines and variants

Engines: 6.0-litre V12.

Key variants: Coupe, Volante, Touchtronic, Later Gen 2.5 updates.

Ownership mood Elegant and relaxed
DIY ceiling Inspection-led routine work

Best use cases

  • Grand touring and long-distance road use
  • Special-occasion ownership with occasional family use
  • Prospective buyer entry point into V12 Aston Martin ownership

Strengths

  • Timeless proportions and strong cabin ambience
  • Relaxed GT ride and long-leg gearing
  • Large specialist knowledge base and strong used market interest

What to watch

  • Cooling, ignition, and vacuum-related ageing faults
  • Touchtronic gearbox health depends on fluid history and use
  • Corrosion and water ingress checks matter on older cars

Frequently asked questions

Is the DB9 a better first Aston than a Vantage?

For buyers who want a GT rather than a sports car, often yes. The DB9 feels more relaxed, more spacious, and more suited to long trips, but it is still a V12 Aston with V12 running costs.

Can the DB9 cope with regular use?

Yes, provided the cooling system, battery, suspension, and gearbox servicing are up to date and the car is not allowed to sit unused for long periods.

Explore the versions

View all 21 versions