Anyone had both? I'm considering selling my XKR convertible for a DB9 Volante.

I do need a usable back seat. I'm not too tall, so I can actually use a child booster seat fine in the XKR with the driver seat pushed up just a bit more than I'd normally ride. The DB9 back seat looks like a joke.

Not sure it's worth the price upgrade, but 6.0 V12

 

I do know someone with a XKR Coupe and DB9 Volante.
With the XKR it is about how fast the car drives.
With trhe DB9 Volante it is about driving the car.

The XKR will be the lower stress option, the one you can enjoy the world moving around you instead of you trying to move through the world.

Consider keeping your XKR and adding a modified C5 Corvette or newer.
With the magnetic fluid adjustible shock absorbers they can ride quite nice and still tighten up almost immediately.

 

6 liter V12 is quite a drop in power.
I've considered a Vanquish Volante, but I can't reason out paying the extra $100k for mere finishing and "status" and a drop in power. Plus, costs of repairs and maintenance go way up.

 

Carbon bodied dbs or FRB xkr-s that would be a difficult choice

 

Cost of maintenance jump is a bit of a concern, more on the DIY side of things. I've done a ton of basic maintenance on my Jags and I'm not sure the resources really exist for AM. Then again isn't it also a bunch of FOMOCO bits anyway?

 

I was looking at a db9 before buying my xk, and yeah. Tons of FOMOCO stuff. And there are a number of really good resources for DIYers out there. One site I came across and really enjoyed and out some things in perspective (and I swear this is a real website) https://www.redpants.lol/

I was steered away because of the maintenance. For example, ignition coils are 110.00 EACH (880 in just coils to replace them at some point)
But the website I sent has a great buyer guide. Well worth the read!

 

If you buy on the numbers or on value, the Jaguar wins. The Aston is a different car and the experience is more driven with your heart than head.

I am adding a DB9 hopefully soon, keeping at least my 07XKR and possibly keeping even my 00XKR too. They are solid cars for an exotic. Parts are reasonable and they aren't that difficult to work on.

The rear seat is worse in the Aston than the XKR. I thought the x150 rear seat was a joke and it was a little worse.

 

Hmm than it may not be possible, with a small child I need a 2+2 or I'll never drive it!

I have a Maserati Granturismo which perfectly describes driving with heart rather than the head.

But, I've always wanted a V12. I already have an AMG (v8), so I'm not sure I want a 600/65 AMG, and I've always been biased towards the grand tourer.

 

Curious as to your overall impression and experience with the Maserati GT?
What year?

 

This is what drove me to the xk for sure. I also have a small child, and while the zk backseat looked useless, I could find a picture of people using it for a human being. Aside from Aston talking about the family experience, I couldn't find any evidence of ususeability!

Interestingly enough also, I am looking at a masserati for my daily driver replacement in a year or so for the wi tee months. Has yours given you much trouble?

 

The Maserati Granturismo is my favorite car in the collection. It is very reliable, and I've never seen anyone else with major problems or grenading engines. Only issue really is variators on early engines pre-2012. They are easy to work on, and parts are pretty available, even if Ferrari parts, there are third party shops that provide great spec for a good price.

The only downside (besides the depreciation) is that it isn't as quick as it looks. It is bloated in weight and doesn't punch like an XKR.

 

Lots of people I've seen daily drive the Granturismo. I'd definitely recommend it. The infotainment system is garbage up until 2018 but there is an OEM style replacement just released that has all the tech features you'd want.

The back seat is actually usable as well. It's built on the same platform as the Quattroporte.

 

I have 3 friends or acquaintances who have had Maserati buy back their cars through Lemon Laws. It's buyer beware. I'm sure the same thing could be said of many car companies, especially Jaguar included, but Maserati's reputation for reliability has not been good.

 

Did you also post this question on 6speed?

 

Yep, trying to get a view from the other side as well. There's only one in my area I could test out, and I don't care for the dealer. Most likely I'd be flying and driving one back.

 

Old stuff but always valuable to watch....

 

Well I test drove a DB9 Volante today, taking my XKR on the way to the dealer to get as close as possible to a 1:1 comparison.

The DB9 indeed has a quality that the XKR doesn't. The finishing is pretty incredible on the interior, especially the gauges. They have the finish of a high end watch, like IWC made the gauge cluster or something. The XKR, while nicely trimmed, still is a "normal" car on the inside.

The worst part about the DB9- the exhaust note was utterly inaudible until the valves opened up past 3500rpm. Ride quality feels better in the XKR although the DB9 suspension indeed felt more dialed in.

I have to note that they share the same window switches...lol

Hate to say it but I felt like my XKR is quicker, and it isn't even the 5.0 SC. I guess the 4.2 V8 SC puts down more torque quicker with a supercharger, versus naturally aspirated 6.0 V12.

 

You are my hero!!! A jag and a Maserati GT. I love that car.

 

I have to agree. I really wanted to buy something different as I have been driving Jags for over 30 years but when I test drove one the DB9 seems very lazy and quite different to drive It seems to rely on torque to progress rather than dropping a few cogs. I have owned four V12 Jags but have been spoiled by superchargers.

I would love to own an Aston though as they are so much nicer inside.

 

Totally agree on the interior AM > Jag , it's not until you step up to the xkrs that the interior is finally up to correct specs and quite fitting for the vehicle