Hi All,

Long time reader of the forum and absolutely love this community + insight here, so I'm excited to finally create an account and make my first post. I know this has generally been discussed here but given that both the DB9 and Maserati GT have gone through specific updates over the years, I wanted to focus the conversation around the facelifted versions of both (2009-2010 DB9 and 2013+ GT Sport)...seems to be limited comparison on those specifically.

I am in the market and having a hard time picking between a 2009 DB9 and 2013-2014 Maserati GT Sport. For reference, both would be around the same price point, both would have similar miles (sub 30k miles), both are coupes, both have been meticulously maintained with records, and both are automatic (LA traffic is brutal so actually don't want a proper manual).

Some considerations:

1. The car would be my daily driver and also be used for occasional weekend road trips. From what I gather, both seem to have fairly good reliability, but AM might run a bit more due to brand and v12 engine.
2. For the DB9- I know the back seats are practically unusable, but I am single in my late 20s and don't need the back seats (really only preference of 4-seats would be when I'm doing a roadtrip with friends or have family visiting 1-2 times/yr).
3. My initial plan to hold is for 2-4 years and sell but might hold for longer/ keep it. I don't "expect" an increase in value but if either holds up better in value, that'd be something to consider.
4. Also looking at a base 2013 GranTurismo convertible- seems like that has the 4.7l engine but didn't get the facelift or upgraded seats. Leaning towards the coupes but any strong arguments for the 2013 convertible if it's the exact same price as the '14 sport coupe?
5. I know looks are subjective but both cars look amazing to me- DB9 is more classy/elegant whereas GT looks a bit more sexy/aggressive.
6. The DB9 would not have the sports package.
7. Both cars appear to even each other out with technology- DB9 has outdated GPS but Maserati interior console looks a bit dated, neither have rearview cameras, Maserati has regular turn-in key and DB9 has ECU, etc. I think the $2k price for the DB9 key is absurd but it would come with the car so that's pretty cool lol.

The AM just has this massive elegance/class and the Maserati exhaust sounds like Beethoven's symphony for cars. I know this kind of feels like a "first world problems" question, but any insight or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!

 

Being in LA you should also think about where you have either car maintained. Expertise as well as location, Valley vs. West Side for example. Don’t discount the possibility of needing more than just an annual service visit.

Good luck with your decision between two beautiful rides!

 

@Hedged , thank you for that insight. I have shortlisted a few shops in the LA area (Raging Bull, Modena, Jake's in SD, etc.), albeit those are all anywhere from 15-50 miles away or even 100+ for SD, so if you or anyone has any other recommendations for AM or Maserati specialized independent shops around LA in general, that'd be appreciated. Would probably prefer highly-experienced independent shops instead of dealership.

I am planning on setting aside an additional $2-3k for annual repairs, and will be able to cover larger one-time repairs as well (just hoping for no massive $30k+ bills). I know this is another hotly debated topic here so I didn't mention it, but do you think it'd be worth getting a credible extended warranty for either 1-2 years or 4-5 years? I'd be looking into the likes of LaSalle, EasyCare, Warrantech, etc. and they seem to cost $3-5k for 1-year or $6-10k for 5 years...higher side of range is for AM. If anyone has any recommended contacts for warranty, that'd be appreciated as well.

I agree that both are can't go wrong options!

 

I own both the 2009 DB9 and a Gran Turismo a couple of years older than what you are looking at. As you already discussed, the Maserati has a “real” back seat as compared to the Aston. The Maserati sounds considerably better than the Aston. The interior in the Aston is better in the details than the Maserati (which at some point will also have the “sticky bits” that will need to be addressed - go the Maserati forum for additional details). The Maserati is also rather larger and drives a bit smoother than the Aston, but for its size, feels just as “sporty.” If it is still in good condition, the paint on the Aston is probably one of the best factory jobs you will find. When you look at the details, you can see why the Aston would cost more to manufacture. I added a backup camera to both cars. Both cars are sold/serviced by a common organization that is a distance away, so unless there is something that requires their “dedicated” equipment such as programming electronics, I try to take care of things myself.
I have tried to summarize what I perceive as some of the differences, but I really enjoy both cars and ultimately you need to decide which you prefer as it is truly a subjective and personal opinion as to which would be preferable.

 

Thank you for the insight @wwtxamdb9 , great to hear from someone who's owned both (one of the things I love about this site)! Do you own the coupes or convertibles, and any preference on those?

Which would you use more for a daily driver? Which is a more fun drive in your ownership experience and which has been more reliable? Better yet, if they were in the same price/mileage range, similarly maintained, which would you recommend going for? And if you bought them for around the same price, which do you think is a better value?

I'd like to install a backup camera for the one I purchase, so if you have any recommendations there, that'd be appreciated as well.

 

I have a late model Corvette as the “daily driver,” but both are more than comfortable for use as a daily driver. The Maserati is a coupe and the Aston is a volante (Convertible). I was actually looking for the Aston to also be a coupe, but the selection of convertibles is much greater than coupes. I have no regrets getting the convertible (there are however some maintenance risks with the convertible). So far the Maserati has been marginally more reliable, but I don’t think it is significant enough in the decision process. I would consider both to be GT’s and neither would I consider to be a true sports car. The sound of the Maserati is definitely a plus in the fun department and its sport mode feels more noticeably enhanced as compared to the Astons sport mode. When you go drive them, evaluate them for the feel relative to their size. They both handle very well for GT’s, but the Maserati definitely feel much larger. If you are looking at them both at the same price point, I would project the depreciation on the Maserati to be somewhat steeper. I believe the Aston has a little more cachet, but you really need to go out and drive both to see which one you really desire.

 

Normal dealer service in my experience for the 14 GT is 1500-2500 sometimes 4,000+ every few years. GT would be better for high mileage vs the DB9 in my opinion. Usable rear seats may help. DB9 is is orange to apples. I have no idea how the DB9 is in stop and go traffic. The leftover new Coupes were under 80K last I checked and had 1.9% apr offer. The standard warranty is actually quite good at 4 years. Cars will be punched though if leftover but I see a lot less maintenance on a 18 coupe vs a 13 just due to age. Don't just consider starting cost but maintenance. They aren't cheap to maintain and random stuff on the GT breaks, never stranded except once when dealer forgot to replace a belt during routine service. GT is better daily but DB9 more fun. Both have infotainment with carplay options, not OEM level for a 13 on either car but not horrible. 18 GT has native carplay and better infotainment plus speakers, backup camera.

 

Maserati is cool and beautiful, but it's no Aston Martin.

 

Can't go wrong with either to be honest. I prefer the DB9 over the two myself however.

 

I think if you post this over at the Italian car forum, you'll likely get the same 90%/10% spread in polling in favor of Maserati.

FWIW, I'd get a ferrari as the only italian car... Maserati seems a bit too common.

 

I have a GT and a V8V.... I wouldn’t buy a GT older than 2014... less than 30k miles... 4.7L ... newer seats.. The GT is a very fast car and the backseat have alot of room. Its a DB9 level for alot less. The sport button is real.. You will have to upgrade the head unit on the GT... OEM sucks... prices are dropping because the GT design is dead after 2020...

Ive spent alot of time in AM’s... I got the vantage because the GT is 90% a DB.. both AM and GT are fun in the city. I would say the v12 might not be worth the long value and current price... Mercedes owns 20% of AM, so expect a jump in design like they did the vantage...

both have bad/old OEM audio setups... at least there is an android/carplay unit thats a direct aftermarket fit for the GT...

both are automatic trans... 7speeds.

both have brembo brakes

AM’s dont access well for routine maintenance...

AM’s drive like a track car... very tight steering...

GT’s drive like your bentley.. easy steer.... slow braking...

 

Hi all, just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your help! Unfortunately, I had my heart set on the DB9 after all your helpful comments, but someone else purchased that one. Given how I felt about it, I decided to wait it out for another DB9 (think I might've found another one, but not without its quirks...will start another thread for those quirks as that's a different topic).

Thanks again for all your comments- they were incredibly helpful and allowed me to decide what I want!