Why The 2008 Aston Martin DBS Is A Bad Car, But A Brilliant Aston (Review)
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- čas přidán 16. 01. 2021
- In today's video I am looking at possibly the most revered Aston Martin of modern times - the 2008 DBS. Famous for its starring role in the James Bond films "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace", the DBS is now a highly prized car - but is it actually that good to drive, and live with? Thanks to Julian, I can sample this car on proper roads for the first time.
#AstonMartin #DBS
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This era of DBS and the DB9 are by far the best looking cars made this century, and probably also the best looking aston martins.
You forgot the Rapide. Possibly even better, with its longer wheelbase, has a tad more presence on the road.
amen
The best looking Aston Martin is still the db5 in my opinion,but this one is on the second place,definitely stunning!
the DBS is the peak of aston martin design for me
the best blend of old and new
Just the greatest looking car EVER built.
You miss a very important fact about the DB9, it was and will probably remain Aston's most successful racing car of all time, and will undoubtedly become a classic.
The DB9 wasn't, but the DBR9 was. The DBS took some of the lessons learned from the DBR9 into the design, at least according to Marek Reichman, who designed the DBS.
Tbh, the db9 will by far be my favourite aston of all time, still one of the most beautiful cars ever made
The DB7 is more beautiful, I think, but the DB9 is still absolutely gorgeous.
Every Aston Martin out of the generation of the DB9 are just so amazing looking car, even today they look modern to me. Sadly my bank account says no to an Aston...
@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X I used to like the db7 but I dont think its aged well at all.
@@stichupman
Honestly, five years ago I liked the DB7 better than I do today. Then again I am hopelessly in love with the XK8 ... still crazy after all these years.
@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X, the original XK8 is a genuinely timeless design.
It's absolutely gorgeous. Nicer than the new DBS, although it's still a looker!
Yeah everything just works so well. The styling is gorgeous yet understated.
Learn how to use English properly. “ although” wasn’t needed
I have a DB9, am British and live in Italy. I can confirm that in Italy, an Aston is unbelievably well recieved everywhere it goes...it gives an ownership experience like no other and has a wonderful sense of occasion, it’s a keeper 😎. Mine is the Touchtronic and despite my inital reservations now really enjoy it, it suits a GT car well. Nice, honest review....thanks James 👍🏻
I am Italian and I live in UK, I have a Bentley Continental GT with a lot ..... a lot of troubles.....which I will keep forever because when you drive it it is just heaven......680 bhp !! but now I own a DB9 as well.......I wish a have a son who can race me ......for now I can only say that when I test drive my DB9 I felt in a gokart compare to the bentley .....more videos will follow......if you can buy one just do it !!!! it will not disappoint you, it may be the first step to your dream car DBS !!
Who cares about infotainment in a car like this?
True!! I would prefer a 'map' holder or roadbook holder on the passenger side (which you can fold and unfold into the dashboard. The place of the infotainment screen could be used like a little white board for key roads cues that need attention for driving alone or easy to forget groceries when you are on a journey. It has something to go to a gasstation or a little town to ask directions or look at the map where you are and where you are going. Meet new people on the way. Certainly with the sympathy of the looks of the Aston.
It fits the analog dashboard and all the buttons rather than the digital dashboard what you see now. Maybe that is part of the for me the beauty of this era of Aston Marton the cockpit is rather conservative than hyper modern and flashy.
Actually, one would care about it. My father has an Aston Martin Rapide. A brilliant but deeply flawed car as the there is not enough space at the back. However, the biggest failing is actually its infotainment system. It was so outdated (even when the car is new) that it drove both my father and I mad. We end up driving the CLS 53 amg more than the rapide because the infotainment system is just so helpless that it can’t even connect our phones to play music
Just get a phone holder and a radio jammer/AUX cable. Simple and reliable, and far easier to achieve than sending the Aston to a specialty shop.
I agree with latest Bugatti decision to just don't put that stuff in their cars. It makes your car feel old much quicker and not a timeless machine.
@@jakublulek3261 Aston Martin cleverly made a folding screen, which you pop up and down, in that way you can keep the clean design of the AM. There are FM transmitters, AUX cables and phone holders if you want to use your map and music-- And of course more customized jobs will allow you to do so.
That is why, I really don't hold radio/infotainment against GTs and other fun/sports cars.
This is still my dream car after all these years. Since 2003, Top Gear even has a special locker for this in their cool wall.
This is such an emotive car, at least for me as i remember when i was 17 it was a cold, crisp winter morning back in 2010 and i was on my way to college, i stood at an empty bus stop waiting for my transport to arrive. Now having lived close to a Stratstone Aston/Jaguar dealer you often got a chance to see the odd XK or V8 Vantage etc... but then in the corner of my eye was the unmistakeable shape of a DBS out for a morning cruise from the dealer, looking a lot more sinister than the comfy jaaaags you often saw (especially in black as this one was), the driver slowed, left a gap to the bland eurobox infront, and then pinned it, the V12 roared as it disappeared into the distance and i was hooked even more than i already was :D. Only thing that ever came close was when a similar thing happened with a burgundy XJ220 a few months prior but that was more muted in comparison although it looked like a space ship even now. Essay over!
Great story man, I could picture it in my head almost exactly as you described it. Seeing a car you've lusted after for so long out in the wild is just an experience you don't forget. It reminds me of when I saw my first diablo in my ass end of nowhere mid western US hometown and it changed my whole world.
Pinned? What does that mean? As in collecting butterflies?
Still my all time dream car. It’s such a gorgeous machine
same over here
Bought my Jet Black 6 speed in 2016 and never looked back.
Prices have gone up 50% here on manual examples since then, but the combination of a 6 speed manual, RWD, NA V12, and gorgeous, timeless looks inside and out means I'd sell my home before I ever got rid of her.
The Aston, that's looks more like an Aston, than any other Aston.
For me, this car is a perfect example of how you mix style, beauty and elegance, but still maintain that sportiness and road presence. Plus it's just cool.
I wish Ford never used that grill design, although it's still a looker I can't help but be reminded of a focus/fiesta.
Yeah, I know. I totally agree fords look great with it but it's such a distinctive design element for Aston Martin. If they were cars that are in the same price bracket it would be alright....
As a ford focus(19plate) and ford fiesta (13plate) owner I feel completely the opposite😎
@@DaleSteel The Aston grill design was around long before Ford took over.
@@DaleSteel sure, but the design language is the same. Of course the 2021 Porsche 911 is not the same exact form as a 1973 Porsche 911, but they’re both very clearly Porsche 911’s.
This is a car that whenever you walked away would always turn back to sneak another look and you would get up in the middle of the night to look in the garage and take in in its drama and striking looks.
It is exactly what an Aston Martin should be and if that is something that means something to you I doubt you would ever regret getting one of these over a 997. Imagine a dirty weekend away in your Aston with all that drama but still cosseted in so much style and enough room for some luggage and your tuxedo and or cocktail dress to channel your inner James Bond.
I used to dream about having a DB9 and just waking up in the middle of the night and going for a long quite drive. And it was always an DB9
I agree with most of what you said, but if I owned a DBS, the very last thing I'd do is ever wear a tuxedo anywhere near it. That would be utterly cheesy.
This is THE bond car. Not the auto. James Bond is a guy who gets things done, not a guy who gets things done for him.
That V12 sound... speakers up, please! Love the looks of Astons, so classy!
My employer has a db9, sounds and looks fantastic imo. Never gets old
I think the DBS is way better than a vantage or vanquish, imo
Its on par with the vanquish actually and i love vanquish more
One of the best looking modern cars ever made. Amazing car, a true modern classic. It’s stunning.
JayEmm on Cars....
Now in Colour.
Loving your content, regards from Tokyo!
Thanks Jun!
Your driving reviews are so comprehensive. So much great opinion and facts about how the car drives, comparison with similar types. Always good stuff.
Thankyou
For me the latest Aston's are brilliant GT cars but they feel quite numb and not very engaging, my DBS is the ideal halfway house between the effortless GT cars which is still engaging and exciting when you want to drive it like a sports car.. I love it.
Also the looks on the new cars are just hideous.
Do you have the manual? Is the clutch as bad as Jay makes out here and does it only last for 15000mls?
@@Christian--- yea I’m not the biggest fan of the new ones. I prefer the older designs
@DIG MC While I have never been a fan of Aston Martin design, I think the new DBS is very pretty. The new Vantage however looks quite hideous imo. Interesting how taste can differ.
@@ianrkav I have a 2009 DBS manual. It's not as bad as he makes it out to be, unless the clutch is worn. I've put over 33k miles on mine since I bought it in 2017. Car has nearly 50k miles total. The thing you have to get used to is the bite point of the clutch is higher than on most other cars. Other than that, it's not a big deal. Like JayEmm says, clutch life depends on how you drive it. I have over 15k miles on my clutch, and it still works fine.
Can’t believe that I’ve only just came across your channel. Much better and more in depth content that living life fast, officially gassed etc. Keep up the great content man 👍🏼👍🏼
Better late than never :)
Your review is spot-on...the DBS is all about the "Big Picture"! I almost bought a 2008 DBS 5 years ago, but chose a Ferrari 456M GT and still enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a 2nd chance to buy a DBS, but selected a Ferrari 550 Maranello (Fiorano) instead. So the DBS is still on my bucket list...after all you are right to say it is a: special "Bond Casino Royale" car.
Rather have a 599 than a DBS but definitely a DBS over a 550 M
Still have the 456? Many issues?
Your channel may not earn all that much but you do get to drive some astounding cars.
This car. All day long. Although, I’m sure my Vantage is probably more practical.... that’s the thing with cars. It’s definitely ❤️ over head! Another great video. Thanks!
I would be quite happy enough owning that one.
Like that 80s style music on your outro too.
Love this, such a spot on review. As you and others have said, the standard Vantage is such a good place to start, or the DB9, if you must have a V12!
Best looking AM of all time imho. And probably up there in my top 5 of best looking cars ever made. There’s one like the one in the video but with a splash of tan in the interior and an automatic gearbox being auctioned by BVA Auctions in the coming days. Very tempting...very tempting indeed!
@JayEmm I believe the tricky back end is largely due to the old OEM Pirelli P Zeros. I had the same experience, until I equipped my 2009 DBS with Michelin P4S, and it improved the ride quality, reduced road noise, and improved grip considerably, particularly in the cold and wet. The clutch bite point is higher than in many other cars, but once you get used to it, it's fine. Totally agree on reversing in it. The reverse gear just isn't as low as it should be (the manual DB9 seem to have the same problem). Makes backing uphill tricky. I've put a bit over 33,000 miles on mine since purchasing it in 2017, and did change the clutch. The early clutch plates made an annoying noise if you slipped it at all, so that had to go. The fresh clutch transformed the car. V12 Vantage 6-speed had the same issue. If you don't abuse the clutch, it will actually last for quite a while. For me, while the second-generation Vanquish has a lot of improvements over the DBS, there's no substitute for the engaging drive of the manual DBS.
Have you driven both this and the Vanquish? I'm just curious if you have how they compare and contrast
I've driven the second generation Vanquish (that replaced DBS in 2013) and enjoyed it, especially the later S model. It gives you an updated interior, a bit better ride, and a bit more performance, and updated styling. DBS is a bit more raw and engaging, but refined enough for long trips, and can be had with a proper manual gearbox. Both cars have very dated infotainment systems, but that can be sorted with the Aston Installations CarPlay upgrade. They are both a joy to drive, but the experience is different. It comes down to what is important to you.
Really nice video, and fantastic car! I‘m surprised you don‘t mention the 599, which I think was the clear rival. Same generation and of course both being front V12 GT‘s. I loved reading comparisons between the two in sports car magazines at the time.
*My MY2010 DBS has 55k on the clock now,.I dont really care about keeping the miles down.*
I went with a V8 Vantage S Roadster with a manual gearbox... I didn't get the current Aston range when I bought it back in 2018, but since they have all grown on me in different ways. There's a strange brand love there for me, it didn't matter at the time that I could pick a 911 or an F355 or even an R8 V10, I only had eyes for an Aston
Aside from an early R35 GT-R, a Lexus LFA and a BMW E31, The Aston DBS is my favourite poster car of all time. I fell in love with it as a child when I saw it on Top Gear, and hopefully one day I'll get the chance to own one.
The Miura is stunning too imo.
Great video Jay 👍
This was and still is a perfect looker, especially in that bluish metal silver.
Absolutely! Mako Blue and Lightning Silver are the blue-silver and silver-blue variants from this era. (I have a Mako Blue 2012 V8V.)
Agree! I have a lightning blue V8 Vantage and the colour still takes me by surprise in different lights, especially at night it positively glows.
Great video. Love this generation of Aston.
Was lucky enough to be a passenger in one of those once, such an awesome car. Amazing brakes too haha
Lovely, I just found your channel and I especially like your Aston Martin reviews, these cars are so nice! Dreaming of a DB9 or Virage. Can you get your hands on a current Mini (F56)? I drive one and would love to hear your opinion on the car.
Thanks for making this review
JayEmm how does the clutch feel compared to the lighter bamford rose clutch you tested the other year? just in your opinion?
My favourite bond car is the Esprit from Spy Who Loved me, I had the corgi model as a child - favourite Bond Aston the DB5 of course!
This, the DB5 and the V8 Vantage from The Living Daylights are my top 3 favourite Aston Martin bond cars, the Astons I'd have on my driveway (in a distant future when I'll be rich enough to afford all 3 of them).
Love both DBS and Vanquish II. Probably will go for Vanquish II when the chance comes.
For now, G12 730LD for drive, m235i for garage.
That has to be the best sound from a car ever
That DBS sounds lovely, this very spec (inc colour, gearbox etc) would sit very well indeed on my driveway!
Great video
Thank you very much for your video. I am the lucky owner of Casino Royal manual DBS. This car is 165000 kms and gives all it sensationnal power. The cluch has been replaced by a new, and it is very easy and sweet to use. I love it
Hi Jay - sorry I'm late to the comments on this. I'm a huge Bond fan and adore the DBS, but the car of my teens that I drooled over was the v550 Vantage - if I had the opportunity to own either, although I'm quite torn, I think nostalgia would win out and I'd opt for the v550 over the DBS. Am I mad? Anyway, thanks hugely for the unrivalled content you're putting out. I really enjoy your format, manner, knowledge, and advice. Great stuff. Cheers, Chris
They are such a nice car. Fun fact is that the V8 Vantage and DB9 are very similar because they have the same chassi for the most part. And the V8 Vantage was designed first and then it got sligtly stretched in the cabin area for the DB9 and to cope with the proportions they have "extensions" that bolt on to extend the nose, thats why the v12 fits so well in the V8 vantage chassi ;) I got to learn this when i was at the factory for training back in 2006. We actualy installed a pair of those seats found in the DBS in a presscar in the pressgarage in 2006, a face lift so to say.
Hi @JayEmm, could you make a video content about your opinion about Aston Martin DB7.
Loving the number plate👍
My dream car,well,the volante Jeremy drove to Roménia but i would be very happy with one like this.
Well JayEmm, I´ll correct you slightly. Its an brilliant car, and a excellent Aston (Maybe the best). Its the pinnacle of car design and the last breath of an era we will never see again, analog, natural aspirated manual true drivers car!
Hi Jay, which one would you have between this and a V12 vantage from the same era (2008-2009 manual gearbox)? And whay? Is the v12 vantage more comfortable?
I would say DBS is more comfortable as V12V does not have adaptable suspension
Americans looooooove the Aston Martin badge too. And they love the FTypeR. Everywhere I go the response to my FTypeR is positive. Never had that with any other car. As a matter of fact half of people glared negatively at my red BMW z4M roadster. It’s strange. Some cars just seem flashy and attract rage.
The sound and look is magical. I don’t think the DB11 is anywhere near it in appearance. Shame so few were made with manuals.
What a stunner!! I've also been confused by the gear knob, very strange design... But who cares, when the car is this pretty!
anyone tried the Virage which was in production for a couple of years? any good?
I have a 2009 DB9 and it’s the perfect driver for me. Looks fantastic and quality interior. Only downside are the maintenance costs so people buying these need a big war chest of funds to cover this.
Could you give me a quick rundown of costs please? I’m just looking at DBS manual transmission and have narrowed it down to a couple , I’m coming from 911’s which I had a monthly maintenance plan with so an idea of what I can expect would be helpful please.
@@richardrawden8894 - four new suspension struts £5000, service £1000-£1800, tyres £400 per corner. Road tax £630. Coil packs and spark plugs £1500. Labour costs are £140/hour +.
@@robbey300 thank you. How often do the struts and spark plugs need replacing please? I’ve sourced a reasonably low mileage DBS (09 plate under 24k in the clock) I understand the carbon ceramics can be very expensive but if not tracked can last up to 100k looked at a service package which is a bit nearer the 1k, knew the road tax was £630, just wandering about a clutch replacement….
@@richardrawden8894 I had plugs and coil packs done at 55k miles. CCM brakes have a very long life, unless you overheat them on track. I picked up my car with 16k miles on it, and had the clutch done at about 30k miles. I'm now at over 60k miles, same clutch. I do drive fairly aggressively on winding mountain roads, and have been stuck in traffic on hills on occasion, but I don't track the car. Clutch still feels good. FYI, the clutch kit comes with a new flywheel as well. Parts and labor were US$8,000. Half of that was the labor. It's quite an adventure to access the clutch, requiring dropping the drivetrain at least partially out of the car. Take care of the clutch, and the clutch will take care of you. :-)
Not many available in Australia and it's my dream car.
which aston has the best headroom/best frontal visibility
Brilliant stuff, I would have a ''pure" DB9 manual with Bamford Rose upgrades, absolute perfection!!
What a timeless beauty! Aston at it’s very best.
Question ????.... Hi, am looking at get an Aston Martin.... At the moment am looking between 2015 Vantage N430 with 34k miles or 2013 facelift DB9 17k miles, have Maserati GT'S right now, am thinking the DB9 would be better for long journeys ? less road noise etc.... keep the good work up 😀
I'm no expert but I'd imagine so. Very different driving experience and it would wholly depend on the cars use
JayM. Just shear beautiful the VH-DBS with authenticity of a 6 speed manual ! What else would you get to replace a british beast in fashionable black ? V.
What a noise at the start of the film!!! 😯❤❤❤
I test drove a Vantage S with the 7 speed box and it is great but took the DBS Manual home.
There must be some clever engineers out there who can re-programme the suspension setting, in order to fine tune how ever many selections are possible to best suit your tastes and requirements.
Good afternoon from Manchester. The BMW 650 that you tested in a prev video is more practical and cheaper to run ..... :)
In your opinion is there a massive difference between the DBS and the Jaguar XKR (X150) ? I currently own an XKR and the DBS is my grail. Just wondering if it's a case of never meet your heroes and better the devil you know.
Most beautiful car ever made, in my opinion.
Would like to have a go in such an Aston🤩
At that price point I would probably buy the Mercedes GT as Ford have made that front grill less exclusive, nice review of a nice car with glorious engine sound.
Thank you James. Lovely car and, along with the Vanquish, something I keep revisiting on Autotrader. Might happen one day!
2000 DB7 Vanrage for me in BRG w/brick red leather with those turbine wheels 🔥🔥🔥
Graig at dyno tech ( driftworks) has a Aston Martin with a ls swap I would like to see you do a review on that car.
Expected lifetime of the cluth 15,000 km? On a Gran Turismo? No wonder everyone wanted the automatic gearbox.
...except what makes you think the auto box will be cheaper to maintain?
@@neilcoo no clutch that fails after 15,000km...
Bond Aston? Would have to be the X-Pack Vantage form living daylights, always had a soft spot for them. A road test of one of them would be nice & if you could find one a 7ltr Williams conversion as comparison 🤔
Can I choose the Bond Villain Car the Jaguar C-X75?
Is the door nameplate really held on by a pair of philips head screws???
It's a very nice car! I would say its stealth, understated....in the same breath that you mentioned the Porsche and Ferrari models that it muscles with. No huge ott wings, garish colours and noise you can hear from 5miles away. It's a gentleman's car but one that you can fun in, if you want, or, drive your supermodel girlfriend for a long weekend to Monaco.
Absolutely perfect.
Wasn’t expecting to see the mirror controls out of my Volvo in this video!
The new dbs has both "power" and "beauty" but it lacks the "soul" that this dbs has.
Can you comment on the ride quality between this and the Evora 400/410? Obviously apples/oranges but I am curious if the DBS is “sporting” enough and the Evora is “GT” enough.
The Aston is considerably firmer. The Evora rides like you think the Aston should. It is actually an excellent GT.
@@JayEmmOnCars thanks for the quick response! That’s very impressive, given the Evora’s “simplified” setup. I imagine the Evora feels more compliant than even a 991 GT3 touring/winged variant?
Got this one at home so it's THE best for me :)
My dream lottery winning car back in the day😀
Aston interiors never live up to the exteriors and the price.
Astons never live up to the exteriors and the price.
I think the DBX will change that, the interior is half decent and a step up from the other cars and the massive wads of cash it'll hand to Aston will let them actually make well rounded cars. Exactly what happened to Porsche in the 2000s with the cayenne
@@EvoraGT430 Enjoy your minivan.
Spend any amount of time driving about in an Aston and you will change your mind, it is simply a glorious place to be. Currently have a DB9 and an R35 GTR on the drive, I take the GTR to go fast but the Aston to feel special.
@@dizzy2020 You've nailed it. That's probably where the infantile decision to call the DBS key an "emotional control unit" came from. The need to associate with something popular, without understanding its quality or history led to what looked like a clash of cultures. Rather like ordering a $10k bottle of wine at a restaurant and asking to put sugar in it...
Come on @jayemm...you making millions with CZcams.
If only
You mention that this car’s clutch will only last 15k. Is that also true of the other similar cars, eg v12 vantage manual?
Depends how they're driven, but I do believe they're not as bad
I still want one.
If I could have any Aston Martin, I would have the Vulcan. I know it can only be driven on a track, but I'm okay with that.
If I am being realistic though, I'd have a V8 Vantage from the late 80s or 90s. The just look cool.
Goldeneye at the top of the tree. I see you, too, are a man of culture.
If I had to choose a Bond car to own it would either be the Lotus Esprit or Aston. DB5.
My favourite looking aston and probably one of the best looking cars of all time, It’s a true Aston
I appreciate the Casino Royale remarks.
"Second or third only to Goldeneye"
**Smashes the subscribe button**
Dear James,
I’d like to know how it compares to a 599. On par in price and as a GT imho.
Keep it up! Cheers!
The 599's F1 box is flawed, the Aston manual is better. 599 manuals are very rare and crazy money.
The 599's engine is vastly better, but the car feels huge. However it is really very comfortable - an excellent GT
@@JayEmmOnCars - Thank you! Crazy money for manual 599’s indeed. Didn’t know about the flawed F1 transmission.
The bond car question -. Toyota 2000 GT. (Worth a fortune)