The used-car market has a funny way of humbling new-car pricing, and right now it's serving up one of the more striking examples in the grand-tourer segment. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL 43 is the entry-level variant of Mercedes' glamorous drop-top, packing a hybrid-assisted 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder along with a thoroughly modern equipment list. The catch? It asks $112,550 before you've even glanced at the options sheet — a sobering sum for a car running on four cylinders.That figure is striking enough on its own, but it becomes genuinely thought-provoking when you realize that used examples of the Aston Martin DB11 — a twin-turbocharged V12 grand tourer from one of the world's most storied sports car makers — can now be found for less. For any self-respecting gearhead, that's a comparison worth exploring. The DB11 Had The Tough Task Of Following The DB9 Aston Martin The Aston Martin DB11 was the British brand's continuation of its modern era, which largely got underway with the introduction of the DB11's forerunner, the DB9. The DB9 featured a revolutionary new chassis that was stronger and lighter than the one found in the preceding Miata parts-sharing DB7, while its cabin blended contemporary style with classic Aston elegance.The 6.0-liter V12 followed the same philosophy — lighter, more powerful, and cleaner than its predecessor, yet still capable of delivering that signature Aston V12 howl. The DB9 proved to be a huge success for the marque, meaning it had it all to do when the time finally came to replace it. The DB11 made its debut in 2016, and it represented a step forward in several ways. The DB11 Was Even More Advanced Than The DB9 Aston Martin The DB11 was the most powerful road car Aston Martin had ever produced at the time of its debut, a record made possible by a new twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 delivering 591 hp. The engine was paired with a faster and smoother eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It also rode on a stiffer and lighter chassis than the DB9, and wore more angular, purposeful styling that more closely reflected Aston's modern design language.Alongside these enhancements, the DB11 retains a classy and comfortable cockpit that makes it a great long-distance cruiser. Thanks to depreciation, used examples are now significantly more affordable than they were when new. Early DB11s Can Be Had For Less Than Half Their Original CostAston Martin When shiny and new, a 2017 DB11 would set you back $211,995, and that was before you even thought about taking a look at the options list. Nowadays, they can be had for well under $100,000, even those with lower mileage. According to Classic.com, which collates auction listings from around the globe, the average sale price for a used DB11 in mid-2025 is $118,000, and this includes newer and more expensive specimens.A compelling case in point is a blue Launch Edition example that has covered only 16,000 miles during its eight-year life. The car is thought to be one of only 23 examples finished in the special Frosted Glass Blue color, and it comes with a clean title and is in excellent condition inside and out. The vehicle sold through Bring a Trailer for $101,000 — around $10,000 less than a new SL 43 demands from your wallet. The DB11 Is A Considerable Step Up From The SL 43 Aston Martin Considering the low mileage on that DB11, it's difficult to see how the new Mercedes justifies a $10,000 premium. The Aston brings a more prestigious badge, a more luxurious cabin, and superior performance to the table. In terms of standard equipment, the Mercedes does edge out the Aston slightly, but a thorough search should turn up a DB11 fitted with many of those desirable extras.The plusher cabin does make a difference, with touches like an Alcantara headliner helping to put the DB11 ahead. Where the Aston really stands out, though, is on the road. The DB11 Is In Another League From A Performance Perspective Aston MartinIt must be said, the four-pot placed under the hood of the SL 43 is an impressive unit. Despite its compact size, it sends 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, which is enough to get it to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That's admirable, but it's a different story against the DB11. The Aston's 591-hp V12 launches it to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 200 mph, while the SL 43 is limited to 171 mph. The V12 also delivers a far more stirring engine note than the more muted tone of the Mercedes' four-cylinder.The DB11 also comes with a fully independent suspension setup, which works with an adaptive damping system to ensure each wheel enjoys optimal grip at all times, no matter the state of the road surface. The SL 43 also features a fully independent suspension layout, though adaptive damping will set you back an extra $2,850 on top of the base price. Both cars come with a six-piston caliper front braking setup, though the DB11 uses slightly larger 15.7-inch discs versus the SL 43's 15.4-inch rotors. The SL 43 Is A Strong Option, But Lacks The Special Sauce Of The Aston Mercedes-AMG The SL 43 may be brand-new and comes with a similarly stacked equipment list compared to the DB11, but it won't get your pulse racing in quite the same way. It's significantly down on power and outright performance, and its four-cylinder's soundtrack isn't in the same league as the V12's. The Aston is also arguably prettier inside and out, and carries a considerably cooler badge.If you're looking to spend around $100,000 on a sporty two-door cruiser, it's hard to look away from the DB11 — unless fuel economy is your primary concern. The Old DB9 Still Offers Amazing Value For Money Aston MartinLet's face it, both options are still crazily expensive for most gearheads. For those who want to stretch their budget further, a clean example of the venerable Aston Martin DB9 remains a compelling alternative. According to the CarBuzz Marketplace, you can expect to pay around $50,000 for a 2009 DB9 in good condition, with cleaner, lower-mileage examples pushing closer to $75,000. It may not be quite as powerful as its twin-turbocharged successor, but the DB9's naturally aspirated V12 makes an arguably better noise and still puts 470 hp at your disposal.Aston Martin You'll also get to enjoy its impossibly pretty body and cabin, though shop around to make sure you find one that's been well looked after. Astons aren't known for their bulletproof cabin quality, so examples that haven't been cherished can look a little tired after more than a decade on the road. For less than half the cost of a new SL 43 or a clean used DB11, a well-maintained DB9 is a genuinely great choice for a lot less money.