1996 Aston Martin DB7 3.2

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

Immobiliser keeps stopping the car. It's never stopped going along, but 3 times I've parked it and it won't start again. When I don't hear the fuel pump running, I know it won't start. 3 times on a break down truck. I have only had it for 7 months, and like they all say, buy the best you can afford with a full service history, and I did. Just to mention it was collected today from Tesco by the AA.

General Comments:

I love it to death, used to have a DB6 for 20+ years, never missed a beat. Never thought I'd have another Aston, then went for it, a big hole in my savings. When it's running I have a big smile on my face, that's what they do, but I need reliability. If you know how to disconnect the immobiliser, please tell me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2015

29th Nov 2022, 17:17

One of the best looking Astons.

2003 Aston Martin DB7 GT 6.0 litre V12

Summary:

The stress nearly sent me mad

Faults:

No less than 53 claims on the warranty over the three years from first build.

Problems during that time included replacing 7 plastic coolant tanks that had cracked, faulty air con, back parcel shelf that disintegrated of it's own accord, bits falling off everywhere..

Broke down in France on a long road trip back to the UK - issues with fuel evaporation. The Aston Martin break down service turned out to be sub contracted to another firm who damaged the car when bringing back to the UK. Thousands worth of body work damage that Aston Martin Customer Service tried to blame me for.

As soon as the warranty ran out, the car was losing oil and was told I would need a new engine as a cost of 18,000. Lawyers were involved and we came to a compromise. Fell seriously out of love with the car and sold it to a dealer after putting in a new engine at a deflated price.

General Comments:

Handles well and very fast - cabin very tight and plastic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th June, 2008

17th May 2009, 07:10

DB7 is a Grand Touring car, and grand touring cars should be reliable.

1st Jul 2010, 22:17

Uh oh, you haven't been paying attention to Mr Clarkson now have you? Save yourself any further heartbreak and get a 911. You know it makes sense.

16th Aug 2010, 18:26

Sounds awful - shame as it's such a beautiful car.

I was very tempted to get second-hand one a couple of years back.

The dealer told me that he had ordered another fuel cap for it - a standard cap. Aston told him it would cost £300.

I would have thought £30 would have been enough for an item costing about £5 to make.

I have heard horror stories about the Aston Martin Lagonda - the same dealer told me he got one to sell, and it caught fire after a short run down the motorway. Problem with the infamous digital dashboard. Aston charged £20,000 to get it sorted out. Bargain.

Another thing - a friend of mine worked as an engineer at Aston till a few years back - told me they called the Lagonda 'The Shed' in the factory, as it was built in a similar manner. I still like them though - crazy things.

In reply to 17th May 2009, 07:10

20th Dec 2014, 19:45

Buy a Mustang GT with the Coyote V8 engine... fantastic/brilliant!

20th May 2024, 18:23

Shame you had this experience. The DB7 is a gorgeous car.

2003 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante 6.0

Summary:

Nightmare

Faults:

Broke down 1st week; electrical problems.

Roof out of alignment.

Fuel twice contaminated by water, which holds in fuel filler cap.

New starter motor 1st year.

Loads of sensors replaced.

New radiator.

Four header tanks.

Accelerated on its own loads of times.

Cuts out whilst on the move.

Massive dealer problems and with Aston themselves.

Endless breakdowns - not enough room to list here.

General Comments:

Not a good investment - to me it's been an absolute nightmare!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st January, 2008

19th Mar 2008, 06:43

Okay, this is really scary. Corroboration anyone?

A lot of us are seduced by this car's beauty and exclusivity, along with its reasonable cost pre-owned. Are we fools or not?

19th May 2008, 14:28

YES we are all fools when it comes to expensive cars! Join the club.

11th Dec 2008, 21:27

Aston Martin is a beautiful car (to buy and PARK and NEVER EVER drive it. Just look at it and know you own what James Bond drove.) Just park it in the driveway so the neighbors can see it.

The best way is to buy one on eBay for about $20,000 from someone who was fool enough to think you could actually DRIVE one of these cars on a daily basis.

13th Jan 2009, 23:52

Aston has not been the same since they were sold off. Unfortunately you're not the only story like that I've heard. Very expensive and very useless.

21st Jan 2010, 01:31

I have owned a 2000 Vantage Volante for a year and love it... I am selling to buy a DB9 if I can.

2nd Aug 2010, 16:57

Actually, James Bond never ever drove a DB7. He drove BMW's when DB7's came out.

3rd Aug 2010, 07:35

I would like to have the DB5 he drove; ejector seat, bulletproof shield, machine guns, smoke shield etc. A nicely optioned sports car.

9th Dec 2010, 12:59

I too am all too familiar with Aston Martin's shocking quality... They're cheap for a reason. Steer clear! This is a car for idiots only - or those who don't mind if a car only looks good. The newer Aston V8 Vantage though has been quite reliable for my wife, but it's still too soon to say. Personally, I'd go for something else.

27th Feb 2016, 02:58

I have a 2003 DB7 Vantage Coupe and have been pretty impressed with it so far. It is beautiful, the V12 sounds incredible, and it is a fun car to drive.

Make no mistake though, they are pricey to own, however. Probably not feasible to daily drive one, but as a weekend car it's a good choice. Find a good specialist who can properly maintain the car and find parts suppliers online to cut parts costs. I live in the US, and most of the parts I find are in the UK, but even with shipping they are cheaper than my local specialist charges, and much cheaper than the dealer charges.

Find a good one and maintain it properly and you will be a happy man! They truly are a great car!