Should I buy a DB7 Vantage?

[Agent57]

So I have now reached the stage in life where an Aston is a possibility (albeit a ten year old one.)

My heart says "yes", but my head says "ooh that's a bit risky".

If I only do about 2000 miles a year, how horendous would the servicing costs be?

I'm in no rush, so can wait until I see the right car.

[paddy328]

Alot of car for the money these days. Go for it.

[jas xjr]

The only issue would be lack of use. All cars need to be driven on a regular basis

[LordBretSinclair]

Definitely go for it.

Servicing costs are relatively reasonable until the "45,000" one when coils and plugs need replacing. McGurks now do fixed price servicing for the Vantage - have a look at their website for prices.

[williamp]

with that milages you;d be looking at annual servicing, so not too bad at all...

Go for it. You're not getting any younger, fuel isnt getting any cheaper etc

[yeti]

I doubt there's a DB7 Vantage out there that hasn't had the coils and plugs done by now, they usually last about 7 years it seems, not sonmuch mileage dependent. I would certainly only get one that had it already done.

Otherwise as said, lack of use causes the aircon to gum up, with the 19" wheels they consume suspension parts but what a car!! Fast, classy, beautiful. I miss mine very day!

What are you coming from, car wise? Running costs are on a par with other £100k+ cars, but a great network of specialists ease te burden. Talk to Chiltern Aston for great advice and maybe even a car!

[Agent57]

Thanks for all the comments.

My current car is a 1997 MR2 that I've had for years. Still looks great, very reliable and minimal running costs. I tend to buy cars I really like and keep them for a long time, garaged and in good condition.

Obviously an Aston is a totally different car to the MR2.

Although I love my MR2, I have no qualms about parking it in Asda car park or driving to work in cold winter mornings and parking in a narrow underground car park.

So although my head still says yes, I'm not sure how much an Aston would get driven. Maybe I should take up golf to have somewhere to arrive at.

[bob1179]

Do it!

I bought one in the summer and it is a fantastic car, the only problem I have is work so the car doesn't get used as much as I would like.

Mine also has a throaty exhaust and sounds absolutely fantastic when you give it some beans. I absolutely love it!

[yeti]

No problems parking it in supermarket car parks, the DB7 is a very narrow car compared to the 355 or even the DB9. I doubt it's wider than your MR2.

Just beware that people may open doors onto it so try and park away from the rabble! But park in the middle of nowhere, when you come back out, some nobber will have parked their people carrier next to it!

[ShortTimers]

Yeti, you know these cars are magnetic..... I used to park mine miles away from anyone and when I came back it always had shopping carts near it.... to close for comfort....

[bob1179]

yeti said:

Just beware that people may open doors onto it so try and park away from the rabble! But park in the middle of nowhere, when you come back out, some nobber will have parked their people carrier next to it!

Funny you should say this, I have just got back from PC World as I ha to pop out for some printer cartridges. I parked my Merc miles from anybody in a space where I thought nobody would bother to go near, and lo and behold, I come back to find a bloody great Ford Galaxy parked right next to me!

Nice cars all seem to act like MPV magnets.



Just to get back on topic though - Get the DB7 bought!

[JMC1]

Absolutely why not beautiful cars especially the V12.
I purchased a 9,000 mile 2002 DB7 Vantage in 2004 and sold it in December 2011 for financial reasons and I am missing it so badly. Yes it had a few faults, yes I have owned faster cars but it just made me feel special.
Buy one and enjoy but make sure you go to a good service specialist that does not rip you of and can do the job properly. After many many disappointing issues with Aston works service in the first year I nearly sold the car until I was recommended to use Grange Exeter who solved all my problems and kept the car tip top.

Enjoy

[ShortTimers]

JMC1 said:

Absolutely why not beautiful cars especially the V12.
I purchased a 9,000 mile 2002 DB7 Vantage in 2004 and sold it in December 2011 for financial reasons and I am missing it so badly. Yes it had a few faults, yes I have owned faster cars but it just made me feel special.
Buy one and enjoy but make sure you go to a good service specialist that does not rip you of and can do the job properly. After many many disappointing issues with Aston works service in the first year I nearly sold the car until I was recommended to use Grange Exeter who solved all my problems and kept the car tip top.

Enjoy

JMC, do you have any pictures of the rear end of your DB7, interested in seeing the Zagato rear end.

[JMC1]

ShortTimers,

I hope these upload properly sorry not been sooner had not realised that you had posted a request until late last night.

[JMC1]

Sorry ShortTimers I forgot to say that it looks ok in the photos but even better in real life.

[verminator]

I had the same lovely dilemma as you. Really looked into which model to buy. Head said i6.Much better running costs plus purity of styling. Heart said Vantage. After realising that i would probably only be doing about 2k a year the servicing costs didn't seem that important. I did however have a full written report on the car and costed in the price of a full service including plugs and coils £1300, when i made my offer.
I wanted a volante manual even though the coupe is a better drivers car if you are pushing on. I managed to get the spec. i wanted and its been a great car with no expense since. On a sunny day with the hood down and the manual box playing tunes on the sports exhaust it really does seem very special for not a lot of money. Buy one, your a long time dead.

[verminator]

PS. Another advantage to buying a DB7 is that the prices have bottomed out. They haven't dropped for 4yrs now, and i cant see that changing. I was talking to a guy at an Aston show in the summer who had a new V8V.He was lovingly looking at my car and said i really want one of these they seem to get better looking as time goes by. Maybe people are starting to appreciate them for their stunning looks and not just an entry Aston.

[blackice1]

Before you buy , let a dealer have a look if the car is not from a dealer .

Check underneath , balljoints,bushes etc , prone to splitting and cracking .

If you are not to far away from Amersham bucks , My team will be glad to give a car the once over for you FOC.

[ChrisDB7]

As others have said they are absolutely superb cars. It's not my daily driver but it does get through 5 or 6000 miles a year and even after owning it 2 years it still puts a massive grin on my face every time. Get used to people stopping in the street and staring!

The only warning I'd give is to make sure you go in with your eyes open. Regular servicing and maintenance about £1500 p.a. sound right but make sure if you have a bigger problem you're going to be comfortable(ish) with the bill. A friendly knowledgable specialist (I recommend Bamford Rose) will be a big help here. A professional inspection might be a good idea for piece of mind, although to be honest the main dealer who did mine missed a few things.

Oh, and make sure you get one with a sports exhaust, the sound is something else.

Good Luck!

[Agent57]

Thanks for all the comments. Seems to be an overwhelming yes. (what a surprise!)

It'll be summertime before I make a purchase.

I decided on the V12 as they are newer and I actually prefer the styling.

Also, in for a penny... might as well go the whole way.