DB7 Vantage - high-miler?

[manek]

I'm casting a roving eye for a DB7, possibly a Vantage if one falls into my price bracket. I've spotted one that's relatively cheap: 99T with 52k miles.

Would you think that's a high miler - and if so, what might the problems be, if any?

Thanks.

[manek]

Thoughts, anyone?

[jeremyc]

You might want to review the posts and/or ask some questions over at the Aston Martin Owners Club forum. There is a lot of information over there on what to look out for in the (earlier) i6 cars.

Of course, I'd urge you to wait for a V12 to come along.....

>> Edited by jeremyc on Monday 1st August 15:41

[manek]

Yes, the one I've spotted is a Vantage...low price too!

PS: have hung around on AMOC but traffic is higher here.

>> Edited by manek on Monday 1st August 15:55

[jeremyc]

A 99/T will be one of the very first Vantages; I'm not aware of any specific problems, but there were a number of recalls/campaigns on the model so make sure they've all been addressed.

52K isn't a huge mileage for a 6 year old car, but remember that any maintenance on a £100K supercar will have commensurate costs involved.

You could always get it inspected at an independent expert like Chiltern Aston Centre, RS Williams or similar.

[manek]

Thanks for the tips!

[Andrew Noakes]

The mileage shouldn't lead to any major problems. It should have had a big service at 45,000 miles, but it's important to check it was a full 45,000-mile service and not just oil/filter/stamp the book.

Apparently 99/00 DB7s weren't undersealed from the factory, for some reason, so it would need a careful check over for rust. The biggest problem is accident damage that's been badly/cheaply repaired.

[manek]

Thanks Andrew.

After yesterday's successful visit to Chiltern (nice people) and HWM, a main dealer, I find myself leaning towards an i6, and then getting it tweaked. You can liberate an extra 50bhp+ with the appliction of some cash and still come out ahead in terms of both capital outlay and ongoing costs, compared to a V12.

And I didn't find the 'older' DB7 a problem, though I'll admit you can't always tell much if you haven't got comfortable with the car and driven your fave roads.

[richb]

There was a decent 4 or 5 page DB7 "buyers guide" in one of the glossy car mags a few months ago, but I can't remember which one! It covered cost of ownership, what to loook for etc. etc. Anyone remember it? Rich...

[manek]

That would be good! I'll have a poke around my old Evos -- hadn't done it before because there's loads of them...

[manek]

I agree -- in theory. In the Aston market though (and it's not alone), it is because they're not expected to be daily drivers, and it becomes a huge factor in a car's price. I've had this confirmed by a number of dealers: it ain't the engineering, it's the people...

[richb]

No one remember the feature? It focused on owning a 6 cyl Supercharged version i.e. pre-Vantage. Rich...

[twin turbo]

I do remember the article, but it may have been in Top Gear or Car.

[wombat74]

I think it was Autocar, came out just after I bought mine! Which means it was prob late Feb or Early March.

[manek]

Shame I've chucked my old ones. Don't suppose you've still got it...?

[wombat74]

I will have a look.

[manek]

Many thanks!

[manek]

Any joy...?

[chimi500]

twin turbo said:

I do remember the article, but it may have been in Top Gear or Car.

Think its definatly in an evo, remember reading it a couple of months ago.

[manek]

Thanks - I'll double-check my copies of Evo (thought I already had!). Mind you, think I've found the car now. Just need to find a buyer for the 993...