Is a DB7 just an XKR in a pretty dress?
Discussion
Don't shoot me down in flames, but I'm getting rid of my 911(993) as I need a bigger boot.
I'm really struggling to find a replacement: M3 a bit laddish, EVO and Impreza - embarassing, Audis dull, M5 (in my price bracket) ugly. My thoughts fell to an XKR - bit of a barge but not bad, then I thought "DB7?" - could work.
But,
Is it just a poshed up XKR?
I'm really struggling to find a replacement: M3 a bit laddish, EVO and Impreza - embarassing, Audis dull, M5 (in my price bracket) ugly. My thoughts fell to an XKR - bit of a barge but not bad, then I thought "DB7?" - could work.
But,
Is it just a poshed up XKR?
Word of caution, these cars are in a totally different league when it comes to servicing. Annual service on the XKR runs you about £400-500. I just had a major on mine and it was £1,500 but that was all round new discs and pads, gearbox oil and filters, re-prime the hood hydraulics and a few other little jobs. Only aware of V12 Aston costs through friends, but my take on what they have told me is that £1,500 is where you start - others may be in a better position to confirm or refute this.
The DB7's packaging leaves a bit to be desired. But I switched from a 993 to a DB7 (in answer to OP's question) and the boot space, though not huge, is a big improvement.
My experience is that you trade in a sports car for a GT, with all that means. And you gain HUGE road presence, which in practice means people can't wait to get out of the way to see an Aston growl past - and boys of all ages you give you the thumbs up and say 'nice car mister'.
Though I loved my 993, I wouldn't go back...
My experience is that you trade in a sports car for a GT, with all that means. And you gain HUGE road presence, which in practice means people can't wait to get out of the way to see an Aston growl past - and boys of all ages you give you the thumbs up and say 'nice car mister'.
Though I loved my 993, I wouldn't go back...
I went from 993 4S to an XKR, then to a DB7 Vantage.
Luggage-wise, you can get more in the XKR boot than in the DB7 but dynamically the DB7 is miles ahead of the XKR. I found the XKR just to soft and wallowy, so upgraded the suspension using Racing Green. Then the power just wasn't enough, so had that upgraded by Racing Green. Then it went pop (head-gasket)!!
The DB7 has certainly got Jag parts on board, but if you actually drive one you'll stop caring about that. Why would they engineer a new door handle when the Jag one is perfectly good? I know some say it's just a re-clothed Jag, but IMO it's such beautiful design that the re-clothing is more like Kylie wearing Agent provocateur
IMHO as you are stepping from a 993, I'd go straight to the DB7 and find yourself a decent independent to service it (where are you based). Annual servicing costs budget around £1000-£1500 if you have a warranty, more if you don't.
PS - Just for reference of course, Kylie wearing Agent Provocateur underwear is here on youtube
Luggage-wise, you can get more in the XKR boot than in the DB7 but dynamically the DB7 is miles ahead of the XKR. I found the XKR just to soft and wallowy, so upgraded the suspension using Racing Green. Then the power just wasn't enough, so had that upgraded by Racing Green. Then it went pop (head-gasket)!!
The DB7 has certainly got Jag parts on board, but if you actually drive one you'll stop caring about that. Why would they engineer a new door handle when the Jag one is perfectly good? I know some say it's just a re-clothed Jag, but IMO it's such beautiful design that the re-clothing is more like Kylie wearing Agent provocateur
IMHO as you are stepping from a 993, I'd go straight to the DB7 and find yourself a decent independent to service it (where are you based). Annual servicing costs budget around £1000-£1500 if you have a warranty, more if you don't.
PS - Just for reference of course, Kylie wearing Agent Provocateur underwear is here on youtube
I went 993 (C2) to an XK8 to a DB7 Vantage. I also had the use of an XKR for a couple of weeks at the end of the XK8 ownership.
The 993 is the best car of all of them for absolute 10/10ths motoring. However, for the real world (you should not be doing 10/10ths on public roads), the XK8 was more comfortable and practical - the 911 was noisy, the ride harsh and long journeys left you tired, with tingling hands from the vibrations. However, when you push on, the XK8 does wallow and it really doesn't like it. It seems to be telling you to slow down and chill out. The XKR is a notch up in the "go" department but is only a little more tied down in suspension terms.
For me the DB7 Vantage was the perfect compromise - it had the comfort of the XK and the go of the 911. When you pushed on, it didn't wallow but rather seemed to hunker down and grip. If you can stretch to one (and find one), the end of the line GTs are even better.
Also remember that the DB7 Vantage has many suspension and braking upgrades vs an I6.
The 993 is the best car of all of them for absolute 10/10ths motoring. However, for the real world (you should not be doing 10/10ths on public roads), the XK8 was more comfortable and practical - the 911 was noisy, the ride harsh and long journeys left you tired, with tingling hands from the vibrations. However, when you push on, the XK8 does wallow and it really doesn't like it. It seems to be telling you to slow down and chill out. The XKR is a notch up in the "go" department but is only a little more tied down in suspension terms.
For me the DB7 Vantage was the perfect compromise - it had the comfort of the XK and the go of the 911. When you pushed on, it didn't wallow but rather seemed to hunker down and grip. If you can stretch to one (and find one), the end of the line GTs are even better.
Also remember that the DB7 Vantage has many suspension and braking upgrades vs an I6.
Yes, I agree with that (re the XK8). I considered the XK and test-drove a few, but couldn't stand the softness, the lack of engine noise and general lack of willingness come the twisties.
Go straight for the DB7. The i6 costs (in my experience) between £500-£1,000 every six months in servicing+fixing of bits & pieces.
Go straight for the DB7. The i6 costs (in my experience) between £500-£1,000 every six months in servicing+fixing of bits & pieces.
Get a DB7 Vantage. Now. Do not look back.
I have run TVRs, a late XKR and now a DB7. I'm afraid I just don't like Porkers (too clinical and teutonic for me), so there is a touch of bias.
To echo some of the other comments, boot space in the DB7 is not bad, but no way as good as the XKR. Internal space (esp. headroom) is also better, as are some of the extras - eg climate control. The traction control system seemed better in the XKR, too. Couple that with main dealer servicing at a reasonable cost, it makes for an attractive option. BUT, finding a good one that hasn't been thrashed by an exec with high miles and never washed is becoming trickier...
I have the vantage with sports pipes and the all important manual box. I simply wouldn't consider a 'tiptronic' or auto. Slightly heavy clutch would make this a bind if I spent all my time in town, though. Having said that, I wouldn't swap it back to an XKR if I was begged! The drivability, road presence and if nothing else, noise, are a delight. The mpg is somewhat disappointing, but not as bad as I had been led to believe. Furthermore, I have an excellent local specialist (who AM still call when they have a problem!)and the servicing is also not as bad as I had been led to believe.
Bottom line, what ever you choose, I'm sure you'll like. But if you need to scratch that AM itch, you gotta do it!!
Hope that helps,
WD.
I have run TVRs, a late XKR and now a DB7. I'm afraid I just don't like Porkers (too clinical and teutonic for me), so there is a touch of bias.
To echo some of the other comments, boot space in the DB7 is not bad, but no way as good as the XKR. Internal space (esp. headroom) is also better, as are some of the extras - eg climate control. The traction control system seemed better in the XKR, too. Couple that with main dealer servicing at a reasonable cost, it makes for an attractive option. BUT, finding a good one that hasn't been thrashed by an exec with high miles and never washed is becoming trickier...
I have the vantage with sports pipes and the all important manual box. I simply wouldn't consider a 'tiptronic' or auto. Slightly heavy clutch would make this a bind if I spent all my time in town, though. Having said that, I wouldn't swap it back to an XKR if I was begged! The drivability, road presence and if nothing else, noise, are a delight. The mpg is somewhat disappointing, but not as bad as I had been led to believe. Furthermore, I have an excellent local specialist (who AM still call when they have a problem!)and the servicing is also not as bad as I had been led to believe.
Bottom line, what ever you choose, I'm sure you'll like. But if you need to scratch that AM itch, you gotta do it!!
Hope that helps,
WD.
Thanks for all the feedback. Still undecided. Tried a Lexus SC430 today. It felt like I had checked into a nursing home.
A pleasant, comfortable nursing home with a passable boot but it seemed like I was a passenger rather than the driver. Had a bit of poke though, but not from go. Still looking..........
A pleasant, comfortable nursing home with a passable boot but it seemed like I was a passenger rather than the driver. Had a bit of poke though, but not from go. Still looking..........
Greasy Joe said:
Thanks for all the feedback. Still undecided. Tried a Lexus SC430 today. It felt like I had checked into a nursing home.
A pleasant, comfortable nursing home with a passable boot but it seemed like I was a passenger rather than the driver. Had a bit of poke though, but not from go. Still looking..........
are you gay?A pleasant, comfortable nursing home with a passable boot but it seemed like I was a passenger rather than the driver. Had a bit of poke though, but not from go. Still looking..........
Not last time I looked.
Are you in the market?
Maserati 4200
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/226637.htm
Looks pretty interesting
Are you in the market?
Maserati 4200
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/226637.htm
Looks pretty interesting
I've always liked the Masers, but have been put off a bit by build quality and servicability reports (all probably unfounded - try the Maser threads!)
Whilst striking, I think they are probably similar to Jags.
For me, I think I would always be in my second choice...
But then, I'm biased
Whilst striking, I think they are probably similar to Jags.
For me, I think I would always be in my second choice...
But then, I'm biased
Blimey Wokadriver lives and drives a DB7! Congrats, the D-Type a little too draughty?
Greasy J...
As for the DB7 being an XK, couldn't be more wrong. The DB7 is based around the old Jag XJS platform, which shows the technology pre-dates the Jag XK series by some years. Personally, I not a fan of the interior of the DB7, very tacky on the early, mid models. I don't know what budget your are shopping with, but the only DB7 I thought I could own was the last GT model series.
Like has been pointed out, the car with the AM badge costs a lot more to buy and run than a similarly aged XKR. The Jag will also be a lot more reliable (esp. if it has the 4.2ltr engine), easier to live with and far more practical. In the end the decision is yours, but the only way to find out is to go take a test drive in both.
G
Greasy J...
As for the DB7 being an XK, couldn't be more wrong. The DB7 is based around the old Jag XJS platform, which shows the technology pre-dates the Jag XK series by some years. Personally, I not a fan of the interior of the DB7, very tacky on the early, mid models. I don't know what budget your are shopping with, but the only DB7 I thought I could own was the last GT model series.
Like has been pointed out, the car with the AM badge costs a lot more to buy and run than a similarly aged XKR. The Jag will also be a lot more reliable (esp. if it has the 4.2ltr engine), easier to live with and far more practical. In the end the decision is yours, but the only way to find out is to go take a test drive in both.
G
Edited by Triple7 on Saturday 25th August 17:29
I have never had a Porsche but do have three of the other marques mentioned. Jag XJ8 is a very well equipped, comfortable, drives-itself car. My TVR cerbera is used in motor sport and is much faster than an XJR on the track. The TVR is also very hard work. I also have a late DB7 vantage with autobox. This is prettier than the others, much more expensive than the Jag to service. It has a better ride quality/handling compromise than the others and if I could afford to risk scratching it on the track my DB7 would outperform my TVR through the bends. The V12 engine is fantastic. Why autobox? I would wear out my clutch leg round here with a manual box; I literally keep the TVR away from the horrendous traffic jams. So, V12 DB7 vantage is nicest car I have ever owned.
Are we talking dealer servicing or indie here? Would it really be a potential 2k service bill from an indie for a years motoring? Also do Aston, like Porsche, offer warranty after say a dealer 100+ point check etc for one year? I know Porsche offer this for £895 after paying £250 for the initial 111 point check.
I geuss it depends on who you buy it from. The DB7 has made it into the hands of "normal" dealers whose warranty wont cover much. Get a proper inspectioon and you should be OK- it will still be expensive.
In the AMOC news sheet there is a specialist who offers fixed price servicing:
DB7 7,500 mile service £390, 15,000 £495, 30,000 £965, 45K £495, 60K £995
DB7 vantage 7,500 service is £410, 15K £625, 30K £735, 45K £1,125 60K 725
All prices subject to VAT.
In the AMOC news sheet there is a specialist who offers fixed price servicing:
DB7 7,500 mile service £390, 15,000 £495, 30,000 £965, 45K £495, 60K £995
DB7 vantage 7,500 service is £410, 15K £625, 30K £735, 45K £1,125 60K 725
All prices subject to VAT.
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