DB7 running costs?

[Benjaminpalma]

Hi folks

Can anyone give me ballpark figures on a DB7's running costs?

I have a TVR Chimaera at present, and think it's time for a change.

Do DB7s need servicing every 6000 miles like the Chim?

Do they need very special tyres and consumables?

Thanks!

[rick-derby-]

hi first of all are you looking at an I6 or the V12 Vantage

[Benjaminpalma]

The I6 - assuming these are slightly less costly to run. Does it make that much of a difference?

[rick-derby-]

there are some difference and common problems as the model you refer too is really in the realms of the heritage you would be better posting on the amoc.org forum, if you require details on the DB7 vantage (v12) i can help with this,

[Benjaminpalma]

Any information you can give on the V12 would be warmly received!

[rick-derby-]

servicing is recommended every six months, in reality if you are doing below 6000 miles per year, then most people just have a yearly service which improves running cost no end, if you stuck to the six monthly services the average yearly expenditure using an independent specialist would be around £1200 per year, where as if you had the yearly then this would then be About £345.00 one year of the intermediate service and between £500 and £900 for the second,

common issues are coil packs usually around four years or 40000 miles they seem to fail, these would cost about £1200 to replace,
possible corrosion on rear lower arms and edges of rear wheel arches and some do have issues with the air conditioning systems,

prices include parts labour and vat by independent specialist, definitely check with who you intend to use as prices do vary between specialists and the dealer network

overall i love them yes they have there problems but which manufacture doesn't,

Edited by rick-derby- on Wednesday 19th August 19:29

[Simpo Two]

rick-derby- said:

the model you refer too is really in the realms of the heritage

What a great euphemism for 'really old'

I still think the DB7 is the nicest looking.

[Benjaminpalma]

Thanks, Rick.

Nice website, by the way.

[timmybob]

I came to my DB7 Vantage via TVR (Chim then Tuscan S) and although I haven't had it that long, it doesn't seem to be more expensive to run than the TVRs. Using a speicialist for servicing (I use Rick) makes a big difference. But just as with a TVR purchase, take your time to find a good one. Speak to other owners, and look around their cars. And get it inspected by a specialist, no matter where you buy it from. There are good cars out there, but there are also many that have been neglected.

[Benjaminpalma]

Thanks, Timmy. Very encouraging...

[timmybob]

Benjaminpalma said:

Thanks, Timmy. Very encouraging...

I see you're not UK based, but if you are over at any stage you're welcome to have a look around mine. Very different cars to the TVRs - although do share some features of being handbuilt! There seem to be quite a few owners who have gone TVR to Aston - obviously appeal to the same sort of people. And if you get the right car, you won't regret it. Still makes me smile just looking at mine in the garage...

[Benjaminpalma]

timmybob said:

Benjaminpalma said:

Thanks, Timmy. Very encouraging...

I see you're not UK based, but if you are over at any stage you're welcome to have a look around mine. Very different cars to the TVRs - although do share some features of being handbuilt! There seem to be quite a few owners who have gone TVR to Aston - obviously appeal to the same sort of people. And if you get the right car, you won't regret it. Still makes me smile just looking at mine in the garage...

That's a very kind offer. Where in the UK are you based?

[timmybob]

I'm between Bedford and Cambridge - but don't mind a little drive! PM me if you are coming to the UK or if you have any specifics you'd like to know. Which Chim have you got? I had a 450 - one of the last with the closed in headlights and Cerb seats.

[williamp]

Hmmm. I feel an Aston meet/love-in developing. Room for a classic Aston?

[Benjaminpalma]

Mine's a '99 450, in Olympic Blue. She's kept out of harm's way in Spain, but I'll be bringing her over to the UK for a service next month.

[timmybob]

Let me know when you're over and we could perhaps arrange a meet.
And there's always room for a classic Aston if you want to join Willamp!

[Benjaminpalma]

Just one more thing, Timmy - how does the engine/exhaust note compare between a Chim and a DB7?

It's the one thing that makes my hair stand on end with the Chim...

[timmybob]

In standard form - it doesn't!! However, there are plenty of sports exhaust options to improve this...

[rick-derby-]

with reference to sports exhausts if the car is an auto only change the centre section, manuals you can replace the rear boxes but normally not necessary, it frees up those extra horses and improve the sound

Edited by rick-derby- on Thursday 20th August 18:18