DB7 Vantage, Manual
Discussion
Hello I'm looking to purchase said model, 2000 - 2002, would someone be kind enough to point me in the direction of some reference material regarding buying this model, or better still any current or past owners care to share their knowledge on what to look out for or be aware of ?
The only adverse comment that I have found on the net relates to anti-freeze ? are these cars that faultless.
Your help would be most welcome, thanks.
The only adverse comment that I have found on the net relates to anti-freeze ? are these cars that faultless.
Your help would be most welcome, thanks.
The DB7 Vantage, this car has a special place, If ford had not produced this car there would probably be no Aston Martin now which would of been a disaster of cataclysmic proportions, no V8 vantage DB9, Vanquish, DBS one-77 , it also brought a much loved brand into the realms of not just the extremely rich and famous,
The Db7 vantage is more expensive to run than the later Aston's, there are some common problems the main one being failure of the coil packs usually around 4 years or 40000 miles, cost of replacement around £1200.00 including parts labour and vat, this by an independent specialist, other problems are bushes and corrosion of rear trailing arms and possibly around the rear wheel arches, airconditioning can have problems and can be expensive to repair,
if you require specific prices on servicing etc let me know , but always check repair pricing etc with who you intend to use as prices vary between specialists and the dealer network,
on reading the above do not be put off there are many excellent examples with the main things done and at great prices, most Aston owners take great pride in there cars, but there always a few poor examples,
If you are looking for owner experiences look up timmybob he as a lovely DB7 anniversary edition, which is a lovely car in excellent condition, also this forum is more orientated towards the later Aston Martin cars so also have a look over on the amoc,
you do not see many manuals and they are great fun to drive, the GT being my favourite
if you need more info just let me know.
The Db7 vantage is more expensive to run than the later Aston's, there are some common problems the main one being failure of the coil packs usually around 4 years or 40000 miles, cost of replacement around £1200.00 including parts labour and vat, this by an independent specialist, other problems are bushes and corrosion of rear trailing arms and possibly around the rear wheel arches, airconditioning can have problems and can be expensive to repair,
if you require specific prices on servicing etc let me know , but always check repair pricing etc with who you intend to use as prices vary between specialists and the dealer network,
on reading the above do not be put off there are many excellent examples with the main things done and at great prices, most Aston owners take great pride in there cars, but there always a few poor examples,
If you are looking for owner experiences look up timmybob he as a lovely DB7 anniversary edition, which is a lovely car in excellent condition, also this forum is more orientated towards the later Aston Martin cars so also have a look over on the amoc,
you do not see many manuals and they are great fun to drive, the GT being my favourite
if you need more info just let me know.
Edited by rick-derby- on Saturday 22 August 21:02
Rick Thanks for your prompt and "very" helpful reply.
I have managed to find a very good if brief article by the MD of Chiltern Aston on this very site, not only does it reinforce your comments it would appear the that the magic mileage figure for servicing and replacing some slightly major items is 45K.
Most of the reference data on the net is now quite old, for example 2005, so owners views on vehicles that are now nine years old would be very valuable, but as you quite rightly say the vast majority of original owners are buying these good looking cars do so with with their hearts rather tahn their minds so service histories should be detailed.
Again many thanks, and I shall look up the AMOC and the member you mentioned
Bob
I have managed to find a very good if brief article by the MD of Chiltern Aston on this very site, not only does it reinforce your comments it would appear the that the magic mileage figure for servicing and replacing some slightly major items is 45K.
Most of the reference data on the net is now quite old, for example 2005, so owners views on vehicles that are now nine years old would be very valuable, but as you quite rightly say the vast majority of original owners are buying these good looking cars do so with with their hearts rather tahn their minds so service histories should be detailed.
Again many thanks, and I shall look up the AMOC and the member you mentioned
Bob
Bob,
You're in good hands with Rick and his outfit, he always gets good reviews here and on the AMOC website.
I have a 2000 manual DB7 Vantage, 67000 miles, fifth owner, used everyday, all weathers.
In the eight months I've owned it, it's required waxoyling underneath to stop corrosion as Rick described, new rear bushes and a front wheel bearing. I put mine on a battery conditioner overnight, once a fortnight and she starts first time, all the time.
Fuel costs are high..ish, but not as bad as you'd imagine. Limited mileage (7000miles) insurance policy-about £500-£600. Tyres around £170-£200 per corner for Bridgestone S02's. The leather is incredibly soft and marks easily. Make sure the air-con works, as even on mild days, it's like sitting behind a blast furnace. On the dashboard, the Ford switchgear seems basic, but it all works well enough. The engine management system lights up like a Christmas tree on start up, but make sure all the lights go out when you pull off.
I think a fully stamped, F.S.H. from the dealerships, or well regarded specialists such as Rick (DMS), are essential.
Check the price structure of the specialists for mileage related servicing costs, they all differ.
Not driven an auto myself, but the manual is great, a little crude until everything's warmed up, but you adjust your driving style to suit.
There's a book by Andrew Noakes on the development of the DB7, it's well researched and a good reference for model details, there's always one on E-Bay, priced around £17-£20.00.
There's hundreds of pages on the AMOC site, Bloxham section, don't look at a car without scanning that first.
I'd recommend a DB7 Vantage to anyone, there are some flaws, but all marques have 'em.
Good luck with your search.
Mark.
You're in good hands with Rick and his outfit, he always gets good reviews here and on the AMOC website.
I have a 2000 manual DB7 Vantage, 67000 miles, fifth owner, used everyday, all weathers.
In the eight months I've owned it, it's required waxoyling underneath to stop corrosion as Rick described, new rear bushes and a front wheel bearing. I put mine on a battery conditioner overnight, once a fortnight and she starts first time, all the time.
Fuel costs are high..ish, but not as bad as you'd imagine. Limited mileage (7000miles) insurance policy-about £500-£600. Tyres around £170-£200 per corner for Bridgestone S02's. The leather is incredibly soft and marks easily. Make sure the air-con works, as even on mild days, it's like sitting behind a blast furnace. On the dashboard, the Ford switchgear seems basic, but it all works well enough. The engine management system lights up like a Christmas tree on start up, but make sure all the lights go out when you pull off.
I think a fully stamped, F.S.H. from the dealerships, or well regarded specialists such as Rick (DMS), are essential.
Check the price structure of the specialists for mileage related servicing costs, they all differ.
Not driven an auto myself, but the manual is great, a little crude until everything's warmed up, but you adjust your driving style to suit.
There's a book by Andrew Noakes on the development of the DB7, it's well researched and a good reference for model details, there's always one on E-Bay, priced around £17-£20.00.
There's hundreds of pages on the AMOC site, Bloxham section, don't look at a car without scanning that first.
I'd recommend a DB7 Vantage to anyone, there are some flaws, but all marques have 'em.
Good luck with your search.
Mark.
rick-derby- said:
If you are looking for owner experiences look up timmybob he as a lovely DB7 anniversary edition, which is a lovely car in excellent condition
Thanks for the compliment Rick. It is a lovely car, but your help was invaluable during purchase.There is a very good buying guide on the AMOC forum (under the Bloxam section), so have a read before you look at a car. Make sure you get the car inspected - it doesn't cost very much from a specialist (speak to Rick) and could save you thousands and lots of heartache.
I'm based on the Beds/Cambs border, and am happy to meet up if you fancy looking around a car.
Gents thanks very much for your valued Knowledge.
Mark your car looks a stunner, Timmybob you have got to post a picture now that Mark has and as Rick has praised your car so highly
Well I don't want to embarass you Rick but as the younsters would say you appear to be the A.M. jedi
I don't have any problems with the DB7 faults that have been highlighted by you chaps and the tyres are very reasonable having just sold my M3 rear PS2 were £ 315.00 each so sounds good to me, the coil packs and the RTAB's are too be expected, however I'll admit to being shocked over the rust issues.
Rick do you do car inspections ? if so could you please PM me, also is it correct that 45K is a huge service milestone ? and if I find a car ( may have ) thats close to 45k and not had said service what should I take off my offer to allow for it.
Timmybob, I would love to take you up on your offer of looking at your car that's very generous of you, I'm in the home of Red Bull Racing, so I can't see it being to far for me to get to you Beds/cambs border.
Well I can only say the my initial post has become my most fruitful ever.
Thanks again
Bob
Mark your car looks a stunner, Timmybob you have got to post a picture now that Mark has and as Rick has praised your car so highly
Well I don't want to embarass you Rick but as the younsters would say you appear to be the A.M. jedi
I don't have any problems with the DB7 faults that have been highlighted by you chaps and the tyres are very reasonable having just sold my M3 rear PS2 were £ 315.00 each so sounds good to me, the coil packs and the RTAB's are too be expected, however I'll admit to being shocked over the rust issues.
Rick do you do car inspections ? if so could you please PM me, also is it correct that 45K is a huge service milestone ? and if I find a car ( may have ) thats close to 45k and not had said service what should I take off my offer to allow for it.
Timmybob, I would love to take you up on your offer of looking at your car that's very generous of you, I'm in the home of Red Bull Racing, so I can't see it being to far for me to get to you Beds/cambs border.
Well I can only say the my initial post has become my most fruitful ever.
Thanks again
Bob
Here's a picture of mine
http://s598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/scoop_phot...
You're not very far away at all so if you are free for a meet just send me a PM.
And Rick does do inspections. Very thorough ones! When we meet I'll show you the list he produced for mine.
http://s598.photobucket.com/albums/tt67/scoop_phot...
You're not very far away at all so if you are free for a meet just send me a PM.
And Rick does do inspections. Very thorough ones! When we meet I'll show you the list he produced for mine.
Edited by timmybob on Tuesday 25th August 08:39
Edited by timmybob on Tuesday 25th August 15:32
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