I am looking into maybe buying one, but since there are none near me it's the old "shop from a distance" again. A Coupe by the way. I heard they are tight inside, is that true? Or, for a regular guy are they fine. What would you compare the interior spaciousness to? Thanks! Wes
IMHO, it's a stellar car (for the era)! Even-though some of the underpinnings are akin to the XKS, the DB7 provides a total different ownership experience. I personally found it to be a very pleasurable drive, a bit more GT than sport compared to AMG Benz'es and V12 Ferrari's. Which are you considering in acquiring, the earlier V6 models or the latter V12 Vantage ones? I'd definitely only consider the latter! Best of luck!
The DB7 started out based on the old XJ-S chassis. Not sure if that changed when it got the V-12. Great engine and prices coming down with the DB-9 showing up on the used market. The XK-R is very cramped inside IMHO and I'm 5'10". Try to find a GT- more power and better brakes/suspension. Try these guys http://www.autosportdesigns.com/ Or try the club website http://www.amoc.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=118 and look in the 'Bloxham' section. Stunning car, fast and smooth.
Make sure you check out the interior quality before you buy -- they tend to get doggy by 20K miles. Desert European out here in Rancho Mirage, CA, used to have quite a few on the used car lot. I think the DB7 is the most common Aston Martin ever made.
There is a nice silver V12 I found with an Automatic, just what I'd prefer. I have an XJS and want to sell it to get something else, special. I was thinking of a new XK, but saw this DB7 and it just resonates better with me you know? Plus, by now the DB7 would hold it's value more. I also considered a BMW 6 series, but since I already drive a 745i it would feel too much like "more of the same" to me. I drove a XK8 convertible and didn't see a space issue, but then someone here posted a link to a youtube review of it and they said they were tight, and the driver was hitting the ceiling!?! So I was wondering if the DB7 was smaller inside than my XJS or an XK8.
Thanks for the tip. I found their website but it doesn't seem to be working...I can't find any cars. Anywhere else they're online?
I have had a DB7 since 1998, which I bought new. It is true that the XKR has the same running gear, but the style and sophistication are miles apart. When pitching the DDB7, the NA VP pointed out that a Jag has a finite price barrier, so, for instance, the seats are leather-faced, as opposed to Aston Martin, which has leather everywhere. The choice is wether you want a functional car with great performance, or one with timeless style and a sophisticated interior. Regarding interior room- it is a GT car; nevertheless, my mechanic, who has borrowed it on the weekend, and who is about 6' 1", 250 lb.'s, has no problem with comfort. My wife and I are both average to a bit large, and we dislike any cramped car. We think it is great. The I-six has plenty of power unless you plan to spend your weekends at the drag strip. The V-12 is certainly has a nice sound (one of my partners has one in a DB-9), but is probably superfluous. In short, we would have bought a DB9 by now if we did not like our car better. This opinion is also shared by my Ferrari mechanic and by another associate who owns a DB7 Volante. The three other owners of Astons that I know well all considered the gamut of exotic cars, and they could not be pried form their cars. Astons are beautiful, fast, sophisticated, and extremely practical so that you will drive and enjoy them more frequently than other exotics. It is only my opinion as a "hardtop guy," but I think that the Volante is stylistically inferior, with the possible exception of the AMV-8 version.
Thanks, and WELCOME!!! I'm a "hardtop" guy as well, so the coupe to me is the only way to go on these. It's funny, I see you're in Dallas. The one I've found is in Addison. Small world. If anyone knows of any good deals on one feel free to let me know. Not really into black, since silver or charcoal is so much easier to keep clean here. Thanks in advance!
