Did a search, not too many threads. I am having my 355 serviced at the local AM dealership. I stopped by over the weekend to check out my car, and the salesman showed me a couple db7s and v8 vantages. I really like the aston design. When we got home, my gf hinted at maybe I should consider trading the 355 towards one. (Never thought I'd hear that from her!) Like her, I have become uncomfortable with the attention the ferrari draws (I couldn't imagine a modern fcar!) I have considered AMs in the past, and am getting a nudge from my sig. other to act. The car I am interested in is a 1997 DB7, I6. 15K miles What can you tell me about them?
I believe a lot of the DB7 was leftover Jag XJS parts. Chasis, engine, and I believe some suspension. Did a quick search and found this website to have some good info.. DB7 family « Aston Martins.com I personally find the later DB7s to be much better looking than the early cars.
I think they're absolutely beautiful. I know they borrowed a lot from Jaguar. How are they maitenance wise (nothing could be worse than the 355!)? Reliable?
I considered a six cylinder DB7 once, but then I sat in the car at the dealer and felt like I was in a very luxurious Ford Contour. It felt like a badge-engineering exercise. I understand the later Cosworth V12 improved things a lot in terms of performance, but the DB7 was the first mass market Aston and it feels like it, IMHO. I would go DB6 if you're willing to spend serious money for a classic, or DB9 if you want something modern for normal driving. Depreciation on modern Astons is insane, so you can probably get a DB9 for the price of a BMW 5 series. Or a V8 Vantage if you want something more sporting. Both are very tempting.
the DB7 wasn't left over Jag XJS parts, but it was designed on the basic chassis, but with many changes and improvements, the rear suspension in cast aluminum is quite something if buying a DB7, from every previous owner I've heard, is step up to the GT version, is V12 model, and many revisions, making the car quite livable & enjoyable, that's my personal favorite model I've only ever seen one of the supercharged inline 6 models, and was a convertible, probably pretty rare that specific model, but also likely to be costly for any parts, even maintenance parts, but any model will be anyways beautiful cars IMO Image Unavailable, Please Login
DB 7 with the Jag engine is relatively cheap to maintain as most parts are interchangeable with Jaguar XJ 6 . However body parts are expensive and difficult to source and will take time. A friend of mine driving a 97 Vantage and use as a DD in heavy traffic up/ down the Peak for over 5 years. No issues than regular service once a year. I sold Jaguar and the latest AM with the V12. Better car to drive as response better over the S/C 6 but both, as compared to XJS or the XK8 are a better car. Fit and finish and the leather wood far more refined to Jag. Not a fair comparison to a F car, different league but AM may be more appealing to older owners...
I recommend joining the www.6speedonline.com forum.. the aston martin group is quite active... I'm sure you can find some good DB7 info on there....
