Now with Aston Martin DB7's trending to the $60K range and below, I have some questions about these cars. Anyone have experience to share about their maintainability and reliability if properly serviced and cared for? These cars are now approaching 10 years old and were the first models of "new" Astons? How are they holding up on the road? What can you expect for relative cost of parts and labor after warranty expired, say compared to Ferrari ownership of comparable model. I'm thinking specifically compared to Ferrari 355. Yes, probably apples and oranges in terms of cars, but same age and similar value. Also, these DB7's were offered as supercharged V6's and normal aspired 6L V12's. I assume the V12 is more desireable, but I don't really see a difference in value. What about power, performance, reliability, maintainability differences between the two engines? Thanks.
Not sure about the V12s. However the 6 cylinder is a supercharged I6 from the first Jaguar XJR. Its 320 hp / 370 lb ft and is supposed to be a very good engine - the later Jaguar V8 isn't quite so good. Anyways you can get them with a 5 speed manual or an auto. I think the production numbers on them are only about 3000 - maybe 4000? It's chassis shares a bit with the Jaguar XJS (as does the old XK8). Anyways given the relative rarity of the car and the design I think it would be a good buy.
Here's an old thread I remember on DB7's: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51231 Hope it has some good info. I don't know about relability, etc., but the V12's certainly are a deal for a used Aston GT at 911 prices.
Try going to amoc.org and log onto the forums. They have a DB7 area that will be very helpful to you. try http://www.autosportdesigns.com/ They usually have a selection. They only had the I6 or the V12 engines. The I6 was based on a shortened XJ-S chassis, but I think the V12 shared less parts than the I6. Just don't call it a Jag in drag! I've only driven the Vantage which was the V12 and it is an amazing engine and a wonderful car. The I6 versions are in the 60K and the V12 are closer to 100K. Look for a GT-more power and uprated suspension/brakes.I didn't get one because IMO they lack headroom (also I couldn't afford a GT!). Gorgeous cars and probably more reliable than you'd think. My only other advice is to get it inspected before you buy and think twice or three times if you don't have a reliable mechanic in the area. I have a Virage which is an older model and had to send it 600 miles to get some bodywork done. You don't want someone learning Astons on your car.
Drove one (DB7 Vantage V12 6 speed) this past Friday for a few miles. Fantastic. I loved the somewhat close gearing. The clutch had some decent soldarity to it, and it feels beefy. The linkage wasn't too clunky, but needed some authority, which I like. Combined with the heavy clutch, this made the car seem very well put together. The rear end can come around pretty fast, which is nice, but it's definitely controllable. If you get an aftermarket exhaust for this car you will not be disappointed. The car sounds absolutely incredible with aftermarket exhaust. I've never heard one in person with stock.
There were two factory exhaust options for the Vantage (the one with the V12). Both sound great, but the sport exhaust sounds amazing. Still, there is nothing quite like the sound of the Vanquish.
