Skip to main content
Check
Aston Martin

Aston Martin DB7 reliability by build year

Coverage 1994-20042 named generationsCoupePETROL

We've only got 980 MOT tests for Aston Martin DB7 models built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Aston Martin DB7 built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Aston Martin DB7 models built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Aston Martin DB7 by number plate

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on Aston Martin DB7 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Aston Martin DB7 models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Aston Martin DB7's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your DB7's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

DB7 Vantage/GTA

Vantage/GTA (1999-2004)

Excellent
PETROL

14.0% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 11.9% and 16.3%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 980 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Aston Martin DB7.

See every build year for the Aston Martin DB7

By age

Aston Martin DB7 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Aston Martin DB7 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
18912.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
24012.1%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
2699.3%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
30912.9%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
98014.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Aston Martin DB7 models

These issues come from 25+ year old Aston Martin DB7 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.2%
    Advisory: 190Fail: 5 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    8.4%
    Advisory: 94Fail: 3 (3% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Wheel bearing has slight play

    7.8%
    Advisory: 119Fail: 4 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    7.2%
    Advisory: 112Fail: 11 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.0%
    Advisory: 104Fail: 25 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 980 MOT tests on 25+ year old Aston Martin DB7 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Aston Martin DB7 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension31%
  2. Other + Suspension27%
  3. Suspension + Tyres18%
  4. Body & structure + Suspension17%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 267 MOT tests on Aston Martin DB7 cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Aston Martin DB7.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

6 recalls in all

5 of the 6 Aston Martin DB7 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 recalls

Top concerns

  • Power assisted steering hose may contact the left hand exhaust manifold and burn through
  • Lighting equipment switchgear concern.
  • Front damper lower mounting bracket may detach

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Jaguar E-Type

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    1.8%

    Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 14.0% for the Aston Martin DB7, both built before 2000.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB7 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Jaguar XK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB7 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,434 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz CLK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%

    No clear edge over the Aston Martin DB7 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,725 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Aston Martin DB7 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 980 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Aston Martin DB7 ever sold: 1,987 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 980 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.