Models · Aston Martin
Aston Martin DB7 buying guide
The DB7 was built from 1994 to 2003 as a coupé and Volante convertible, first with a supercharged 3.2 straight six and, from 1999, a 5.9 V12 in the Vantage, GT and GTA. 7,091 were made.
The versions
- 3.2 six (1994 to 1999): 3,228cc supercharged straight six (Jaguar AJ16-based), five-speed Getrag manual or four-speed ZF automatic
- V12 Vantage (1999 on): 5.9 V12, 420bhp, six-speed manual or five-speed ZF automatic with Touchtronic option from 2000
- GT and GTA (2002 to 2003): 435bhp V12, GT manual, GTA automatic
- Coupé and Volante convertible; Zagato and DB American Roadster special editions
What to check on a DB7
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rust in the steel body
What to look for: Look at the rear wheelarch lips and the bottom corners of the rear window. From underneath, look at the front floorpans, inner wings, suspension turrets, rear radius-arm mountings and rear chassis legs. On a six, look around the badge on the bootlid.
Why it matters: The DB7 has a steel monocoque with composite front wings and bootlid. Pre-2002 cars had poorer rustproofing, and the V12 was given less corrosion protection than the six, so cars used in all weathers are most at risk. The radius-arm mounts are a structural area and worth particular attention.
Timing chain rattle on the six
What to look for: On a six-cylinder car, start the engine from cold and listen at the front of the engine for a chain rattle. Check the history for regular oil changes.
Why it matters: Infrequent oil changes can clog the hydraulic timing chain tensioner. A failed tensioner can destroy the engine, so a rattle means it needs replacing urgently. The six's exhaust manifolds are also known to crack, and its oil coolers can leak.
V12 misfires and overheating
What to look for: On a V12, feel for a misfire or uneven idle when warm and on the drive. Watch the temperature gauge, and look for coolant leaks and soft or collapsed hoses.
Why it matters: The 12 coil packs sit under the intake plenums and fail with heat and age, which shows as a misfire; it should still be investigated properly. A failed thermostat or hoses collapsing internally cause overheating. Rear axle oil changes every 30,000 miles are another sign of a V12 that's been looked after.
Also in the full guide
- Suspension bushes
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the DB7
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Aston Martin.