DB7 ownership and maintenance experiences
Discussion
I have been spending some time looking into Aston Martins. The models I am interested in are the DB7 6 cylinder, DB9 and Vantage V8. In each case it is the manual gearbox I am interested in. From reading threads on this site and finding web sites like Aston1936 I have found a lot of information about ownership of the DB9 and the V8V. I have not found much about ownership of DB7s.
On the face of it, I expect the DB7 to be the better home maintenance choice. So, I am surprised not to have found any sites like the Aston1936 one but dealing with the ownership of DB7s. Can anyone point me in the direction of any such sites?
On the face of it, I expect the DB7 to be the better home maintenance choice. So, I am surprised not to have found any sites like the Aston1936 one but dealing with the ownership of DB7s. Can anyone point me in the direction of any such sites?
Sorry, I can't answer your question re DB7 maintenance, but the Vantage V8 is surprisingly (relatively) easy to 'home spanner' - it is a very analogue car under its (very) pretty skin. There is also a great thread on here about equivalent parts so if you are handy with the tools they can be maintained for senislbe cost. Albeit that does depend on your definition of sensible and there are some jobs best left to a specialist. But, as the cars get older, more and more people work on them themselves and that in turn adds to the repository of knowledge on how to do so (or in some cases how not to!).
Someone posted this site up for manuals but there is also a Db7 buying guide if of use...
https://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/aston-mar...
https://en.aston-martin-club.com/article/aston-mar...
MGDavid said:
I have been spending some time looking into Aston Martins. The models I am interested in are the DB7 6 cylinder, DB9 and Vantage V8. In each case it is the manual gearbox I am interested in. From reading threads on this site and finding web sites like Aston1936 I have found a lot of information about ownership of the DB9 and the V8V. I have not found much about ownership of DB7s.
On the face of it, I expect the DB7 to be the better home maintenance choice. So, I am surprised not to have found any sites like the Aston1936 one but dealing with the ownership of DB7s. Can anyone point me in the direction of any such sites?
I have had my DB7 for over 20 years now and done most of the maintenance myself. Although I have nothing written down, I would be very happy to answer any questions you may have if you would like to message me. On the face of it, I expect the DB7 to be the better home maintenance choice. So, I am surprised not to have found any sites like the Aston1936 one but dealing with the ownership of DB7s. Can anyone point me in the direction of any such sites?
MGDavid said:
I have been spending some time looking into Aston Martins. The models I am interested in are the DB7 6 cylinder, DB9 and Vantage V8.
Unless you are completely besotted with the looks of the DB7 and not really interested in driving dynamics then I would probably reduce your shortlist to just V8V and DB9.David Ramsbotham said:
I have owned all three and each has it’s merits.
I haven't but am very interested to know in what way you think an i6 DB7 is better than a V8V or DB9 (except initial purchase price).I'm not being rude or wanting a fight or being a keyboard warrior or anything like that but I'm just interested.
V8V Pete said:
I haven't but am very interested to know in what way you think an i6 DB7 is better than a V8V or DB9 (except initial purchase price).
I'm not being rude or wanting a fight or being a keyboard warrior or anything like that but I'm just interested.
a/ Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some may regard it having a purity of design.I'm not being rude or wanting a fight or being a keyboard warrior or anything like that but I'm just interested.
b/ It is more rare with far fewer ever built than either of the other two.
c/ Alternative parts are easier to come by due to it’s roots.
d/ It is relatively straightforward for the home mechanic.
e/ It could be argued that it is a better investment in the long term.
I’m sure I could go on if I gave it more thought. I’m not seeking an argument merely trying to give a balanced view not knowing the OP’s preferences.
To MGDavid.
You have mentioned three Aston Martin models on your short list.
I cannot remember anyone on here before, who has considered ease of home maintenance, as one of their buying priorities.
Many owners here, first fell in love with the external appearance of the body (I am referring to Aston Martins).
Therefore on that basis, you might already have chosen your favourite of the three.
The DB7 is a fine car, but it is a 1990s sports car. I agree with Pete (above), the Vantage is a 2000s sports car and very much improved in so many ways. The DB9 is considered as a GT cruiser, although with more than enough performance.
All three were designed by the same person.
Suggest when you can, that you drive all three, because each one will feel different. That should help with your final selection.
The main dealers are unlikely to have a DB7 for you to drive.
Remember to take a look in the boot of each model, because the 'small' car will surprise you.
Home maintenance is possible on all three, and several PHers here have undertaken quite major work on their Vantages and DB9s.
Often a request for technical guidance, is answered by another PHer.
Remember the DB7 has quite a lot of mild steel underneath, whereas the Vantage and DB9 have an all alloy chassis.
Chose the car which you like the best.
Home maintenance will be possible on each one. Changing a clutch will be much easier on a DB7, but at least one PHer here, has managed to do it on a Gaydon car.
Edited by Dewi 2 on Wednesday 6th January 19:43
Hi,
I have run both a manual 6 cylinder DB7 and a manual V8V, but have no experience of the DB9.
They were both very good cars to own and very different. In some ways like a 6cylinder E type and a 6 cylinder F type. Cars from different eras with different expectations.
I think that there are only 300 or so DB7s of that spec. So quite scarce. The box is light and positive, the straight 6 has a good mid range and the handling rewards careful entry to corners and a balanced squeeze of power through them. The brakes are just strong enough and coped with an outing to both Goodwood and Le Mans.
I found the V8V manual delightful. Positive box, plenty of power high up, very poised and a great sense of occasion. I found the seats take a while to get really comfy, but I’m sure that is just me!
I don’t do my own maintenance, so no comment there, but the running costs have always seemed reasonable with a bit of specialist support.
I would happily buy either again so OP enjoy!
I have run both a manual 6 cylinder DB7 and a manual V8V, but have no experience of the DB9.
They were both very good cars to own and very different. In some ways like a 6cylinder E type and a 6 cylinder F type. Cars from different eras with different expectations.
I think that there are only 300 or so DB7s of that spec. So quite scarce. The box is light and positive, the straight 6 has a good mid range and the handling rewards careful entry to corners and a balanced squeeze of power through them. The brakes are just strong enough and coped with an outing to both Goodwood and Le Mans.
I found the V8V manual delightful. Positive box, plenty of power high up, very poised and a great sense of occasion. I found the seats take a while to get really comfy, but I’m sure that is just me!
I don’t do my own maintenance, so no comment there, but the running costs have always seemed reasonable with a bit of specialist support.
I would happily buy either again so OP enjoy!
MGDavid said:
On the face of it, I expect the DB7 to be the better home maintenance choice. So, I am surprised not to have found any sites like the Aston1936 one but dealing with the ownership of DB7s. Can anyone point me in the direction of any such sites?
On Facebook, join the Aston Martin DB7 Appreciation Society. You will get much info from there with all the help you could possibly need to fix/service/repair. There are free manuals and parts files plus a good 'alternative parts' list so you do not need to spend £100 on a diff seal from Aston Martin when you can get a genuine Jaguar one for under £10.On early DB7 i6s - identified by having no airbags - the engine management ECU is made by Zytek and is virtually impossible to be diagnosed including dealers. However. there is a company that repairs them which you can find on the Facebook page. The later i6s - around 1997 on - with the Ford EECV ECU can be read using cheap OBD type scanners and some diagnostic tools can read the ABS, airbag and gearbox too using the Jaguar menu.
The DB7 is an older school car based on 70s/80s/90s Jaguar components and the drive will reflect this. A DB9 or Vantage is more modern with all the goodies of the 2000s and much less likely to suffer from corrosion which is very common on DB7s now. This can be repaired very easily but beware of 'specialists' or dealers charging £2,500 for simple sill repairs. The badge attracts premium prices.
If the corrosion puts you off then a Vantage or DB9 should not be discounted on the maintenance front. On these pages you will find alternative parts for these cars and the database is updated regularly so home maintenance should not be an issue. So really the decision is which model floats your boat?
Thanks for your replies everyone. I agree with the suggestion that I need to try driving them.
Ease of home maintenance may not be a normal consideration on here but I enjoy tinkering with cars as well as driving them.
As with many forums, when you ask a relatively focused question many comments arise because of not providing much background. So here is a bit of history.
I have been messing around with cars since before I was able to drive. I have had MGBs since I was 19 in 1980. In that time the only work I have paid for others to do on an MGB is aligning the headlamps and machining work when I rebuilt an engine to standard class speed event rules.
In 2013 I bought a 2004 Jaguar XJR with 166k miles on the clock which I kept until 208k miles in 2018. On that car I did much of the non routine service work that it needed. So I have broad experience. My Jaguar was bought as my daily driver and historically I had avoided doing work on my daily driver, partly due to the domestic debate when I opted out of company cars in the mid 90s and partly due to the need for short off road periods.
However, in reality the Jaguar was also a toy. When I sold it I went back to having a pure daily driver, Honda CRV.
Now our daughter is planning to move out and take her car there will be space for a second toy car. I see a comfortable closed coupe as a something that will complement my open MGB. Cost wise I have missed the boat on an E type and I had a Jensen in the 1980s so that led me to the DB7. Being brought up on The Persuaders and James Bond clearly is a factor. Although as my elder brother says, a DB7 is more Jonny English than James Bond.
The level of price overlap between the DB7, V8V and DB9, plus a conversation with Quinten Wilson at the 2018 London Classic Car Show, has lead me to consider the more modern cars. Apart from the limited boot, I think the DB9 would suit better than the V8V but it is easier to find a manual V8V. Hence I have been considering all 3.
Ease of home maintenance may not be a normal consideration on here but I enjoy tinkering with cars as well as driving them.
As with many forums, when you ask a relatively focused question many comments arise because of not providing much background. So here is a bit of history.
I have been messing around with cars since before I was able to drive. I have had MGBs since I was 19 in 1980. In that time the only work I have paid for others to do on an MGB is aligning the headlamps and machining work when I rebuilt an engine to standard class speed event rules.
In 2013 I bought a 2004 Jaguar XJR with 166k miles on the clock which I kept until 208k miles in 2018. On that car I did much of the non routine service work that it needed. So I have broad experience. My Jaguar was bought as my daily driver and historically I had avoided doing work on my daily driver, partly due to the domestic debate when I opted out of company cars in the mid 90s and partly due to the need for short off road periods.
However, in reality the Jaguar was also a toy. When I sold it I went back to having a pure daily driver, Honda CRV.
Now our daughter is planning to move out and take her car there will be space for a second toy car. I see a comfortable closed coupe as a something that will complement my open MGB. Cost wise I have missed the boat on an E type and I had a Jensen in the 1980s so that led me to the DB7. Being brought up on The Persuaders and James Bond clearly is a factor. Although as my elder brother says, a DB7 is more Jonny English than James Bond.
The level of price overlap between the DB7, V8V and DB9, plus a conversation with Quinten Wilson at the 2018 London Classic Car Show, has lead me to consider the more modern cars. Apart from the limited boot, I think the DB9 would suit better than the V8V but it is easier to find a manual V8V. Hence I have been considering all 3.
I went through a similar thought process and eventually bought a DB9 instead of the DB7 (looked at both the i6 and V12).
I have found the DB9 to be a fairly simple car and perhaps the biggest challenge is the lack of fellow DIYers. Having a couple of E39 BMW M5s in the driveway, they are maddeningly complicated - but the amount of virtual help is incredible.
I do recommend a two post lift - I have a max jack, and while it only goes up 4', that is sufficient to raise the body off the drivetrain (to get the engine out or take the clutch out). Given that the lift costs less than a clutch kit, it readily pays for itself on the first project. The flaws of the maxjack are readily fixed by replacing the hydraulic disconnects with a better variety (I use flat face couplers - no leaks, flawless operation).
If you can find properly sorted out vehicles, I recommend driving each of them and letting your butt and ultimately your wallet decide.
My father owned a '64 MGB. My first engine out was at age 8. He took me into the garage, pointed out everything that needed to be disconnected and when I was done, he helped me hook up the hoist and I pulled it out. I have a BW photo of me standing on the front fender jacking it out - I don't think my DB9 would survive someone standing on the fender!... Those were great little british cars, and still popular in the US.
I have found the DB9 to be a fairly simple car and perhaps the biggest challenge is the lack of fellow DIYers. Having a couple of E39 BMW M5s in the driveway, they are maddeningly complicated - but the amount of virtual help is incredible.
I do recommend a two post lift - I have a max jack, and while it only goes up 4', that is sufficient to raise the body off the drivetrain (to get the engine out or take the clutch out). Given that the lift costs less than a clutch kit, it readily pays for itself on the first project. The flaws of the maxjack are readily fixed by replacing the hydraulic disconnects with a better variety (I use flat face couplers - no leaks, flawless operation).
If you can find properly sorted out vehicles, I recommend driving each of them and letting your butt and ultimately your wallet decide.
My father owned a '64 MGB. My first engine out was at age 8. He took me into the garage, pointed out everything that needed to be disconnected and when I was done, he helped me hook up the hoist and I pulled it out. I have a BW photo of me standing on the front fender jacking it out - I don't think my DB9 would survive someone standing on the fender!... Those were great little british cars, and still popular in the US.
My suggestion to you when it becomes possible, is contact an AM independent DB7 specialist and drive that model first.
A main dealer should let you drive a DB9.
Leave the Vantage as your last drive.
We would be interested in your thoughts following that.
WARNING - Do not drive a V12 Vantage. Buying usually quickly follows driving.
Expect you remember the famous quote, "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful".
Enjoy choosing your next car.
I currently own both a DB9 and a DB7 i6.
Most people would logically prefer the newest car, however, I really enjoy the experience of driving the DB7. The supercharged straight six engine makes driving the db7 more engaging (for me).
I also enjoy tinkering with my cars. The only things that I have done to my DB9 is to replace O2 sensors and a brake sensor, both times to stop error codes and warning lights on the dash.
The DB7 is much more approachable for a home mechanic like me. Some have criticised the DB7 for having some Jaguar underpinnings, but when I wanted to replace the ABS controller I was able to buy a Jag replacement for £80, while the Aston part for the DB9 would be nearer £1,000.
I have a specialist code reader for the DB9, which can read body the engine and body modules. My experience is that most tinkering with the DB9 is done via the code reader. Most tinkering with the DB7 is done with actual tools.
Overall, I use the DB7 20 times more than the DB9. I also enjoy tinkering more with the DB7 by a similar factor.
Most people would logically prefer the newest car, however, I really enjoy the experience of driving the DB7. The supercharged straight six engine makes driving the db7 more engaging (for me).
I also enjoy tinkering with my cars. The only things that I have done to my DB9 is to replace O2 sensors and a brake sensor, both times to stop error codes and warning lights on the dash.
The DB7 is much more approachable for a home mechanic like me. Some have criticised the DB7 for having some Jaguar underpinnings, but when I wanted to replace the ABS controller I was able to buy a Jag replacement for £80, while the Aston part for the DB9 would be nearer £1,000.
I have a specialist code reader for the DB9, which can read body the engine and body modules. My experience is that most tinkering with the DB9 is done via the code reader. Most tinkering with the DB7 is done with actual tools.
Overall, I use the DB7 20 times more than the DB9. I also enjoy tinkering more with the DB7 by a similar factor.
N7GTX said:
On early DB7 i6s - identified by having no airbags - the engine management ECU is made by Zytek and is virtually impossible to be diagnosed including dealers. However. there is a company that repairs them which you can find on the Facebook page. The later i6s - around 1997 on - with the Ford EECV ECU can be read using cheap OBD type scanners and some diagnostic tools can read the ABS, airbag and gearbox too using the Jaguar menu.
Slightly off-topic but do you know whether this company also repairs the Zytek ECU on the RR/Bentleys from the same era - I wasn't aware of anybody that could/would repair them to date? The Zytek issue has, so far, put me off affected vehicles (DB7 and Bentley).OP, does it HAVE to be a manual? I've always been a 'manual' person but eventually gave in, to a degree, due to lack of choice in newer cars; some, but not all, of modern auto boxes are much better than the old slush-boxes.
The V8Vantage 'auto' box isn't everybody's cup of tea and there are numerous manuals (which would be my choice) about, however, there are far fewer manual DB9s and the autobox is, IMHO, a good compromise, well-suited to the character of the car. DB7 is 'in the balance' for me because it's a much older auto box. However, if it is definitely manual, you might just have to wait longer for a DB7 or 9, unless you're lucky.
Enjoy the search.
TarquinMX5 said:
N7GTX said:
On early DB7 i6s - identified by having no airbags - the engine management ECU is made by Zytek and is virtually impossible to be diagnosed including dealers. However. there is a company that repairs them which you can find on the Facebook page. The later i6s - around 1997 on - with the Ford EECV ECU can be read using cheap OBD type scanners and some diagnostic tools can read the ABS, airbag and gearbox too using the Jaguar menu.
Slightly off-topic but do you know whether this company also repairs the Zytek ECU on the RR/Bentleys from the same era - I wasn't aware of anybody that could/would repair them to date? The Zytek issue has, so far, put me off affected vehicles (DB7 and Bentley).http://www.wrenclassics.com/
I contacted Emerald (I think it was) who said they could fit one of their ECUs although they do not supply a plug and play kit for the DB7 so the car would need to go to them. They did not give a price.
OP - Just a thought as to driving and "experiencing" each car before buying, think about a specialist/classic car hire company for a nice day drive with all of them. You will get a "real world" experience instead of a stilted experience with a salesman or owner constantly glancing at the speedo with the fuel guage in the red. It might costs few hundred quid but could save you ten grand if you make a choice you regret. I bought a 2007 DB9 Sportpack and regretted it very quickly for a multitude of reasons. I went backwards to a DB7 V12 Volante and much prefer it.
There is lots of very sensible and unbiased advice above and there is nothing much to add, except to say that yes the DB9 is light years ahead of the DB7, but then a DB7 is light years ahead of a DB4 and I know which one I'd rather have.
The DB9 feels like it could last forever and be used daily (I used to get 21mpg which was tolerable). It felt massively strong, no corrosion issues to speak of, and is surprisingly simple and DIY friendly. Therefore it was always irksome to have to visit dealers for £800 oil changes (sorry, services) but if you ever plan on selling subsequent buyers have their pick of thousands of other, so a stamped book it has to be despite lots of brilliant free advice on forums such as Pistonheads. Driving dynamics? Always makes me chortle when an Aston owner talks about that...I think the VH cars drive like trucks, the DB9 especially unless you spend serious dosh or can afford a much newer one. If you want driving Nirvana buy a Lotus Evora. However if you value beauty, romanticism, and feel-good factor, any Aston delivers.
The DB7 I still love owning but would not want to use daily, its a classic really. Its a product of the 80/90ss parts bin and feels even older when you take a look underneath and at the many references to "shims" in the manuals! I reckon it also suffers more from the V12 being stuffed in than the DB9 (heat soak, degraded cables and pipes etc); you can tell the shell wasnt really meant for it, The archaic Salisbury diff seriously stunts performance too, which along with the old tech auto box does the economy no favours either, try 15mpg. Having said all that its an event getting into it. As mentioned above the Facebook DB7 Appreciation page seems to have taken over from the AMOC forum which seems to have pulled the drawbridge up on non-members lately, and used to be the default answer to any prospective DB7 purchaser/owner who mistakenly arrives on Pistonheads looking for advice.
I have no experience of the V8 Vantage, except for when I was on a test drive of a DB9 Volante and paused by the roadside. Someone shouted at us from his driveway (standing beside his V8V) something along the lines of "don't buy a manual, the clutch is f
king £fortune"!
Good luck whatever you choose.
There is lots of very sensible and unbiased advice above and there is nothing much to add, except to say that yes the DB9 is light years ahead of the DB7, but then a DB7 is light years ahead of a DB4 and I know which one I'd rather have.
The DB9 feels like it could last forever and be used daily (I used to get 21mpg which was tolerable). It felt massively strong, no corrosion issues to speak of, and is surprisingly simple and DIY friendly. Therefore it was always irksome to have to visit dealers for £800 oil changes (sorry, services) but if you ever plan on selling subsequent buyers have their pick of thousands of other, so a stamped book it has to be despite lots of brilliant free advice on forums such as Pistonheads. Driving dynamics? Always makes me chortle when an Aston owner talks about that...I think the VH cars drive like trucks, the DB9 especially unless you spend serious dosh or can afford a much newer one. If you want driving Nirvana buy a Lotus Evora. However if you value beauty, romanticism, and feel-good factor, any Aston delivers.
The DB7 I still love owning but would not want to use daily, its a classic really. Its a product of the 80/90ss parts bin and feels even older when you take a look underneath and at the many references to "shims" in the manuals! I reckon it also suffers more from the V12 being stuffed in than the DB9 (heat soak, degraded cables and pipes etc); you can tell the shell wasnt really meant for it, The archaic Salisbury diff seriously stunts performance too, which along with the old tech auto box does the economy no favours either, try 15mpg. Having said all that its an event getting into it. As mentioned above the Facebook DB7 Appreciation page seems to have taken over from the AMOC forum which seems to have pulled the drawbridge up on non-members lately, and used to be the default answer to any prospective DB7 purchaser/owner who mistakenly arrives on Pistonheads looking for advice.
I have no experience of the V8 Vantage, except for when I was on a test drive of a DB9 Volante and paused by the roadside. Someone shouted at us from his driveway (standing beside his V8V) something along the lines of "don't buy a manual, the clutch is f
king £fortune"!Good luck whatever you choose.
Edited by Loose_Cannon on Monday 11th January 13:44
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