DB7 i6 Auto - I dont get it

[Charvet]

You can pick them up for nothing at the moment.

I have not driven one yet. To me, they seem a bit like a pre-production prototype of the Jaguar XK (1997 onwards), whose styling is more refined and coherent.

Thoughts?!

[Navyatco]

The DB7 i6 is nothing like the Jags to drive, and in the metal - well, no contest. The standard i6s are certainly quick, but not staggeringly fast, like the modern cars are; nor are the standard brakes up to much, whilst the driving experience is more akin to the NP V8s and Virages than the modern cars - it's a "gentleman's express" type of car. However, there are upgrades available that can transform the i6 into a real performer. The most obvious way to do this, is getting one that has the AM Driving Dynamics mechanical upgrades; these upgrades boosted power to (a published) 385 bhp, with a handling kit and AP Racing brakes that totally transform the car - and cost IRO 25k to fit (most of the uprated engine components are no longer available, so would be difficult to re-create on a non-modified car now). I have one of these, and even though it's an auto, it really does go very fast and handles fantastically well on twisties; certainly it's much quicker (on the road) than my DB7 Vantage Volante. There are various other factory versions of the i6s too (all are cosmetic variants), which can increase their relative values, e.g. the Stratstones, the Dunhills.

DB7 values are, IMHO,(relatively) low, for the same reasons that NP DBSs, V8s and Virages were a few years ago: they are not yet appreciated for what they are. And what is that? A (relatively) rare Aston Martin that bridges the NP era of old school style, charm and hand-built, parts bin construction - and the highly modern, rakish, mass (ish) produced lines that have emanated from Gaydon. There were only 2400ish DB7s and 4400ish DB7 Vantages (inc Volantes) made; compare that with the runs of the Gaydon cars - a few thousand DB9s and V8Vs, each, per year, since 2004 - and you will see that the DB7 is the next lowest production model after the NP cars (inc the early Vanquish). As NP V8s move out of the financial reach of mere 'mortals' (the middle classes anyone?), so the DB7s will slowly begin to gain value - as these mortals look for their affordable slice of the Aston Martin marque.

[michael gould]

I've owned a i6 auto and it was a great car.....they are a bit agricultural compared to the v12 DB7 but still a mighty fine car for a bit of fun at the weekend.......I also agree with the above, prices will rise on DB7 i6

[yeti]

Lovely post Navyatco

[ACT]

I bought DB7i6 16 months ago, I did plenty of research and bought the best one I could find, I would say that since then prices have risen quite significantly, like 10-15%, so with regard to prices, i suggest that they might be on the move now.

Previously they were constantly slated for lack of power etc, but don't think that matters so much now, they are up to 20 years old, so gaining classic status.

I predict that in a couple of years a good late I6 £30K Volante £40K

[Zardoz]

I've owned two Jag XK8 coupes the past 8 years and already much prefer my recently aquired DB7i6. It's not as plush inside as the Jags, but the suspension and powertrain are far beyond the Jags.