Discussion
Hi all, thinking about one of these for circa 25k. I have driven one. Despite all the negative aspects I loved it.
Could anyone here comment on expected annual expenditures on circa 400 miles a month outside of fuel, insurance and tax? I’d be using independent garages. The only “expensive” car I’ve ran was a late 90’s 7 Series BMW which cost around £1000 a year in unplanned maintenance. Thank you.
Could anyone here comment on expected annual expenditures on circa 400 miles a month outside of fuel, insurance and tax? I’d be using independent garages. The only “expensive” car I’ve ran was a late 90’s 7 Series BMW which cost around £1000 a year in unplanned maintenance. Thank you.
At £25k, you should be able to buy the best 3.2 around.
I spoke to an independent specialist when I began looking for a '7, and he strongly recommended that I buy a Vantage because he said that the engine and transmission are so much more advanced. I have now covered nearly 2000 miles in my Vantage with no cost save for a wiper blade. You can buy a very good Vantage for £30-35k.
I reckon that a good DB7 will cost no more to run over 3 years than a new Golf Gti costs in depreciation. I find it more satisfying paying a specialist to keep it on the road than to suffer loss by depreciation. However, you need to be able to nod with approval at, say, an £8k garage invoice when the flux capacitor needs replacing.
I spoke to an independent specialist when I began looking for a '7, and he strongly recommended that I buy a Vantage because he said that the engine and transmission are so much more advanced. I have now covered nearly 2000 miles in my Vantage with no cost save for a wiper blade. You can buy a very good Vantage for £30-35k.
I reckon that a good DB7 will cost no more to run over 3 years than a new Golf Gti costs in depreciation. I find it more satisfying paying a specialist to keep it on the road than to suffer loss by depreciation. However, you need to be able to nod with approval at, say, an £8k garage invoice when the flux capacitor needs replacing.
That's a really difficult question to answer because you're dealing with a c20 year-old car and so much will depend on how it's been used and maintained over the years.
Despite what others might say, logic would suggest that the straight 6 would be cheaper than the V12, if only because IF something goes wrong there are fewer bits to replace and labour costs are likely to be lower due the better access afforded by the smaller engine.
Having said that, if you're unlucky and have problems with HVAC unit, that's expensive; problems with the Zytec engine management might be an issue - not sure on spares availbility or support for the system, its certainly becoming a problem with Zytec equipped Rolls Royces and Bentleys from the '90s. Supercharger faults are another possibility but, again, depends how well the car has been maintained.
Off the top of my head, I would think that if you budgeted £1000 pa for non-scheduled expenses, you might be okay, even if averaged out over 4-5 years. However, that's simply a guess.
Despite what others might say, logic would suggest that the straight 6 would be cheaper than the V12, if only because IF something goes wrong there are fewer bits to replace and labour costs are likely to be lower due the better access afforded by the smaller engine.
Having said that, if you're unlucky and have problems with HVAC unit, that's expensive; problems with the Zytec engine management might be an issue - not sure on spares availbility or support for the system, its certainly becoming a problem with Zytec equipped Rolls Royces and Bentleys from the '90s. Supercharger faults are another possibility but, again, depends how well the car has been maintained.
Off the top of my head, I would think that if you budgeted £1000 pa for non-scheduled expenses, you might be okay, even if averaged out over 4-5 years. However, that's simply a guess.
Charles, I purchased my DB7 I6 in Feb this year.
Have worked on many, but all V12s. I bought this one pretty much unseen, ( dangerous I know ), but with full history and low miles, how bad could it be ??
Well, apart from a few early niggles with heater, its been 100% reliable and although I know it needs tyres soon, im enjoying the experience greatly.
My advice is try and drive as many as you can and buy the one that gives you the best experience
Have worked on many, but all V12s. I bought this one pretty much unseen, ( dangerous I know ), but with full history and low miles, how bad could it be ??
Well, apart from a few early niggles with heater, its been 100% reliable and although I know it needs tyres soon, im enjoying the experience greatly.
My advice is try and drive as many as you can and buy the one that gives you the best experience
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff