DB 7 Daily Driver

[Boxer]

Can the DB 7 be used practically as a daily driver ?

[BrentC]

That's a good question - one I'd like to know the answer to as well. It's a reasonably modern car and should be as reliable as any other car from its era (with the usual caveats regarding small run, hand built cars). It certainly can't be any worse than some modern Mercedes I've had experience with!

[Boxer]

My guess is that it can't be worst than the Mercedes. They are truly terrible these days. Would it be on par with a Jaguar ?

[DJ Dirk]

Last year i talked to a guy who had a DB7GT as a daily driver
and he didn't had a problem with it at all.

[Boxer]

I am now seeing early DB7's advertised in the UK in the low GBP 30k's.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Boxer

I am now seeing early DB7's advertised in the UK in the low GBP 30k's.

That is the one thing that would concern me when buying an Aston Martin. Despite their low production numbers and extreme high sticker price they do not seem to hold their value at all.

[Boxer]

No, they really don't hold value well and I don't think the DB9 will be much better. Top Gear did a piece on the DB9 Volante last night and it was not that positive.

[DJ Dirk]

i wasn't home for that episode, so i'm dl it now

so what didn't they like?
because Jeremy just LOVES the DB9

[Boxer]

Hammond did the report. Basic summary was that it had gone soft.

[goalie]

DB7 can and is used as a daily driver, maintenance costs can be high, especially in the V12.The suspension and air conditioning on these cars are a straight lift from the Jag XJS, which makes them around35 years old. Having said that its a great looking car with powertrain components that dont wear out as a rule.As far as DB9 going soft is concerned, who has actually driven one, because as far as Im concerned softer is better

[DJ Dirk]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Hammond did the report. Basic summary was that it had gone soft.

already watched it
well, you see, since i already have the Golden Retriever, well, Golden Oldie nowadays, it does means that i'm "stuck" with the DB9 Volante

[saigon]

I bought a DB7 and used it as a daily driver. Actually ended up doing over 7000 miles in 16 weeks. It is a great car, beautiful to drive and with a sports exhaust - always sure to make an entrance!!
Though as earlier reported, i found that the only problem is that although my car was only 2 years old, daily use did highlite the shortcomings of this car due to age of the parts design. Had problems with the electrics, a/c unit feeder pipes getting blocked, an unexplained watre leak leading to a weekend off the alarm shorting and going off constantly!!
All said and done, I never regret buying the DB7 or using it everyday. It was something to always look forward to at thebeginning and end of the working day. I enjoyed it so much that I upgraded to a DB9, which again I am using as a daily driver.

My advice, buy one, you'll never regret the experience.

[Boxer]

How does the DB7 compare to the DB9 ? The reports I have read seem to be much more positve on the DB9 as a "real" Aston vs. the DB7 being much more of a Jag in an Aston skin.

[saigon]

This comes down to money essential. Also you can only compare the DB9 against the DB7 vantage - no point talking about DB7 V6 in this comparison.

There is a world of difference in the actual build of the cars - the DB9 with its aluminium body and chasis is miles ahead in performance, handling, and reduced weight. The interior is beautifully updated in the DB9 whilst in keeping with Aston and DB7 tradition. Unfortunately, the DB7 model, even the late ones which have all the mod cons, suffer from a tired & dated look. Though if you compare it to other cars, the DB7 interior is still quite beautiful, with quality up there with the current top marques.

In summary, the DB9 is a car for the 21st century and is all Aston Martin! My advice save your money for the DB9 and don't lose it on buying a DB7 and then have it depreciate it as I have done. Now that I have the DB9, I am truly happy.

[Boxer]

There is a very interesting article in the current issue of Classic & Sports Car comparing the DB 7 to the Jaguar XKR. The DB 7 did not come out on top.

[Ridgeback]

Why do people keep referring to the 3.2 DB7 as a "V6"??

Surely on a Aston Martin forum people should know that these cars are supercharged straight (in-line) sixes - especially people who are supposed to have owned them AND a DB9????