Used car guide

1996 Aston Martin DB7: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Aston Martin DB7 first registered in 1996: we looked at the 395 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 395 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

395MOTs of 1996 cars, done in 2023–2025
86%pass first time (all 1996 cars: 66%)
2,200typical miles a year
18%had suspension flagged

Common 1996 Aston Martin DB7 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Aston Martin DB7 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    18% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    14% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    12% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Aston Martin DB7

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an Aston Martin DB7?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Aston Martin DB7 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004321Tyres 10%
2003645Brakes 12%
2002709Suspension 14%
2001846Suspension 17%
2000816Suspension 13%
1999485Suspension 22%
1998459Suspension 17%
1997521Suspension 18%
1995397Suspension 25%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Aston Martin DB7 cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score