Aston Martin Db7 (1997)
1997 Aston Martin Db7
CarHunch analysed 310 real MOT records for the 1997 Aston Martin Db7. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1997 DB7 passes its MOT slightly better than the UK average at 83%, but here's the serious concern: over 30% of these cars have had a dangerous defect flagged at some point, which is unusually high and should give any buyer pause. That figure alone suggests these older Astons need scrupulous pre-purchase inspection and are genuinely higher-risk propositions than most cars of that age.
With a median mileage of 57,000 miles, these DB7s are relatively low-mileage examples—a positive sign for longevity—yet they're racking up an average of 2.6 failures and 15.4 advisories per test, indicating wear in systems beyond the obvious. If you're serious about one, budget for specialist Aston Martin servicing and treat a pre-MOT engineer's inspection as non-negotiable, because these cars demand expertise that a general mechanic simply won't have.
What to check before buying a 1997 Aston Martin Db7
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 30.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Aston Martin Db7
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Aston Martin Db7 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1997 Aston Martin Db7 vehicles fall between 43,046 and 72,153 miles.
1997 Aston Martin Db7 — Still on the Road
158 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 69% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1997 Aston Martin Db7
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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42.3%
Offside Front coil spring corroded
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41.1%
Nearside Front coil spring corroded
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35.8%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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33.6%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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30%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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26.4%
Oil leak
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25.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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25.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1997. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Aston Martin Db7?
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