Should You Buy an ASTON MARTIN DB7 (Test Drive & Review V12 Vantage Volante)
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
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Today I'm an Aston Martin DB7. Let's see what it's like.
#AstonMartin #DB7 #highpeakautos
The best reason to own one of these is to be able to ask: "Shall we take the Aston?"
That brings back memories. I was part of the design team for the DB7 and its great to see her again. I was a bit younger then so was Ian. Brilliant designer. Thanks.
You've got to be very proud of that - a design that's still relevant - timeless even...
The rear light's are mazda 323f arnt they
@@mattlawton4715 Yes they are but it's absolutely meaningless. It's an Aston and remains an Aston, no matter what.
I owned one of these in the early 200s and it was everything I wanted it to be; responsive, solid, sexy as hell and a real head-turner; everything I wasn't. I was working in Victoria Street at the time, and every time I drove past Buckingham Palace the tourists would be clicking away. DB9s were as common as muck in London, but the DB7 was something else. Yes, it had it's issues; in my case the internal cabin light would just come on when it felt like it, and more than once that was when it was parked up for the day, and I'd return to a flat battery. Aston were unable to fix it, so in the end I just took the fuse out; problem solved. But the drive was immaculate, and an absolute joy every time. And, yes, when I first bought it, I'd drive around with the James Bond theme playing on the stereo, a huge grin on my face. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat...
Actually it is not 2 V6s welded together. Ford commissioned Porsche to design a single cylinder which could be duplicated to 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cylinders. So in fact, the engine is Porsche designed. I have a DB9 and love the sound. The more you drive it, the more reliable it is. Merry Christmas
I also own a DB9.What a car ! Seasons Greetings.
Deepak, I would recommend you look up “Aston Martin v12 origins on design judges”. This was published on loan by the Aston Martin heritage trust.
@@AM-he6je The production engine was a stand alone v12.
The welded v6 sounds better to some, especially those who like to put these cars down
I once had an 02 Jaguar XKR. While it compared to the Aston Martin in performance, in every respect, it wasn't an Aston. That is now reflected in their relative values. Enough said. Thanks for sharing Matt and merry Christmas to you, Sir.
Styling-wise, the wood and trim in the dashboard are essential to me, as in the Jag XKRs in the 2000's. But then again, my preference goes to convertibles where the top is neatly tugged under a tonneau, like the elegant db9. But the db9 has a boring dashboard. Gosh, it's so difficut to have it all, unless you fork out Bentley/Rolls money!
XKR is still a handsome car though.
@@fastasfox It is, Sir and I loved driving it (for almost 100,000 miles). a
@@yves2075 a Bentley is on another level 👍
I always thought the prettiest Aston of recent years.Having said that the XK8 is terrific value and also a stunning looker .
true
You one of the few car reviewers on youtube who do "not" review a car like your interviewing for top gear,, I enjoy these videos
I owned one with the Tremec 6 speed manual, the change quality was superb, I could shift it with one finger and it elevated the performance of that V12 noticably. The clutch was lighter than any 70s Ferrari , Lamborghini or Corvette I have driven. As for the old parts bin comment, all low volume makes have to source some components this way the DB7 is no exception.
Brilliant review , you are fast becoming the modern day Clarkson with insightful and honest reviews. keep up the good work
Thanks
Oh boy, my knees are wobbling! That's a fabulous example. I'd have a coupe, don't do floppy roofs. yeah, just look at it and use it on dry days now and again. Chuffing wonderful.
I can just picture the previous owner’s face when he sees you out in the rain with his always-garaged, dry days only, pride and joy…hope you had a chammy to hand! 😁
😂
The db7 is gorgeous but Aston design peaked with the DB9, that’s what you call a timeless design, clean crisp un-interrupted lines same with the interior
Ive just bought a 3yr old db11 trading in a 2011 dbs. 😊 Heaven to drive
Agreed
“It could rival Jodrell Bank” fantastic quote.
Hey buddy, I just saw your car ad on your website for this car. I noticed you added the price the owner paid back in 2001, I like to think it wasn't that long ago, I was 14 back then! But it was a long time, enough time to use an inflation calculator! So he paid 111,253, in today's money using bank of England calculator that makes the price to £188,171.67! Adding these numbers makes the 40k£ seem like even more value! It's just an idea. not trying to undermine you! I couldn't sell a used gold ring.
That’s a good point actually. It’s crazy to think of the depreciation
@@HighPeakAutos That's it! It just makes the price you're asking for seem like even more of a bargain, this is what I'd personally think if I had 40k disposable income. Worst case scenario, if it doesn't sell, you'll be stuck with it, which has made me think... why on earth are you selling her? She is a classic in the making.
@@n1msu badly made on the cheap
Watching these videos desperately make me want to finish mine 😁
In 2005 I've started my journey here in UK as au pair.. My "boss" was driving brand new DB9... Omg that sound was just pure angels singing... I would just stand outside and could hear this car miles away... In racing green was just so beautifull... Best sounded car I've ever seen... ASTON MARTIN"s V12 sounds so sexy
Matt, I replaced the armrest on my 2002 DB7 with the (97-2006)Jaguar XK XK8 XKR Console Armrest WITH cupholders. It fits!
This is the sort of advice I’m here for
@@HighPeakAutos easy fix for you in black. My interior is ivory and navy. The ivory color is a shade off but hardly noticeable to anyone but me.
“..hit my tinted quiff on the alcantara headlining” 😂😂😂😂 You proper crack me up at times Matt. Please don’t ever change. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
👍🏻
That centre console screams jaguar from that era. Never understood the cupholder obsession - if I'm driving I'm not going to be sipping a latte. If I want a coffee I'll stop. But each to their own. Keep up the great content and have a great Christmas.
I remember seeing early sketches of the car in Autocar magazine when it was the embryonic but still born Jaguar F type. Me and my salesmen dreamed of the day it went on sale. No matter what happened the greatness of the design was always going to make it.
spot on appraisal, definate buy for weekend use, last for years and always cool.............. I'm in love!
3:50 The classic move over peasent 🤣. Very warranted- neat example you got there. What a gem
It looks great up to the scuttle. I remember when they came out and nothing has changed, still prefer the XK of the time.
That Ford 6v was thrown into a lot of cars with some great results. Probably a great underrated engine TBH.
Epic video! So want a DB7 Vantage Volante V12 too now! 🤣
Keep up the good work Matt
I've got to say that without a shadow of a doubt, you have the very best channel for us petrol heads and a stunning presentation style.
The V12 is a very special beast without a doubt but I think its important to just get a couple of things nailed down.
First is that aircon as its usually a dash out job to get at the condenser which was the first part down the production line - then Aston built a car around it - in other words, its not a 5 minute fix.
The other is an accurate account of its 48,000 mile service - if its relevant,
It should have had new coil packs fitted but often doesn't and they're not 50p each, (last time I looked they were £84 - each - and it needs 12) likewise plugs, they're not 50p either.
Tyre wear on the front's is a sign that its had a corner knocked off it at some point - hence tyre wear.
To me though, the best thing of all is, that its MADE IN ENGLAND...!
Don't get better than that..👍👍
Thank you! I appreciate it
I'd go with the Jaguar with a manual gear box. I think I've heard that the Jaguar is surprisingly cheap to keep on the road because of its Ford parts and also Ford were at the top of their game with regards reliability and quality at the time. I really like the interior of the Aston Martin, I think as a car dealer you probably recognise where the parts have come from but I don't think the average person would care too much as long as it feels right. I think both the Aston Martin and Jaguars are stunning cars.
Trust me, when you buy one it’s cheap to run because it’s a Ford underneath. Then when it goes wrong and the bill melts your card it’s all ‘well it is a jag though sir’. In all seriousness though although jags do use Ford parts (and other marques) there is sometimes subtle differences, thermostats that open at different temperatures, suspension parts that aren’t the same length, even though both parts are stamped with the blue oval. The trouble is people class entertainment journalism as gospel. For instance the V12 in the 2002 vanquish is not ‘two Ford v6’s bolted together’.
And I agree, manual over automatic any day, unless it’s a barge like a fat arsed Bentley or Rolls.
I do t believe the xk was ever available as a manual
A car you buy even if it is terrible. Just look at it. Stunning.
when I worked in south London back in the mid 90s, Joderill Bank was Cockney rhyming for something totally different. Great vid Matt. Happy Christmas
😂
gotta love the mx5 interior door handles
The description of the chassis built by Brunel and the Heinz 57 interior is hilarious yet accurate. A neighbour owned a 99 V Coupe that they parked outside the flat on occasions. You knew they were on the move when they fired up that V12 it positively exploded into life when they turned the key. You’re absolutely right about the ‘timeless’ comment about its exterior. I feel exactly the same about the interior and felt guilty about irreverent negative thoughts about the Ford parts-bin switchgear
It is timeless ... a real car that could be of any era ... past, present or future, well done for capturing that ... oh, and well worthy of a polo neck! just perfect
You seem to have found another of these lovely, low mileage, one owner gems in this car. The styling is gorgeous and with the sound of that engine I doubt that you would use the cassette player that much!! The interior is a bit low rent but I think the Aston's other qualities would more than make up for it. Loved the video another car to dream of!
I own one bought at Stratstone Mayfair in 2010. When crossing the border out of Calais on my way back to Nimes (France) the british officer said "that's a beautyfull car". 'It's a british car' I answered and she just gave me a 'Thank you'. I still have it and think it's allmost as cute as a type E but easier to drive...
I think all British petrol heads want an Aston Martin more than any other brand. I fully agree Matt that it’s the coolest car brand on the planet.
I never knew about the 323F rear lights, but now I see it, I cannot un-see it. Although, shows how beautiful the DB7 is; they can shove some ancient rear light clusters from a hatchback on it and the thing is still achingly beautiful.
I have a Jaguar XK8 (2008). Basically a DB7 V8 which cost substantially less. I never get tired of driving it & it doesn't cost much to run. We're looking at 'weekend' cars here, & for not much money. Bang for the buck.
I have a 2007 xk8 it’s my daily driver I love it , like you say it’s affordable and puts a smile on my face when I use it
Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with sharing parts such as switches and suspension components. Better they work and are available at a reasonable price, performance and styling are much more important to me. However, I will draw the line at the rear light clusters!
I dunno why you'd draw the line there. If they work, and they look good on this car, who cares where they originally came from?
@@StephenGraves because in my opinion light clusters that obviously came from another manufacturer spoil the look of a car and make it appear cheap and amateurish. It reminds me of something someone's put together in their shed.
Rhetorical question. Why wouldn't you if you could? What a car. Great find, Matt - and well done to your viewer for offering it up.
I love the DBS (DB9 & DB11), but this is nice, too.
Glorious and magnificent, thank you. Top trumps too for always styling the presenting attire to the reviewed motorvehicle. And before I forget, thank you very much for all
cool and entertaining car videos by High Peak Autos in season 2021, much appreciated Matt. Great ride in the Hawker Hurricane for the road. Still the business this V12 :)
These have much mroe in common with the XJS than you'd think... The front sub frame for example that holds the engine in, suspension points & steering rack is identical & can be swapped directly between XJS/DB7.
Front subframe was reworked to allow for the lower height of the bonnet compared to the xjs.
The aerial was off a Vauxhall Cavalier! Looks like a Hirschmann!
Bravo Matt, another truly brilliant review that had me smiling all the way through due to your wit, humour and brilliant analogies as well as having me absolutely sold on the car itself too, like most you present to us. More than all of that you convey what it absolutely feels like to be in and aspire to any of the cars you review and that is a talent you have in spades! ✨
Thank you for the kind words as always. Glad you enjoyed it
It really makes me chuckle that such a beautiful and expensive luxury car has exactly the same switch gear as my 2001 Ford Fiesta!! XD
Hi Matt you are definitely right in saying coolest brand in the world you just can’t beat an Aston Martin hope you are well best wishes ian
Another expert and humourous appraisal. A really class machine no doubt.
That being said your presentations are mesmerisingly good and you should create your own television programme
Jeremy Clarkson put that in sub zero on the cool wall.
I’m sure that was the Db9
@@Carrera-gp9od He put the Volanté in.
@@Carrera-gp9od Nah the DB9 had its own fridge on the side as it was cooler than sub zero
Jeremy Clarkson was and still is a plonker!
Well we won’t let that detract from the car…
I prefer the interior in this classic over the screens we get these days, it does have a nice charm to it
I 've been following and loving your work on these "should you" old gems, but man... That one to one comparison with fancy old computer tech is on another level when it comes to how a car feels and vibrates through driver's perspective.
That's worth a million likes.
Its really amazing how all Astons draw a line from that DB5/DB6 era, and always look amazing no matter if they have dodgy Ford underpinnings.
Keep up the good work.
Thumbs up 👍
Thanks for watching!
Dream car of mine from childhood. It was on GT with the viper GTS 👌 good times
I was at the goodwood festival of speed in 2000 and was stood next to jay kay while he was talking to the original stig (Seriously) and the topic of conversation was how he had considered a DB7 GT but was outraged that a 100 grand car had an interior full of Ford switches.
Even after all this time the leather looks gorgeous on the interior . Has aged really well beautiful car and that V12 howl…what a gem of a car
It has!
Very nice Matt, very nice, a very underrated car,
Yes! I was sad enough to see what stock you had in the other day online and was hoping you’d make a video
😬
Love Astin Martin cars , beautiful cars, thats a lotto win car for me. Great review Matt, so glad you took the plunge and bought this.
It’s amazingly good looking. I won’t hear a bad work about it. Ignore the mechanics. And it’s perfect.
Also ignore the dated shit interior lol
@@Alexander_l322 yes quite a bit to ignore past the bodywork !!!
That is a beautiful looking car, every time I hear of, or see an Aston Martin, I think straight away of James Bond.
Matt once again a exceptional video, great content and brilliant wit. Thanks for keeping us all entertained during this pandemic and hopefully beyond. Merry Christmas .
Thanks again! Same to you
Hi matt as usual you know your stuff this car would be a dream for me !
How very dare you compare the interior to my TVR! 😀 ADORE all Astons. Great review as always.
This is one of the best sounding V12s I have ever heard! Great video!
Good review, very sympathetic with a good oversight into the glorious DB7. But as per previous comment, please refrain from saying that it is two Ford Duartec V6’s welded together. That was merely a marketing tool at the press launch motor show. Please reference Anthony Musci, the designer of this outstanding engine.
great review, even if i don't agree with some of your observations you deliver these videos really well and the camera work and editing are spot on.
Thanks for posting.
Thank you
Customer back in the day, he being high up in a major computer company turned up in one. He said his accounts would allow him to have company car to value of £350 a week! So he had one of these. Problem is all these DB look the same, when i looked few years back they were going for low end £18k. And now Ford have nicked the front look. (Same designer i been told).
@Capt Shiny Blatant copy. They could have used any shape but that, why not oval like a Ford badge.
Lovely car but much preferred the lovely Bentley Continental GT , low mileage ,one owner , you had about a year ago , now that was class with a lovely interior that was not from the Ford parts bin.
Another well presented video Matt, I think the shaguar xk8 shares the same Designer and many of the parts at half the price atm. If you're prepared to accept petrol prices seem to only be going in one direction then this is a timeless modern classic. Very honest (as all your videos are) to mention the mpg 🙈, looking forward to the next video.
I agree!
Really enjoyed this one. Good show mister
One of the better car youtubers. 3.56 expressions are a bit Alan Partridge....
Can you do a C5 RS6 soon
Cheers!
Very often when you have no money is when you are at your best !!
Hi Matt. Regarding the cramped position you feel, that's because it is RHD.
Because of the position of the dry sump and other bits, LHD versions have more legroom in Astons. Designed for the major market!
Average height for males in the UK is 5’9” ; 5’11” puts you in the tall category
Hmm thats reassuring
A chassis designed by Brunel! Fantastic.
Have a great Christmas.
Happy Christmas 🎅 Hope your channel goes from strength to strength 🤶🎄
You sir, look stirred but unshaken, nice motor Matt, I was looking at a DB9 the other day, and the insurance was less than an A8.
very slick and polished documentary, you should be on top gear 👍
Thanks!
It is a true classic Matt! A beautiful looking car even today.
Would love to see a review with a older Jeep wrangler.. Gonna keep saying in every video till it happens. Keep up the good work
I want to buy one!
Same as me. They hold there value and even older ones are expensive as hell.
There are companies that purchase broken jags, break them (lower arms etc) clean and paint then sell as an Aston used parts.
Ingenious
Without doubt. A yup. Sunday car. Tho. Must own a nice dry garage have plenty of dough so not care about money in this oil painting . Perfect car. Proper looker. Guess parts bin Ford switchgear may annoy but just look at it.
I agree
Really interesting hearing your comments about being (not so) fragile…my immediate thought when started to watch that this is a car that’s just one acceleration away from a blown gasket. That interior does look very dated, even for 2001, great vid as always 👍
My dream car is a DBS, something about an aston thats just special. Hoping to get a go in my friends manual 2006 v8 vantage soon. He looked at the DB9 but didnt find it as special or as sporty, more of a proper GT car. My stepdad had a 2000 XKR which he sold to WBAC for £1700 which I was furious about. I think it looks a bit less dated than the DB7, and the supercharger whine made my day. But I think the DB7 is still the one everyone would want to own.
I love the DBS too. I’ve never been a big fan of the Vantage only because I prefer GT cars really. Can’t believe he sold his XKR for £1700. I love those. I’d have given more than that for it! 😂
@@HighPeakAutos I was fuming with him. I told him I would have given him at least £1701 😂 it was just because he was out of work for a while due to health. He drives a depressing astra 1.6 now. No excuse for that in my eyes. As for the Aston I do understand where you’re coming from, but sitting in the passenger seat of the V8 Vantage, it sounds so epic that I always find myself pulling a face as if I’ve smelt a really bad fart.
I look forward to your reviews. You love and know cars. Keep ‘em coming
What a find Matt! beautiful and so much class , you went a bit overboard there with
the interior ;-) but it's ok. Honesty, I don't mind so much about the different parts bin - Makes
it easier to find parts, and not getting ripped off . Brilliant my friend. Happy for you .
Looks absolutely gorgeous after all these years, fantastic Jaguar 3.2 straight six engine I had in mine.
Excellent review, thanks. Seen some parts from my 1999 Ford Puma - switches and idle control valve! Agree with Brand recognition though. People don’t turn heads when they see my Puma!!
Nice pre-christmas treat, great video and Merry Christmas. Least some of the mainstream parts are cheap to replace and all the Alpine head units I had in the 90s were way better than the BMW stereo in my 3 series! V12 Vanquish had bespoke rear lights, imagine how much they are to replace
What a beautiful vehicle despite the pick and mix parts 😀. Steady on the right foot every time you blart that accelerator that’s nearly a gallon burnt !
good one again .. but out of the tests of yours ive seen lately i prefer the bentley c ..
We had one for sale at the garage. A coupe and those cold starts in the morning with the v12 was amazing.
“Sounds like a Lamborghini that’s been to finishing school” is a perfect description !
Merry Christmas Matt
My 2009 DB9 is light years ahead of this model. Plenty of low mileage DB7s out there garaged all their lives. Go for the Coupe.
I agree Matt, an appreciating classic, but on a coolness factor Bryan Ferry would be in a BD5..!! take care mate.
Aston. High neck jumper. Sorted.
"Lamborghini that's been to finishing school" - that sums the noise up perfectly 😁
Interesting video. Being an Aston owner myself, I mirror your thoughts on how it makes you feel and the attention the car gets. I get let out at junctions, I get waved at, it's quite wonderful!
I think someone else has mentioned the 'two ford engines welded together', but yeah, that's not actually the case. I believe it was the design of a combustion chamber by Bosch or Lucas which was shared with other manufacturers.
Great viideo though!
Great video and beautiful car. Not so sure about your financial advice though, as someone who has lived through several classic car booms and busts! “Price can go down as well as up and is not guaranteed."
Have a lovely Christmas Matt to you and your family.
Thank you. Same to you
Absolutely masterful. If I had the garage, that would probably fill it ! Thanks Matt , loved the SL “ etch a sketch “ line , and merry Christmas 🍺 Some fabulous content this year; you’re getting a bit too good at this video RUclips lark ! 👍
Glad you liked it! Merry Christmas to you too!