Aston Martin DB7 (1997)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 512 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3239cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol3239cc29 years old512 tests67k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3239cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

92% of MOT tests on Aston Martin DB7s from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 512 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,867 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 models23rd of 306(top 8%)

Rank among Aston Martin models87th of 114(bottom 25%)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 1997 models average+17%(75% avg)

vs Aston Martin average-2%(94% avg)

Mileage Analysis

66,867

Average miles

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1997 Aston Martin DB7 had 66,867 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 84%. The 1997 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Aston Martin DB7 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	93%	200	39,871 mi
2003	87%	414	40,596 mi
2002	92%	468	46,973 mi
2001	89%	509	50,227 mi
2000	89%	493	50,420 mi
1999	84%	459	57,643 mi
1998	91%	479	61,299 mi
1997	92%	512	66,867 mi
1996	87%	406	63,876 mi
1995	87%	383	74,115 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-14%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-5%

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-10%

Mercedes E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

-13%

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About the 1997 Aston Martin DB7

The 1997 Aston Martin DB7 is a luxury car. Our records list a 3239cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 512 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 8% of all 1997 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 66,867 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Aston Martin DB7 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 Aston Martin DB7 Fuel Costs

The 3239cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 Aston Martin DB7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Aston Martin DB7 Reliability Trend

The Aston Martin DB7 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 Aston Martin DB7

At 29 years old, the Aston Martin DB7 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Aston Martin DB7(1997)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150
Mercedes E(1995)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£300

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1997 Aston Martin DB7

Is the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 1997 Aston Martin DB7s ended in a pass, from 512 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1997 Aston Martin DB7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Aston Martin DB7?

92% of 512 MOT tests on the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 23rd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (top 8%).

Which year Aston Martin DB7 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2004 Aston Martin DB7 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1997 Aston Martin DB7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 is 66,867 miles, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.