ASTON MARTIN DBS (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 292 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
292
Avg Mileage
23,887 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%.
At 12 years old, 97% of ASTON MARTIN DBSs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 292 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 23,887 miles.
How does the 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS has 23,887 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a ASTON MARTIN DBS?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 94%. The 2012 sits between the two at 97%.
How much does a 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
ASTON MARTIN DBS by Year
Checking a specific ASTON MARTIN DBS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS
The 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS is a luxury with a 5935cc petrol engine. 292 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 23,887 miles at 12 years old, ASTON MARTIN DBS 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.
2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS Fuel Costs
The 5935cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
ASTON MARTIN DBS Reliability Trend
Newer ASTON MARTIN DBSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS
At 12 years old, the ASTON MARTIN DBS 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 2012 ASTON MARTIN DBS
The ASTON MARTIN DBS is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol luxurys from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES SLK (2014) 87% pass rate (-10%) from 11,284 tests
- BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (2012) 95% pass rate (-2%) from 2,452 tests
- MERCEDES S-CLASS (2011) 87% pass rate (-10%) from 2,202 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2010) 88% pass rate (-9%) from 955 tests