Aston Martin V8 Virage (1997)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 40 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,888
£241/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
5340cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Aston Martin brand average of 94%.
75% of MOT tests on Aston Martin V8 Virages from 1997 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 27 years old. That's based on 40 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 32,948 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,948
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage had 32,948 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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About the 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage
The 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage is a luxury car. Our records list a 5340cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 40 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 32,948 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Aston Martin V8 Virage 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 V8 Virage Fuel Costs
The 5340cc 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 V8 Virage?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage
At 29 years old, the Aston Martin V8 Virage 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. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 V8 Virage 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 V8 Virage(1997) | 75% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888 |
| Mercedes SL(1997) | 87% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph(1998) | 93% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588-£300 |
| BMW M5(1999) | 89% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| TVR Griffith 500(1995) | 90% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588-£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 V8 Virage
Is the 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virages ended in a pass, from 40 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage?
75% of 40 MOT tests on the 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 162nd of 306 models first registered in 1997 (bottom half).
What is the average mileage for a 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1997 Aston Martin V8 Virage is 32,948 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.
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