Used car guide

2003 Aston Martin DB7: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Aston Martin DB7s, from 214 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 214 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

214MOT tests in 2025
89%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
1,800typical miles a year
14%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2003 Aston Martin DB7 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    14% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    14% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    12% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    9% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    7% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2004105Suspension 13%
2002231Brakes 15%
2001278Suspension 18%
2000272Suspension 12%
1999163Suspension 26%
1998155Suspension 17%
1997164Suspension 20%
1996120Tyres 13%
1995124Suspension 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Aston Martin DB7s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score