Used car guide

2009 Aston Martin DBS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Aston Martin DBSs, from 202 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 202 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

202MOT tests in 2025
92%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
1,700typical miles a year
9%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2009 Aston Martin DBS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    9% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    5% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    2% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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.

Looking at an Aston Martin DBS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022109Tyres 14%
2021141Tyres 10%
2020216Tyres 12%
2019315Tyres 14%
2012112Tyres 11%
2011141Tyres 21%
2010184Tyres 13%
2008108Tyres 6%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Aston Martin DBSs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score