Aston Martin

The short version

Aston Martin is a small manufacturer with a large presence. Its cars are among the most beautiful on sale, and the V12 engines give them a character that turbocharged rivals struggle to match. The trade-off is a short dealer network, expensive parts and a long list of small electrical and suspension faults that can wear down an owner.

The modern range is easier to understand than the badge history suggests. The DB9 and Vantage were built on the same bonded aluminium platform, the DB11 introduced a new generation with turbocharging, and the DBS sits at the top. Each model has its own known issues and its own cost profile.

The models that define the brand

The DB7 of the 1990s saved the company and established the modern shape. The DB9 of 2004 refined it with a bonded aluminium chassis and a 5.9-litre V12, and it remained in production for more than a decade. The first Vantage used a 4.3-litre V8, later enlarged to 4.7 litres, and it became the enthusiast favourite because it was smaller, lighter and available with a manual gearbox.

The DB9 was offered with a six-speed manual and a six-speed Sportshift automated manual, and the manual is now the more desirable car. The Vantage GT8 and V12 Vantage S are the enthusiast specials, with more power, less weight and a much smaller production run.

The DB11 of 2016 was the next step. It used a new platform, a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 and, in V8 form, a 4.0-litre engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. The DBS Superleggera added more power, more carbon and a more aggressive chassis. The later Vantage moved to the AMG V8 and a much more modern cabin.

The Rapide added four doors, and the Valkyrie and Valhalla sit outside the normal ownership conversation.

What it costs to own

A routine service on a DB9 or Vantage typically costs £700 to £1,500, and a major V12 service can run to £2,000 or more. Tyres are £900 to £1,400 a set, brakes are £1,000 to £2,000, and carbon-ceramic systems cost several thousand pounds to replace.

The known repairs are what really matter. Coil packs, clutch replacement on Sportshift cars, torque tube work and suspension bushes can each add four figures. Electrical faults can take time to trace, and parts often have to come from the factory or a specialist breaker.

Suspension geometry and bush replacement can transform an older car, but the parts bill adds up. Tyres should be replaced by age as well as wear, and a four-wheel alignment is worth doing after any suspension work.

DB11 and DBS running costs are higher still. Turbocharged V12 servicing, complex electronics and carbon body panels make even minor repairs expensive.

Known weak points

• DB9: coil pack failures, oil leaks, torque tube wear and Sportshift clutch wear.
• DB9: electrics, boot leaks and tired suspension bushes on older cars.
• Vantage: clutch wear, gearbox faults, coil packs and door module failures.
• Vantage: rear subframe corrosion on early cars and expensive brake consumables.
• DB11: electrical gremlins, infotainment faults and turbo V12 maintenance.
• DBS: carbon brake wear, tyre costs and rapid depreciation.
• All: battery drain, long parts lead times and a thin dealer network.

What to check before buying

A full service history from a marque specialist is essential. Ask for invoices rather than stamps, and check that the car has had the correct fluids and intervals. A battery condition test and a charging system check are worthwhile because these cars dislike being left standing.

On a DB9 or Vantage, check the clutch wear reading on Sportshift cars and drive the gearbox from cold. Listen for coil pack misfires and inspect the torque tube area for leaks. On a DB11, test every electrical function, check the infotainment and listen for turbo noise.

Check the adaptive dampers for leaks and warnings, and confirm the infotainment and Bluetooth modules work. Inspect the body for accident repairs and the underside for corrosion. Paint depth readings help identify previous work, and a specialist inspection is worth the cost on any car.

Market and depreciation

The DB9 is the affordable entry point and prices have stabilised. Manual Vantages have risen sharply, and clean examples are increasingly sought after. The DB11 has depreciated heavily, which makes a used one tempting but exposes the buyer to further losses.

The DBS and limited editions hold value better, but running costs remain the dominant financial factor. Dealer network coverage affects resale, especially outside the south east. The DB11 AMR and DBS 770 Ultimate are the limited models to watch.

Who it suits

Aston Martin suits a buyer who values design, sound and occasion over lap times. It also suits a collector who has the space, the budget and the patience for specialist maintenance. It does not suit someone who wants a reliable daily driver or a car with cheap parts.

How this profile was compiled

This profile draws on Aston Martin's published model information, dealer network pages, owner discussion from the Aston Martin Forum and current UK listings on Auto Trader. This is ownership guidance, not a road test.