Aston Martin Buyer's Guide
Brand Overview
Aston Martin (founded 1913) represents British grand touring excellence. James Bond's car of choice. Hand-built in Gaydon, combining luxury, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship.
What Makes Aston Special
- British Craftsmanship: Hand-built quality
- Grand Touring DNA: Long distances in style
- Design Language: Timeless elegance
- Bond Heritage: Cultural icon status
The DB Lineage
| Model | Years | Value |
|---|---|---|
| DB4 | 1958-63 | £400k+ |
| DB5 | 1963-65 | £600k+ |
| DB6 | 1965-71 | £350k+ |
| DB7 | 1994-04 | £35k+ |
| DB9 | 2004-16 | £40k+ |
| DB11 | 2016-24 | £80k+ |
| DB12 | 2023+ | £185k+ |
Hypercar Values
| Model | Built | Value |
|---|---|---|
| One-77 | 77 | £2m+ |
| Vulcan | 24 | £3m+ |
| Valkyrie | 150 | £3m+ |
Common Issues ⚠️
- Ford Era (DB7-V8): Ford parts availability good
- V12 Timing: Chains stretch on early cars
- Electronics: Volvo-sourced (DB7-DBS)
- Depreciation: Heavy on recent models
Running Costs
| Model | Annual Budget |
|---|---|
| DB7 | £3,000-5,000 |
| DB9/DBS | £4,000-8,000 |
| Vantage V8 | £3,000-6,000 |
| DB11/Vantage | £4,000-8,000 |
Buying Recommendations
- Entry Point: V8 Vantage (2005-17) - depreciated, sorted
- Classic GT: DB9 - beautiful grand tourer
- Modern: DB11 V8 - Mercedes power, reliable
- Investment: DB4/5/6 - always appreciating
- Thrill: DBS Superleggera - maximum drama