Transmission Rough Shifting / Failure
high- Typically appears
- 60–90k mi
- Estimated repair
- $2,500 – $5,000
2007 Aston
Martin DB9
5.9L V12
The 2007 Aston Martin DB9 is a British grand tourer built on Aston Martin's VH (Vertical Horizontal) bonded aluminum platform. It was the flagship production model of its era, powered by a hand-assembled 5.9L V12 producing 450 hp, paired with a rear-mounted 6-speed automatic transaxle for near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It is available as both a coupe (DB9) and a convertible (DB9 Volante). The DB9 is genuinely hand-built in small numbers at Aston Martin's Gaydon facility, meaning fit and finish is exceptional but parts sourcing and specialist labor requirements are very different from mainstream luxury cars. Many components — particularly electrical systems — were sourced from Ford (who owned Aston Martin until 2007) and Volvo, which helps somewhat with parts availability but also introduces some inherited quirks. Owning a DB9 in the Lake Geneva area means treating it as a seasonal vehicle. Wisconsin road salt is extremely damaging to the aluminum structure and the exposed brake and suspension hardware, and the car's low ground clearance is not suited to winter driving. Budget generously for maintenance — parts and labor costs are several multiples of a typical luxury car.
Reliability
2/5
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
12 city / 19 hwy / 15 combined
Seats
4
Doors
2
Body
Coupe
MSRP
$168,000
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2007 Aston Martin DB9 is a British grand tourer built on Aston Martin's VH (Vertical Horizontal) bonded aluminum platform. It was the flagship production model of its era, powered by a hand-assembled 5.9L V12 producing 450 hp, paired with a rear-mounted 6-speed automatic transaxle for near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. It is available as both a coupe (DB9) and a convertible (DB9 Volante). The DB9 is genuinely hand-built in small numbers at Aston Martin's Gaydon facility, meaning fit and finish is exceptional but parts sourcing and specialist labor requirements are very different from mainstream luxury cars. Many components — particularly electrical systems — were sourced from Ford (who owned Aston Martin until 2007) and Volvo, which helps somewhat with parts availability but also introduces some inherited quirks. Owning a DB9 in the Lake Geneva area means treating it as a seasonal vehicle. Wisconsin road salt is extremely damaging to the aluminum structure and the exposed brake and suspension hardware, and the car's low ground clearance is not suited to winter driving. Budget generously for maintenance — parts and labor costs are several multiples of a typical luxury car.
Known for
- Hand-assembled 5.9L V12 with an unmistakable exhaust note
- Bonded aluminum VH platform — lightweight and rigid
- One of the most visually iconic grand tourers of the 2000s
- Rear-mounted transaxle for excellent weight distribution
- Ford/Volvo-sourced electronics creating an unexpected mix of premium and budget-cabin parts
Best for
- Weekend and fair-weather grand touring
- Enthusiasts who want a usable, real-world supercar
- Collectors looking for a design-iconic British V12 at a fraction of its original cost
- Drivers who can budget for specialist maintenance and keep the car seasonally
Watch for
- Extremely high parts and labor costs — budget 2–3× what you'd spend on a comparable Porsche or Mercedes
- Electrical gremlins from the Ford/Volvo-era wiring and infotainment systems
- Air suspension components are expensive and failure is not uncommon past 60k miles
- Catalyst and oxygen sensor failures are common and costly on the V12
- This car should not be driven on salted roads — corrosion to the aluminum structure and brake hardware is a real risk
Common issues by mileage
6 knownCatalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
high- Typically appears
- 75–90k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,500
Random / Multiple Cylinder Misfire
medium- Typically appears
- 70–90k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $800
Fuel System Running Lean (Both Banks)
medium- Typically appears
- 60–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $600
Coolant Leak — Water Pump / Radiator
medium- Typically appears
- 50–70k mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $1,200
Air Suspension Component Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 50–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,000 – $2,500
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first Oil & Filter Change
The V12 holds approximately 10 quarts and requires a full synthetic meeting Aston Martin's spec. Using the wrong viscosity or a non-spec oil accelerates wear on the hand-built rotating assembly. Budget around $250 per service at an independent specialist.
- 2 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Tire Rotation
The DB9's RWD layout and rear weight bias cause uneven rear tire wear. Rotation extends tire life and keeps the handling balance predictable. Check pressures at the same time — low-profile tires lose pressure faster than most owners expect.
- 3 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake Fluid Flush
The DB9's carbon-ceramic or iron rotors run very hot during spirited driving. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering the boiling point and causing fade. On a car with this much stopping power, fresh fluid is a safety item.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles or 5 years Coolant System Service
The V12 generates significant heat. The water pump and radiator are known weak points past 50k miles. Fresh coolant at this interval and a visual inspection of hoses and pump weep holes can prevent a much more expensive repair.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change
The ZF 6-speed automatic transaxle is positioned at the rear axle and runs warm. Fresh fluid reduces the risk of the rough-shifting and solenoid wear that plagues high-mileage DB9s. Do not skip or extend this interval.
- 6 Every 30,000 miles Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement
The V12 has 12 plugs in a tight installation. Worn plugs on any of the 12 cylinders can trigger misfires (P0300) or lean codes. Labor access is tight — budget for the full set when you're in there.
- 7 Every fall, before storage Battery Condition Check
The DB9's electronics are battery-sensitive — a weak battery causes module communication faults and infotainment failures. In Lake Geneva's winters, if the car sits, keep it on a quality trickle/maintenance charger to avoid deep discharge damage.
- 8 Every spring, after winter storage Underbody Rinse and Inspection
Even if the car was not driven in winter, trailer transport or brief exposure to parking lots with residual salt can begin corrosion on brake hardware and suspension components. Rinse the underside thoroughly and inspect for any moisture intrusion around the aluminum structure.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$2,500 – $6,000
Fuel
Premium 93-octane required. At 15 MPG combined and typical driving, expect $3,000–$4,500/year in fuel. The V12 is thirsty — budget accordingly.
Insurance
Specialty or agreed-value collector car insurance is strongly recommended. Standard comp policies often under-insure at current market values. Annual premiums typically run $1,500–$3,500 depending on storage, usage, and your driving record.
The DB9 is an inexpensive car to buy today — used examples trade between $50,000–$80,000 — but the cost of ownership can rival or exceed a new luxury car. Annual maintenance at an honest independent specialist will run $2,500–$6,000 in years when nothing breaks. Add any one major component failure (transmission, air suspension, catalysts) and a single year can easily top $8,000–$12,000. This is a car for someone who budgets for surprises and keeps a reserve fund. It should be stored from November through April in Wisconsin and never driven on salted roads.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Store the vehicle for the season — road salt is severely damaging to the aluminum VH structure, brake hardware, and suspension components. This car is not a winter driver.
- Before storage, perform a full oil change so acidic combustion byproducts don't sit in the engine all winter.
- Connect a quality battery maintenance charger (trickle or smart charger). The DB9's electronics are sensitive to low battery voltage and will develop module faults after a deep discharge.
- Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer if storing more than 60 days — ethanol-blended fuel degrades and can damage fuel system components.
- Store on a soft surface or tire cradles if possible to prevent flat-spotting on the low-profile performance tires.
- Keep the car in a climate-controlled or at minimum dry, sealed garage. Condensation cycles in an unheated space accelerate corrosion on brake rotors and electrical connectors.
Summer
- Check tire pressures weekly during heat waves — low-profile performance tires are sensitive to pressure changes and under-inflation at speed on a 450-hp car is dangerous.
- Inspect the A/C system each spring before summer use; the refrigerant charge and cabin filter should be verified after winter storage.
- Monitor coolant temperature closely during stop-and-go driving — the V12 generates significant heat and the DB9's low-slung cooling system can heat-soak in slow traffic.
- Inspect brake pads before any spirited summer driving — the DB9's front brakes wear faster than most owners expect, especially if the car was sitting and rotors have surface rust from storage.
Comparable vehicles
2007 Ferrari
612 Scaglietti
Same era 2+2 grand tourer with a V12, similar used price range, similarly high maintenance costs and specialist-only servicing requirements.
2007 Bentley
Continental GT
British GT coupe in the same price bracket today, with a twin-turbo W12 and similar grand-touring mission. More practical and easier to find service for, but equally expensive to maintain.
2007 Maserati
GranTurismo
Italian V8 grand tourer at a similar used market price, with a comparable emphasis on style and driving feel over day-to-day practicality. Ferrari-derived engine has its own maintenance quirks.
No catalog match
2007 Porsche
911 Turbo
If the DB9's ownership cost is a concern, a 997-generation 911 Turbo offers comparable performance, is significantly more reliable, and has a much wider service network — including specialists throughout Wisconsin.