2012 Aston Martin DBS 5.9L Petrol · D7 JPA

A sparse utilization record defines the history of this twelve-year-old sports tourer, which has accumulated just 16,946 miles at an average rate of roughly 1,210 miles per year. This infrequent usage profile is punctuated by a generally stable MOT history, culminating in a straight pass on August 12, 2025, which followed a temporary stumble in July 2024 when the car failed its test due to structural carcass damage on both rear tyres alongside perishing advisories on the front axle. Aside from that single tyre-related failure, the vehicle has successfully negotiated tests in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 without generating a single recorded advisory or defect. The exceptionally low annual mileage means the vehicle has spent prolonged periods stationary, a usage pattern that requires careful scrutiny of perishable rubber components, seals, and fluid-carrying lines throughout the chassis. While low mileage often correlates with minimal mechanical wear on high-cost drivetrain assemblies like the V12 engine and transaxle, periods of extended inactivity can accelerate the degradation of suspension bushes, mounting rubbers, and braking components even if they managed to escape formal test notices thus far. Prospective buyers should inspect the entire underbody for any signs of premature aging in the flexible hoses and suspension dampener seals. During the physical inspection and test drive, specific attention must be paid to the condition of the tyres, given the 2024 failure involving cuts reaching the cords and subsequent perishing advisories on the front axle. A thorough check of the alloy wheel rims for scrubbing and a detailed examination of the tyre sidewall date codes are essential to ensure the current rubber has not aged past its safe operational window despite modest tread depths. Listen intently for any dull knocks or suspension creaks from the double-wishbone architecture over rough road surfaces, which would signal hardened or degraded suspension bushes requiring replacement. Finally, verify that the braking system operates without pulsation or binding, as low-mileage performance vehicles can suffer from seized caliper pistons or localized brake disc corrosion if moisture settles on the friction surfaces during storage. Ensure the hydraulic pedal feel is firm and progressive, confirming that the braking hardware responds cleanly under load. A comprehensive ramp inspection should accompany any pre-purchase test to cross-reference the clean MOT record with the physical condition of the undercarriage, exhaust system hangers, and engine bay ancillaries.