1997 ASTON MARTIN DB73.2L Petrol

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-14 confirms it remains roadworthy at 27,102 miles, with no defects or advisories recorded across the past five consecutive tests. This pattern of clean passes suggests consistent compliance with MOT standards, though it does not guarantee the absence of underlying issues not detectable by the test—such as internal suspension wear, drivetrain fluid degradation, or hidden corrosion. The absence of recurring advisories or defects implies that previous owners have likely addressed basic maintenance, but the vehicle’s age (29 years) demands scrutiny of high-wear components that fall outside MOT’s scope. The recorded mileage of 27,102 miles over nearly three decades—approximately 935 miles per year—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the DB7’s reputation for reliability when properly maintained. The incremental mileage gains (e.g., 646 miles between 2022 and 2023, 418 miles between 2023 and 2024) suggest prolonged periods of inactivity rather than active use. While low mileage can mitigate some wear concerns, it also raises questions about storage conditions, potential fluid stagnation, and the risk of neglected maintenance tasks like brake fluid changes or suspension lubrication. The lack of test failures does not absolve the need for a thorough inspection of components that degrade passively over time. Given the vehicle’s age and the MOT’s limited scope, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, including coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, for signs of fatigue or dry rot. The brakes—particularly the calipers, pads, and discs—should be checked for uneven wear, binding, or corrosion, as MOT tests may not always detect subtle issues like warped discs or seized calipers. Structural integrity is another critical concern; the chassis, sills, and wheel arches should be examined for corrosion, especially in areas prone to moisture retention. The engine bay should be inspected for fluid leaks, degraded hoses, or belt tension, while the exhaust system warrants attention for rust-through or loose mounts, which could indicate earlier failures not captured in the MOT history.