2011 Aston Martin Virage 5.9L Petrol · LJ61 FVV

Front‑end braking integrity has been the most significant mechanical concern, with both nearside and offside front brake discs recorded as insecure in the January 2026 MOT – a dangerous failure that required immediate rectification before the vehicle could be re‑tested and subsequently passed in April 2026 with no further defects. A prior major failure in January 2025, when the engine management indicator lamp was deemed inoperative, adds another layer of electronic‑system risk, although that fault was cleared for the following test. Recurrent advisories about light misting of oil from the front and rear shock absorbers since 2020 also suggest a pattern of suspension‑oil leakage that, while not yet a failure, may presage future damping degradation. At 34,693 mi spread over fifteen years the annual mileage averages roughly 2,300 mi, indicating a usage profile well below typical road‑car expectations. Such low utilisation can be benign but may also point to prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate seal hardening, rubber ageing and corrosion in hidden components. The MOT record shows a gap in 2022, after a pass in October 2021 and before the next test in January 2023, so any work undertaken during that interval is not documented. Mechanically, the modest mileage reduces wear on consumables such as brake pads and tyres, yet the combination of low use and the documented brake‑disc insecurity warrants particular scrutiny of mounting hardware that can deteriorate when a vehicle sits for extended periods. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the front brake assembly. Verify that the disc mounting bolts are torqued to specification, check for any play between the disc and hub, and spin the wheels to detect wobble or uneven run‑out. While on a test drive, listen for any metallic rattling when applying the brakes and feel for any pulsation through the pedal that could indicate warped discs or loose fittings. The engine management system should be scanned for stored fault codes, and the MIL lamp must illuminate correctly on demand; any lingering codes could hint at unresolved electronic issues. The suspension oil misting advisories merit a focused assessment of the shock absorbers. Examine the shock bodies for external oil seepage, and during a drive over varying road surfaces, note any loss of firmness, excessive bounce, or uneven response between left‑right corners. Pay particular attention to the offside front brake hose, which was flagged for slight ferrule corrosion in 2020; inspect the hose for cracking, swelling or fluid loss. Finally, confirm that the TPMS warning lamp functions correctly, as it has appeared as an advisory on multiple occasions. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these areas will clarify whether the earlier failures have been fully remedied and whether any latent wear may affect future roadworthiness.