2006 Aston Martin DB9 5.9L Petrol · SF51 AML

The most recent MOT, carried out on 27 November 2025, was passed but recorded three advisories – rear tyre wear approaching the legal limit on both sides, and a slightly noisy front wheel bearing. Earlier in the series, the vehicle failed its 13 April 2022 test due to significant front and rear brake‑pipe corrosion and tyre damage, yet it subsequently passed three consecutive tests (May 2022, August 2023, December 2024 and November 2025) with only minor advisories. This pattern shows a clear improvement in condition following remedial work after the 2022 failure, suggesting that the current maintenance trajectory is stabilising rather than deteriorating. At 55,400 mi on a 2006 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 2,800 mi per year, which is well below the typical usage for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often points to extended periods of inactivity or very gentle driving, both of which can be benign for wear‑items but can also accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery cells and corrosion‑prone metalwork. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded MOT dates, indicating the car has been kept on the road and tested regularly, but the low mileage should prompt a focus on calendar‑based wear rather than mileage‑based wear. Prospective buyers should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Even though the tread depth may still be acceptable, the sidewalls are likely to have perished from age, showing cracking, hardening or loss of flexibility, especially on the front tyres where a screw was previously noted. Any embedded foreign objects must be removed and the tyre repaired or replaced, and the rear tyres should be replaced promptly if the tread is close to the legal limit or if edge wear is evident. The front wheel bearing that generated a slight noise should be checked for excessive play or roughness when the wheel is rocked; a bearing that is beginning to fail will often produce a low‑frequency growl that intensifies with speed. The brake hoses, particularly the off‑side front and rear flexible pipes flagged in 2022, must be examined for surface corrosion, blistering, or signs of leaking fluid; any compromised hose should be replaced immediately as failure can lead to loss of braking pressure. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and verify that the pads have sufficient thickness and are not glazed. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, attention should be paid to components that deteriorate with time. Examine the suspension bushings, especially the front lower and rear trailing arm bushes, for dry‑rot or excessive play that can cause clunking noises over bumps. Check the battery for sulphation, low cranking voltage and swollen cases; a load test is advisable before purchase. Verify that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – brake fluid should be flushed at least every two years, and coolant typically every five years – as fluids degrade even when the car is not driven hard. Finally, confirm the presence of a complete service book with stamps for oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and any major works, as a well‑documented history will give confidence that the low‑mileage car has been looked after appropriately.