2010 Aston Martin DB9 5.9L Petrol · V400 DEM

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 April 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective purchaser. However, a review of the preceding history shows a clear pattern of tyre and cosmetic issues that had been flagged across multiple tests, with the 10 October 2025 retest carrying advisories for cracking and perishing on the nearside front tyre, both rear tyres, headlamp lens discolouration on both units, and a minor defect for a missing nearside side repeater lens. These items, while not failure-level at their last presentation, suggest that the vehicle had not been addressed in certain maintenance areas prior to the most recent test. The fact that the 2026 pass returned with no recorded items implies remedial work was likely carried out, but verification of replacement tyres, rectified lighting, and any rectification evidence should form part of any pre-purchase negotiation. With 33,642 miles recorded over approximately 16 years, this DB9 has covered around 2,100 miles annually, which is very low even for a low-volume grand tourer. Such modest annual usage is consistent with a vehicle that has either been used sparingly for special occasions or has experienced extended periods of standing, both of which carry distinct mechanical considerations. Low recorded mileage does not necessarily equate to a mechanically sound car, as standing can bring its own problems including binding brake calipers, corrosion on brake discs, perished rubber components, fluid degradation, and 12V battery failure. Any significant gaps in the MOT record or service history that cannot be explained by SORN declarations should be questioned, as unmotivated periods often correlate with deferred maintenance. Given the age of the vehicle and the recurring tyre perishing advisories, a thorough inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth, and manufacturing date codes is essential, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of mileage. The brake system warrants close attention due to potential caliper seizure and disc corrosion from low use, so the car should be test driven with particular attention to any pulling to one side, a spongy or dragging pedal feel, or shudder under braking. Underneath, the suspension should be evaluated for worn bushes, tired coil springs, and any leaks from dampers, as Aston Martin vehicles of this era are known for bush wear and convertible or coupe-specific structural inspection points should be checked for corrosion. Finally, the buyer should satisfy themselves on the time-based servicing items that are not visible on an MOT but are critical on a 16-year-old car, including engine oil and filter, brake fluid (typically biennial), coolant, and transmission fluid condition, all of which degrade by age rather than mileage. The 12V battery should be load tested, as prolonged standing periods typically shorten battery life considerably. Headlamp lens condition, as flagged in previous advisories, should be physically inspected for UV degradation and moisture ingress, and the missing side repeater lens referenced in 2025 should be confirmed as replaced. A pre-purchase inspection by a marque specialist is strongly recommended, given the cost of rectification on this model and the relatively sparse MOT history that may mask underlying mechanical condition.