Used Aston Martin DB7 Volante 1994 - 2004 review

The Aston Martin DB7 Volante is arguably one of the best-looking convertibles of all time. Long sensuous lines, an air of exclusivity and a famous badge make it a classic.

The 6.0-litre V12 engine produces 420bhp, giving great performance with a maximum speed of 165mph, but it's docile at real-world speeds.

The Volante isn't as composed on the road as the DB7 coupe, but it's still a great drive. However, this is not a sports car, and is better suited to the open highway than tight, twisty roads.

There's a fair amount of wind buffeting in the DB7 Volante, but it does allow you to hear all 12 cylinders sing, and few owners complain about the snarling soundtrack.

The hood feels low-tech by today's standards and everything is done by hand. It's fiddly and not very quick to erect or fold away, while the tonneau is tricky to fit. Boot space is severely limited.

The DB7 Volante shouldn't be as expensive to own as other V12 exotica, such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, but that doesn't mean it will be cheap. Service intervals are every 7500 miles and each visit can set you back more than £600, so if you plan to cover some miles make sure that you budget accordingly. The DB7 also has a habit of consuming tyres; a set can last as little as 8000 miles and cost £800 to replace.

You're unlikely to buy a V12 DB7 if you're worried about its fuel consumption , but it's quite possible to get less than 17mpg, so you'll be spending a fair amount of time and money at the pumps. Insurance isn't cheap; you'll be doing well to keep the premium under four figures.

The right specification and colour are important when choosing a DB7 Volante; darker hues are less popular with buyers. You shouldn't expect high spec levels – the base models didn't even come with a CD player. All the fundamentals are in place, but forget about items such as satellite navigation, or electrically folding door mirrors on the earlier cars. Equipment and options got better over the course of time.

The six-speed manual gearbox gives the best performance, but it's not all that user-friendly, and most owners opted for the automatic. From 2000, a sequential-shift Touchtronic system replaced the older auto 'box.

Approved dealers are the best source for the newest examples, but there are independents with a good selection of stock. Most Aston Martins are well cared for, so steer clear of scruffy ones with high miles, and make sure the service history is complete. Be wary of very cheap offers.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here