2002 ASTON MARTIN DB7

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Blue smoke on cold start, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Rough idle that worsens when warm, Metallic rattling from cylinder head area

Fix: Full engine teardown, cylinder honing or resleeving with steel liners, new pistons, rings, bearings throughout, head gasket set. Estimated 60-80 shop hours. Many owners opt for complete short block replacement or remanufactured engine to avoid repeat failures. This is the DB7's Achilles heel—high-sulfur fuel in early 2000s ate the Nikasil coating.

Estimated cost: $12,000-22,000

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking noise at idle that increases with RPM, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Metallic tapping from lower engine block, Oil pressure warning light flickers or stays on, Catastrophic failure if driven after symptoms appear

Fix: Engine out, complete disassembly, crankshaft inspection and possible machining, new main and rod bearings, thrust washers, all seals and gaskets. Often discovered during Nikasil diagnosis. 50-70 labor hours. Crankshaft may need grinding if bearing failure progressed.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), Overheating under load, Bubbling in coolant reservoir when running, External coolant leaks at head-to-block interface

Fix: Cylinder heads off, resurface if warped, new OEM gaskets (no aftermarket shortcuts on this engine), ARP studs recommended, timing components inspection while apart. 30-40 hours labor. Often done preventively during Nikasil repair.

Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping under vehicle, Harsh shifting or delayed engagement, Transmission overheating warnings, Visible fluid spray around cooler lines, Clunking when shifting from park to drive (worn mounts)

Fix: Replace corroded hard lines and rubber sections with upgraded braided steel lines (OEM lines rot), new transmission mounts (8-12 hours). Cooler itself rarely fails but lines corrode from road salt. Mounts are hydraulic and fail from age.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: Any mileage (age-related)

Symptoms: Power steering fluid spraying onto exhaust manifold (fire risk), Complete loss of power assist, Whining/groaning from steering pump, Fluid pooling under front of car, Burning smell from engine bay

Fix: Replace high-pressure hose from pump to rack (NHTSA recall item but many never repaired). Hose degrades from heat cycles. 2-3 hours labor. Check entire system—reservoir, pump seals, and low-pressure lines often fail around same time.

Estimated cost: $600-1,100

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting, especially when hot, Loss of power under acceleration, Engine stumbling or cutting out at highway speeds, Fuel pump whining audibly from rear, Check engine light with lean codes

Fix: Replace fuel filter (under car near tank), inspect fuel pump and tank for rust/sediment. Filter service often neglected—should be every 30k on these cars. If tank contaminated, requires drop and cleaning or replacement. 3-5 hours including tank inspection.

Estimated cost: $400-900