Aston Martin
DB7
Jaguar
XJS
Aston Martin DB7 vs Jaguar XJS: 2003 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Aston Martin DB7 comes out ahead of the Jaguar XJS on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
DB7
Overall
Sentiment is mixed, with a clear divide between aesthetic admiration and practical ownership concerns. The DB7 is consistently praised for its exceptional beauty and iconic design, often described as one of the most beautiful cars of its era. It is recognized as a significant model that revived the Aston Martin brand.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions mention both the early inline-6 (I6) and later V12 Vantage models.
Known issues
- ⚠Structural rust: Very frequent and cited as the primary, deal-breaking issue. Requires extensive and expensive repair.
XJS
Overall
Owner sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific model year, engine choice, and ownership expectations. The XJS is widely regarded as a beautiful, classic GT car with significant character and a "raffish" image, offering a unique blend of style and performance for its era. However, long-term owner reports are dominated by discussions of poor reliability, particularly for models produced during the British Leyland era (1970s and early 1980s), which suffer from severe electrical problems, inadequate rust proofing, and complex mechanical issues.
Best version to buy
Models equipped with the later AJ16 4.0L inline-six cylinder engine (found in post-1993 models up to 1996) are frequently cited as the best combination of reliability, parts availability, and refinement. The AJ6 engine is also noted as a good choice, though slightly older.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe rust corrosion: particularly on structural points like jacking points, radius arm mounts, and the rear subframe. Inadequate factory rust proofing, especially on pre-1990s models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical system failures: brittle, heat-damaged wiring harnesses (especially in the V12 engine bay), Lucas electric component failures, intermittent ignition problems, faulty coaxial cable causing no-start conditions.
- ⚠V12 engine complexity and wear: finicky fuel injection, complex engine electronics, high maintenance requirements, poor fuel economy (cited as low as 10 MPG), inherent wear, concerns about long-term reliability without specialist care.
The verdict
The Aston Martin DB7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Jaguar XJS, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Jaguar XJS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XJS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Aston Martin DB7 and the Jaguar XJS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XJS?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XJS?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Aston Martin DB7 or the Jaguar XJS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.