Rapide

[PurpleMoonlight]

Anyone got one?

I'm looking to change cars and this seems to tick all my boxes.

I love the DB9 but the lack of boot space worries me as for holidays I need to take a couple or three suitcases in the car.

[josh bear]

Hi

Yes and I love it. Went from DB9.2 to Rapide S. Drives the same and the practicality is the next step up. Four adults in the car is fine. The handling is superb and so far no issue parking despite the size. Finally, the attention it gets is immense. Loads of fantastic comments.

Go and try one.

Josh



IMG_4460_edited-1 by Josh Bear, on Flickr




IMG_4438 by Josh Bear, on Flickr





url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshbear/12862665175/][/url]
IMG_4516_edited-1 by Josh Bear, on Flickr

[Xav AM 97]

Hi PurpleMoonlight,
We've had the Rapide for 2.5 years now and apart from spinning twice on the motorway back from the Alps it has been absolutely perfect. We've taken it skiing once and to Lake Geneva in summer once, each time it accomodated all of the family (2 adults, 6ft teen and 12 y.o) and baggage (albeit with some boot bulge). The car gets great responses from the public and we often get picture requests, favourable comments etc. Many people criticise the rear space but to be honest it is absolutely fine as long as you take frequent breaks on long journeys and have the DVD players specced in the back. We take it to lots of shows and it never looks out of place among all the other Astons, especially as a four door. The only thing I would be mindful of is that it is a much bigger car than it appears (almost 5m) and so driving around town can be a bit of a bother if you live near a large city, nevertheless, as a long distance cruiser that packs a punch it is very hard to beat.

[AdamV12V]

Xav AM 97 said:

and apart from spinning twice on the motorway back from the Alps

As in a 720 spin, and you lived to tell the tale? WOW!

Probably not the best recommendation for a car I've heard to be honest though. What happened?

[PurpleMoonlight]

Excellent, thanks guys.

Just got to find one in red now.

[Christian51]

Do you get more leg room on the passenger side, does the seat go back farther than in the DB9? About to buy a 9 but was surprised how little it had and if the wife or a friend would be comfortable for long rides.

[mickrapide]

A very usable car it takes one hour to remove smile from passengers face.Only downside is parking but who likes to stop.

[josh bear]

Christian51 said:

Do you get more leg room on the passenger side, does the seat go back farther than in the DB9? About to buy a 9 but was surprised how little it had and if the wife or a friend would be comfortable for long rides.

Hi
So a completely subjective view, my wife always comments how she prefers the Rapide S over the DB9 as it feels like she has more room. I can't quantify this with facts though

Best regards

Josh.

[Xav AM 97]

AdamV12V said:

As in a 720 spin, and you lived to tell the tale? WOW!

Probably not the best recommendation for a car I've heard to be honest though. What happened?

Well, as we were approaching the channel crossing in France during July last year a bloke in an Audi A6 decided it would be a good idea to tailgate us for a bit, so gave it a bit of gas and then as we came over the brow of a small hill I saw a standing puddle of water caused by the earlier storms which had blocked the drains. Unfortunately it was too close to slow down and we just hit it at about 70 and aquaplaned, by some miracle after spinning we ended up on the hard shoulder and facing forward! As for it being a poor recommendation I did think that as well but then realised that equally, one might take it to show that the car saved us from an unavoidable and potentially dangerous spin.