Rapide options and pricing...
Discussion
Hi, been a long time reader but first post on the AM forum as I am looking at a Rapide as an option. (I have test driven the Rapide, 612 and Panamera but the Rapide won).
I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate your thoughts on.
1. Could anyone help me with what was (and wasn't) a standard feature and what was an option on the Rapide. I am primarily interested in 2010-2012 models as I have dealers trying to push what I believe were standard as 'options'.
2. Pricing - is it me or is Rapide pricing all over the place. Whilst I appreciate there will be more variance on this type of car and it's down to what people are prepared to pay , the sheer sizes of variance isn't helping me decide at all. It doesn't help when some dealers just seem to re-list cars they couldn't sell for a few grand more a couple of months later.
Any thoughts/comments appreciated to help me out of this muddle.
I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate your thoughts on.
1. Could anyone help me with what was (and wasn't) a standard feature and what was an option on the Rapide. I am primarily interested in 2010-2012 models as I have dealers trying to push what I believe were standard as 'options'.
2. Pricing - is it me or is Rapide pricing all over the place. Whilst I appreciate there will be more variance on this type of car and it's down to what people are prepared to pay , the sheer sizes of variance isn't helping me decide at all. It doesn't help when some dealers just seem to re-list cars they couldn't sell for a few grand more a couple of months later.
Any thoughts/comments appreciated to help me out of this muddle.
Have you bought 'the book' yet? http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
All of the various options and permutations (by MY) will be in there.
All of the various options and permutations (by MY) will be in there.
Regarding pricing, I can imagine them being all over the place.
Some dealers appear to price up/down according to time of year, so if possible monitor prices. Maybe take a look at all stock and price your desired rapide at what you think its worth. Just remember all prices are usually negotiable
Some dealers appear to price up/down according to time of year, so if possible monitor prices. Maybe take a look at all stock and price your desired rapide at what you think its worth. Just remember all prices are usually negotiable
Agree on the very variable pricing. The irony is its in our interest for them to max 'em up (one bought)!
I compared many similar cars from many dealers and I think this is your best approach - take your time, stick to facts and printed out examples to show as reference. Stratstones have a rep for sticking to their windscreen figures on prices, as is their right, but others may be more fluid and (at the time I was looking) were pricing 2-3k lower anyway. Homework...and know you will get a better deal if the car has been on the forecourt 3 months...
I would suggest the rear screens as a must have - we get 4 doors for a reason! The cooled seats however aren't massively effective really.
KF
I compared many similar cars from many dealers and I think this is your best approach - take your time, stick to facts and printed out examples to show as reference. Stratstones have a rep for sticking to their windscreen figures on prices, as is their right, but others may be more fluid and (at the time I was looking) were pricing 2-3k lower anyway. Homework...and know you will get a better deal if the car has been on the forecourt 3 months...
I would suggest the rear screens as a must have - we get 4 doors for a reason! The cooled seats however aren't massively effective really.
KF
Obviously I would like them to be low for the second (until I buy one then they can start to rise again ).
I think that's the conclusion I have come to - and am trying to finalize my spec. Agree completely about the rear screens, useful info about the seats. I do love Stratstone's approach of 'sticking' to their price; they are the dealer that couldn't sell a car then re-listed it at the higher price (which they can obviously do) and it would make a little more sense if their pricing was consistent across their own network.
).I think that's the conclusion I have come to - and am trying to finalize my spec. Agree completely about the rear screens, useful info about the seats. I do love Stratstone's approach of 'sticking' to their price; they are the dealer that couldn't sell a car then re-listed it at the higher price (which they can obviously do) and it would make a little more sense if their pricing was consistent across their own network.
boxaw said:
Obviously I would like them to be low for the second (until I buy one then they can start to rise again ).
I think that's the conclusion I have come to - and am trying to finalize my spec. Agree completely about the rear screens, useful info about the seats. I do love Stratstone's approach of 'sticking' to their price; they are the dealer that couldn't sell a car then re-listed it at the higher price (which they can obviously do) and it would make a little more sense if their pricing was consistent across their own network.
They stick to their price until you say you won't buy at that price and tell them to go away and think about it.).I think that's the conclusion I have come to - and am trying to finalize my spec. Agree completely about the rear screens, useful info about the seats. I do love Stratstone's approach of 'sticking' to their price; they are the dealer that couldn't sell a car then re-listed it at the higher price (which they can obviously do) and it would make a little more sense if their pricing was consistent across their own network.
Used Rapide now offer very good value IMO and they are more practical than the equivalent DB9 while still being good to drive. They are well specified as standard, so I wouldn't get too caught up in specs', but the rear DVD entertainment system is a useful option for re-sale, as it will keep the little ones happy. The 12MY introduced an upgrade to the Garmin navigation, beam wipers and the option of a reversing camera (another appealing extra). Also look out for Luxe special edition which has a nice range of extras as standard (also slightly upgraded for the 12MY). Take your time and don't be put off by price variances, just check out the best value cars providing they meet your requirements and have FSH 
Best of luck
Best of luck I completely agree Grant. I've been lucky enough over the past 4 years to own a Vantage, then a DB9 and now the Rapide. It is a stunning car with a lot 'presence'....in my opinion. My son (and his mates) love it and for the first time in 4 years I now comply with our company car policy of 4 seats/doors! Don't get me wrong the Vantage was exciting, the DB9 a fabulous GT, but the Rapide (for me) adds something else. The build quality also seems rock solid and the rising B&O speakers...pure drama. Definitely worth a look in my opinion and I'd also agree that the rear entertainment kit is not only useful but good for the resale value.
Thanks guys, agree completely about the rear entertainment - definitely appeals for my kids.
What's the thoughts on the Garmin satnav? Is it a massive improvement on the pre-MY12?
And, neveratt, I notice you have a light interior. I do like the look of the lighter interior but am worried about getting it wrecked with the kids so was veering towards a darker leather. Do you find it cleans ok or are you kids a little cleaner than mine?
What's the thoughts on the Garmin satnav? Is it a massive improvement on the pre-MY12?
And, neveratt, I notice you have a light interior. I do like the look of the lighter interior but am worried about getting it wrecked with the kids so was veering towards a darker leather. Do you find it cleans ok or are you kids a little cleaner than mine?
neveratt said:
boxaw's... yes the Garmin is better, but as ever it depends on the premium you need to pay for the 12MY enhancements compared to an earlier model. The 12MY changes came in mid-late 2011 so there is coming up 4 years depreciation to help. You can check the model year via the VIN.
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