Rapide - 3 months on. (Summary: yay!)
Discussion
So, I've had my Rapide 2010 for 3 months now. And, once the coils and plugs were changed (65k miles) I've loved every minute of it. I use it as a daily driver, everything from school runs, shopping trips, tip runs and obviously trips away.
In a period where the rest of my life has gone to s
t (see other thread) it had been a constant source of smiles and joy.
Drives brilliantly (for me). I don't thrash it around A roads or kill motorways - I'm not a good enough driver, but it just easily eats up miles and glides around bends ... often at a faster speed than you think you are doing !! Other cars (normally Beamers!) pull up alongside you and sometimes look like they want a race from the lights ... but your in an Aston. You don't need to. You've won already. But in those quiet empty road moments, you can drop the gears and let it fly ... and it responds brilliantly. I'm not an expert and so can't compare it, but it's feels great and sounds better. Parking, once used to it - fine. (Confession: my alloy rims have taken a hammering !)
Space. My kids are 15 and 13. They fit in the back ... just. I'd say 5ft 7 is about max comfort behind a 5ft 10 driver. 4 adults... short, uncomfortable, journeys only. Boot space ... impressive actually. Golf clubs (no trolley) fine and without them luggage for 3/4 people for weekend away (judicious packing).
And actually, I know it's just a 'thing' that I've bought, but it gets a nice reaction everywhere I go. People comment, some ask to take pictures, drivers let you out, it's just a good vibe ( which will be useful for my newly single status
).
My only negative, no suprise, but it's fking thirsty. 14-16 MPG in average thirsty. I laughed at some previous comments on this, but honestly, my petrol bills are starting to make me weep.
So far no niggles (headlight fog, fuel cap, etc) and the BOVEE Bluetooth streams music, digital radio and podcasts just perfectly.
No regrets at all. None. Nada. Zip.
And as recent events in my life have proven, you must seek joy where you can. If you are contemplating buying one - do it.
In a period where the rest of my life has gone to s
t (see other thread) it had been a constant source of smiles and joy.Drives brilliantly (for me). I don't thrash it around A roads or kill motorways - I'm not a good enough driver, but it just easily eats up miles and glides around bends ... often at a faster speed than you think you are doing !! Other cars (normally Beamers!) pull up alongside you and sometimes look like they want a race from the lights ... but your in an Aston. You don't need to. You've won already. But in those quiet empty road moments, you can drop the gears and let it fly ... and it responds brilliantly. I'm not an expert and so can't compare it, but it's feels great and sounds better. Parking, once used to it - fine. (Confession: my alloy rims have taken a hammering !)
Space. My kids are 15 and 13. They fit in the back ... just. I'd say 5ft 7 is about max comfort behind a 5ft 10 driver. 4 adults... short, uncomfortable, journeys only. Boot space ... impressive actually. Golf clubs (no trolley) fine and without them luggage for 3/4 people for weekend away (judicious packing).
And actually, I know it's just a 'thing' that I've bought, but it gets a nice reaction everywhere I go. People comment, some ask to take pictures, drivers let you out, it's just a good vibe ( which will be useful for my newly single status
).My only negative, no suprise, but it's f
king thirsty. 14-16 MPG in average thirsty. I laughed at some previous comments on this, but honestly, my petrol bills are starting to make me weep. So far no niggles (headlight fog, fuel cap, etc) and the BOVEE Bluetooth streams music, digital radio and podcasts just perfectly.
No regrets at all. None. Nada. Zip.
And as recent events in my life have proven, you must seek joy where you can. If you are contemplating buying one - do it.
Glad you can find a ray of sunshine in an otherwise difficult time.
Must admit to having a soft spot for the Rapide but any Aston will give you the warm (readibrek) glow when taken out. They get very well received by most and yes like you I have the traffic light grand Prix drivers wanting a go but like you I ignore them as best I can however, sometimes if traffic and conditions allow it's nice to have a play from time to time
Just enjoy your car, it sounds as though it's getting you through a sticky patch so to hell with the fuel bills.
Must admit to having a soft spot for the Rapide but any Aston will give you the warm (readibrek) glow when taken out. They get very well received by most and yes like you I have the traffic light grand Prix drivers wanting a go but like you I ignore them as best I can however, sometimes if traffic and conditions allow it's nice to have a play from time to time
Just enjoy your car, it sounds as though it's getting you through a sticky patch so to hell with the fuel bills.
I sold my Rapide in March 2021, I had enjoyed it for 3 years and fancied a change. Bad decision in lots of ways, but didn’t fancy spending another 60-70k at the time for an AMR. I think a low mileage Rapide AMR will become a collectors item in 10-15 years. Increased by 20%+ already this year
So did I miss the pictures or what???
Glad you are enjoying it mate - modest money can certainly buy a dollop of happiness, even if other stuff is not going to plan
I've had two, spanning 7 years, and they have been so reliable and such fun and i've seen so many countries in them.
Use it to the fullest. Here she is absolutely minging on Skye, 4 up with the family and 1800 miles in 8 glorious days
:
Glad you are enjoying it mate - modest money can certainly buy a dollop of happiness, even if other stuff is not going to plan
I've had two, spanning 7 years, and they have been so reliable and such fun and i've seen so many countries in them.
Use it to the fullest. Here she is absolutely minging on Skye, 4 up with the family and 1800 miles in 8 glorious days
:Edited by Ken Figenus on Thursday 30th December 20:23
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