First Aston - Rapide
Discussion
Purchased a 6 year old Storm Black RAPIDE with Sahara Tan a couple of weeks ago after shortlisting RAPIDE and GranTurismo. Fell in love with the RAPIDE, based on it's amazing looks, great driving capability, exhaust sound and interior finish/quality. Car works perfectly for our family as our teenage kids fit very comfortably in rear seats.
Overall I'm impressed with how refined the car can be for regular driving and cruising, and then turns into an amazing drivers car when pushed hard on a good road.
I still can't get over how epic the sound is when the car starts up as well as at higher revs
Car brings a huge grin every time I drive it - so far I've been blown away by the car overall - i now see the real appeal and how special Astons are, even with the odd electrical gremlins.
Some pics
Overall I'm impressed with how refined the car can be for regular driving and cruising, and then turns into an amazing drivers car when pushed hard on a good road.
I still can't get over how epic the sound is when the car starts up as well as at higher revs
Car brings a huge grin every time I drive it - so far I've been blown away by the car overall - i now see the real appeal and how special Astons are, even with the odd electrical gremlins.
Some pics
Edited by LalC on Friday 27th October 20:14
Edited by LalC on Friday 27th October 20:15
Both our daughter's 16 and 13 absolutely love the car, especially our younger one and all her school friends. We did a 250 mile round trip to a wedding in Gloucester last weekend and car drove so well and kids were very comfortable during the 2.5 hour journey each way.
My wife also loves the car and I'm sure will be driving it quite a lot
My wife also loves the car and I'm sure will be driving it quite a lot
Thanks all for the very warm welcome from fellow Aston owners. Been following this forum for a while and we seem to have a great bunch of enthusiasts. Looking forward to meeting some of you at future events.
The RAPIDE seems amazing value at the the moment, including when comparing to equivalent age DB9.
This one could be a long term keeper.
The RAPIDE seems amazing value at the the moment, including when comparing to equivalent age DB9.
This one could be a long term keeper.
LalC said:
Both our daughter's 16 and 13 absolutely love the car, especially our younger one and all her school friends.
Mine insists I don't drop her off at school in it as its a bit loud/flash! Get your 3 way exhaust valve switch installed for added exhaust music. De-cat secondary on mine too - sounds like you like the music!?
Mine has been so reliable so hope you have loads of fun family trips in yours. Great choice
I'm loving my Rapide S... it's probably the best Aston I've had (and I've had them all exc current Vanquish and DB11). Feels so much more car than the others, but you can hustle it the same. Very underated and a bargain at these prices for the MY15 cars with the new gearbox.
Edited by seastorm on Friday 27th October 09:31
Lovely colour, looks stunning.
Yes fully agree, I can't think of a better car overall with combination of stunning exterior and interior looks and quality, amazing sound from the V12, its Jeckle and Hyde character, sublime steering feel and suspension that adjusts beautifally to driving style.
Low £50k for a non S model is a great price point for what you're getting. Whilst an S would have been nice I feel standard model is more than adequate for my needs.
My last car was a 996 Turbo (remapped) and whilst this was my childhood dream car, in the end felt car was too clinical and even with a sports exhaust had had such a poor sound, which left me longing for something that was more of a real occasion every time you take it out, no matter how you drive the car.
At moment the Aston ticks all the boxes and more!
Yes fully agree, I can't think of a better car overall with combination of stunning exterior and interior looks and quality, amazing sound from the V12, its Jeckle and Hyde character, sublime steering feel and suspension that adjusts beautifally to driving style.
Low £50k for a non S model is a great price point for what you're getting. Whilst an S would have been nice I feel standard model is more than adequate for my needs.
My last car was a 996 Turbo (remapped) and whilst this was my childhood dream car, in the end felt car was too clinical and even with a sports exhaust had had such a poor sound, which left me longing for something that was more of a real occasion every time you take it out, no matter how you drive the car.
At moment the Aston ticks all the boxes and more!
Great choice. I was seduced by the DB9 for my first Aston but after finding a) everyone wants to come along for the ride and b) the back seats can't even accommodate my 2 small dogs, the next one will be a Rapide if all goes to plan. There is something so Gerry Anderson about the whole thing, its just epic.
The only thing that puts me off the pre-S cars are the interiors which are some of the worst for 2 and 3 tone excesses of lights and darks. Yours is much better with the tan, I looked at it too with a view to colour coding the carpets.
The only thing that puts me off the pre-S cars are the interiors which are some of the worst for 2 and 3 tone excesses of lights and darks. Yours is much better with the tan, I looked at it too with a view to colour coding the carpets.
Edited by Loose_Cannon on Friday 27th October 23:17
There something about the dark paint and tan and black interior combination that creates a stunning/classy look, it's my favourite combination.
I have to say some of the quilted combinations including the roof lining on the S models take things a bit too far, but again personal choice.
I have to say some of the quilted combinations including the roof lining on the S models take things a bit too far, but again personal choice.
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