RE: Aston Martin Rapide | The Brave Pill
Discussion
Anyone talking about running costs actually run a V12 Aston ? Had an early DB9 for 2 years and 6k miles. Far far more reliable and much cheaper service costs (at McGurk) than the 997 and RS5 that followed it. By far. Also at the time our children were 7 and 4. With my wife slightly cramped in the passenger seat, she is 5 ft 7, we could get in 4 of us in for a daily trip. I am 5 ft 10 and would do a decent trip in the back of a Rapide. If you want one for the looks, noise and interior, dont let the armchair grinches put you off taking a look..
AdamV12AMR said:
Given its a Bank Holiday weekend, I’ll forgive the fact it’s taken 17 comments to trot-out the the oh-so-predictable “it’s just two Mondeo V6s bolted together!” 
As suggested above, whatever the provenance, it’s a strong, proven engine.
Unlike most later VH V12s, the Rapide also has steel brakes rather than CCMs, so that’s one less expensive thing to (eventually) be replaced.
Hopefully a current owner can confirm real-world maintenance costs, as I suspect they’re not as eye watering as the article suggests.
Check out AM Works’ fixed price servicing online, for an indication of (what I think are) reasonable service costs.
I’ve only ever driven a Rapide on an AM Performance Driving Course. Was staggered by what it could do for a big old girl. For most people who’ve done the PDC, it’s the surprise of the day.
For AML’s sake, here’s hoping the DBX pulls the same trick, but with greater commercial success.
Same cheap cast pistons as a 3 litre Duratec V6! As you've said I don't think there is anything in the mechanicals that should be particularly scary, but like any V12 the time/labour costs are always huge because accesibility is poor and there are at least 50% more "things" compared to even a V8. Even a plug change can take ages.As suggested above, whatever the provenance, it’s a strong, proven engine.
Unlike most later VH V12s, the Rapide also has steel brakes rather than CCMs, so that’s one less expensive thing to (eventually) be replaced.
Hopefully a current owner can confirm real-world maintenance costs, as I suspect they’re not as eye watering as the article suggests.
Check out AM Works’ fixed price servicing online, for an indication of (what I think are) reasonable service costs.
I’ve only ever driven a Rapide on an AM Performance Driving Course. Was staggered by what it could do for a big old girl. For most people who’ve done the PDC, it’s the surprise of the day.
For AML’s sake, here’s hoping the DBX pulls the same trick, but with greater commercial success.
More relevant would be the cost of bushes, dampers, mounts, hoses, radiators, pumps and the myriad of other rubber things that are most of the way spent and certain (suspension), likely (cooling system) or possible (everything) to need replacing at some point soon once a car reaches 10 years / 100k miles.
mundo-kombi.com said:
benzinbob said:
I REALLY LIKE THIS CAR
Me too. I generally have a bit of a loathing for any modern Aston, but the uniqueness of this and it's V12 (and it's quite pretty for a 4 door) really does it for me.Although I take offense to it's name. I have nothing against the French, but why give it a French name? It's a bit like Del Boy trying to sound sophisticated
Mangetout, Rodney, Mangetout.
But there is nothing wrong with the Rapide name - AML made a small number of 4 door Lagonda Rapides back in the mid-60s so it's just the revival of a name, rather than a new one.
A mate has an Aston V12. He was buying 'genuine' engine ancillary parts until we pointed out to him the belt tensioner, bracket, idler wheel and crank pulley were all Ford parts with the associated part numbers stamped into them. Available at less than half the price from Ford. Money to be saved running one with a little research..
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BigChiefmuffinAgain said:
Great choice for Brave Pill ! There's another one on Auto trader which looks even better value ( same price but younger and lower miles ).
However, if you were going down this road, suspect you would be better off buying the rarer Rapids S. I know they start about £15k more but most people keep these type of cars for 2 or 3 years and suspect the cost of ownership, including depreciation, would be very similar. From what I've read it is a far better car. Aston always seem to need a couple of years to sort out each new model so would be cautious about buying an early one.
I'm afraid I would wholeheartedly disagree with your suspicions. If I were buying, it would be an early (2010-2012) Magna built car. If it had to be a Rapide S, then as young as possible....let's just say that bringing production back* to Gaydon presented significant challenges...However, if you were going down this road, suspect you would be better off buying the rarer Rapids S. I know they start about £15k more but most people keep these type of cars for 2 or 3 years and suspect the cost of ownership, including depreciation, would be very similar. From what I've read it is a far better car. Aston always seem to need a couple of years to sort out each new model so would be cautious about buying an early one.
And for the record, the Rapide is actually extremely practical as the rear seats fold, making it a spacious hatchback. Great for skiing in the Austrian alps.
(*It never moved back, only re-located. Wished it would have stayed in Austria, as I could have got another few years out of it)
urquattroGus said:
A long time ago I decided to make a rule about ads WRITTEN IN FULL CAPS - That I’d never go and look at a car, let alone buy one advertised like that. Usually tells you all you need to know about the seller. Maybe I’ve missed out but still feel the same.
What does it say about the seller? An A level in English literature and I make grammar mistakes (this post alone) and my writing is scruffy as hell but we still sell honest cars and stand by them.. I owned one, a gorgeous Rapide S in Seastorm Green
So first misconception, practicality. The rear seats are usable. I'm 6ft 1 and i can comfortably sit in the back here. Unlike my previous DB9 there's no issue with the headroom. But as the author says, its a little claustrophobic due to the transmission tunnel. Also, as someone has already said, the rear seats fold flat (ish). So actually its quite a practical car for 2 people doing a European roadtrip (at which it excels). The downside of them is that they are long (but then so is a DB9). You don't want to take them up the ramp in multi-story car-parks too often!
Servicing costs. Another myth promoted mainly, i suspect by Porsche dealers/owners, about Aston Martins to deflect from chocolate engines. Its mainly fixed price servicing from the dealers. Think GBP700-800 per annum. Ok, that's not VW Golf level of servicing, but its reasonable for a V12 car with 552bhp. The issue is more the cost of things if something goes wrong. Fortunately these cars are quite sorted, but i'd be tucking £100 a month aside against any niggles. Insurance is surprisingly cheap (I'm always amazed that you can insure a V12 for low hundreds of pounds)
I've owned a lot of Aston Martin's (from a DB5 to a Vanquish-derivative). The bottom line for me is that the Rapide is THE most under-rated (and as a result massively under-valued) modern-era car in the range. If i had the space i would definitely have another.
So first misconception, practicality. The rear seats are usable. I'm 6ft 1 and i can comfortably sit in the back here. Unlike my previous DB9 there's no issue with the headroom. But as the author says, its a little claustrophobic due to the transmission tunnel. Also, as someone has already said, the rear seats fold flat (ish). So actually its quite a practical car for 2 people doing a European roadtrip (at which it excels). The downside of them is that they are long (but then so is a DB9). You don't want to take them up the ramp in multi-story car-parks too often!
Servicing costs. Another myth promoted mainly, i suspect by Porsche dealers/owners, about Aston Martins to deflect from chocolate engines. Its mainly fixed price servicing from the dealers. Think GBP700-800 per annum. Ok, that's not VW Golf level of servicing, but its reasonable for a V12 car with 552bhp. The issue is more the cost of things if something goes wrong. Fortunately these cars are quite sorted, but i'd be tucking £100 a month aside against any niggles. Insurance is surprisingly cheap (I'm always amazed that you can insure a V12 for low hundreds of pounds)
I've owned a lot of Aston Martin's (from a DB5 to a Vanquish-derivative). The bottom line for me is that the Rapide is THE most under-rated (and as a result massively under-valued) modern-era car in the range. If i had the space i would definitely have another.
A1VDY said:
A mate has an Aston V12. He was buying 'genuine' engine ancillary parts until we pointed out to him the belt tensioner, bracket, idler wheel and crank pulley were all Ford parts with the associated part numbers stamped into them. Available at less than half the price from Ford. Money to be saved running one with a little research..
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They are a Ford engine so that’s not hugely surprising. They’re a great engine sitting in a beautiful car that you can use with children unlike the other Astons. .
This type of car simply won’t exist in a few years so it’s incredibly tempting to grab one while they are around and most haven’t been run for a few years on zero budget setting up terminal issues.
akadk said:
I got a 2015 27k mile Rapide S (560PS + 8sp ZF) in Feb, from Aston Martin Newcastle as Approved Used with 1yr Warranty. Car was £55k
2yr pcp.
£5k Deposit
£292pcm.
The trade value today is already £5k below the GFV so someone is going to take a 5figure bath when I hand it back
That's a beautiful car, and a lovely colour.2yr pcp.
£5k Deposit
£292pcm.
The trade value today is already £5k below the GFV so someone is going to take a 5figure bath when I hand it back
£292 per month? Really? Can't believe you can get such good deals on them, I assumed they would be nearer tripe this amount for monthly payments?
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