Rapide S - usable daily with 2 small kids?
Discussion
I still pop in occasionally when something Rapide related is posted. One of my favourite Astons! Sadly mine went due to lack of use, however for kids they are superb, mine both loved mine.
On the practicality side..I’m sure I have posted this somewhere but this is two of us going on a golf trip, with weekend bags, clubs, and a rolling cooler full of enough beer for 8 of us over a weekend!
On the practicality side..I’m sure I have posted this somewhere but this is two of us going on a golf trip, with weekend bags, clubs, and a rolling cooler full of enough beer for 8 of us over a weekend!
kipv12 said:
Go for the full fat version, get the AMR .
I can vouch for that - the AMR is an almost completely different car, albeit that the interior space is the same size. It's a total weapon and has to be one of the most ultimate VH series Astons ever made. Still in love with ours! 
As always, there are pros and cons with the four models (Rapide, Rapide S [-2015], Rapide S [2015-] and AMR).
For the first two years (2010-2012), the 477hp, 600nm Rapide was made in Austria and only in the UK from mid-2012. For me, the original design is the most beautiful (and friendly) of the four, as I recognize the kinship to the wonderful DB5/6. The Rapide S followed in 2014, recognizable by its larger grille, more pronounced rear spoiler, rearview camera and glass switches. Engine output was increased to 550hp and 620nm. Until mid-2015, the Rapide S had the 6-speed transmission and the old center console. After that, there was the new center console 'Waterfall' and the ZF 8-speed transmission. The new transmission had the positive effect of significantly reducing fuel consumption. In the interior, in addition to the center console, the stepping of the seats was also changed.
For fans of black styling elements, carbon, ceramic brakes and the sportiest possible driving characteristics, which are hard to match on European roads, one of the 210 AMR is certainly the best choice. However, the ceramic brakes are notorious and the replacement again significantly more expensive. The AMRs have even less storage space due to the carbon center console, which is already modest on the Rapide (S) anyway. Likewise, there is no AMR with rear entertainment system. The desired configuration can be difficult to find with the limited number of units.
Personally, I rarely like visible carbon and the dark styling elements not only take away the nobility in my opinion but also the play with chrom accents is largely lost or replaced by painted accents.
Prices (source: https://www.theparking.eu):
AMR from EUR 150,000 to 210,000
Rapide S 2015- from EUR 76'000 to 150'000
Rapide S -2015 from EUR 60'000 to 100'000
Rapide from EUR 45,000 to 100,000
If the choice falls on a Rapide S then I would take one from 2015 or later. But you can also have a lot of fun with an older Rapide and you won't miss anything.
For the first two years (2010-2012), the 477hp, 600nm Rapide was made in Austria and only in the UK from mid-2012. For me, the original design is the most beautiful (and friendly) of the four, as I recognize the kinship to the wonderful DB5/6. The Rapide S followed in 2014, recognizable by its larger grille, more pronounced rear spoiler, rearview camera and glass switches. Engine output was increased to 550hp and 620nm. Until mid-2015, the Rapide S had the 6-speed transmission and the old center console. After that, there was the new center console 'Waterfall' and the ZF 8-speed transmission. The new transmission had the positive effect of significantly reducing fuel consumption. In the interior, in addition to the center console, the stepping of the seats was also changed.
For fans of black styling elements, carbon, ceramic brakes and the sportiest possible driving characteristics, which are hard to match on European roads, one of the 210 AMR is certainly the best choice. However, the ceramic brakes are notorious and the replacement again significantly more expensive. The AMRs have even less storage space due to the carbon center console, which is already modest on the Rapide (S) anyway. Likewise, there is no AMR with rear entertainment system. The desired configuration can be difficult to find with the limited number of units.
Personally, I rarely like visible carbon and the dark styling elements not only take away the nobility in my opinion but also the play with chrom accents is largely lost or replaced by painted accents.
Prices (source: https://www.theparking.eu):
AMR from EUR 150,000 to 210,000
Rapide S 2015- from EUR 76'000 to 150'000
Rapide S -2015 from EUR 60'000 to 100'000
Rapide from EUR 45,000 to 100,000
If the choice falls on a Rapide S then I would take one from 2015 or later. But you can also have a lot of fun with an older Rapide and you won't miss anything.
Had both 6 and 8 speed - 8 speed is more recent tech and better but absolutely no dealbreaker. You got a torquey V12 up front remember.
Kids in the back? They love it. Popped up to Stornoway with them last year - older teens!
1600 miles in a good splattered week!
Great life event enabled by the Rapide en-famile @)
Kids in the back? They love it. Popped up to Stornoway with them last year - older teens!
1600 miles in a good splattered week!
Great life event enabled by the Rapide en-famile @)
Mr.X said:
For fans of black styling elements, carbon, ceramic brakes and the sportiest possible driving characteristics, which are hard to match on European roads, one of the 210 AMR is certainly the best choice. However, the ceramic brakes are notorious and the replacement again significantly more expensive. The AMRs have even less storage space due to the carbon center console, which is already modest on the Rapide (S) anyway. Likewise, there is no AMR with rear entertainment system. The desired configuration can be difficult to find with the limited number of units.
There was only 188 AMR Rapides actually built. 210 was the announced number, but not all were made.Total worldwide production numbers of the various versions were
Rapide : 3118
Rapide S : 2831
AMR : 188
Total : 6137
To be honest Ive never heard of anyone having issues with the CCB's nor have I in almost 12yrs of continious ownership of AM's with them fitted, so not sure the word "notorious" is actually correct for them. Sure if you track the car or apply solvents to the brakes then you are going to have issues - otherwise this is not an issue.
The centre console point is really rather trivial IMHO - the space in that was tiny at best anyway, and even though I have had them in my Vantages I have never actually put anything in it that wouldn't have fit in the glove box anyway (usually a USB charge cable at most).
Rear entertainment - ok that's correct. Isn't it all rather dated by now anyway and you'd be better off just giving the kids a iPad mini each in the back?
Anyway, you pays yer money and makes your choice. There is no doubting that the AMR is a considerable jump up initial outlay, but then if you factor in residuals it's likely going to be one of the cheapest versions to own. A future collectors piece I propose
Another pic to prove practicality.
I cut some MDF to fit the boot floor(s) and to protect the tunnel. That's three 75mm posts 2.4 Mts long, a 100mm fence post, two blocks, 6 slabs, 4 bags of ballast and a couple of boxes of screws, room for more and still get 3 people in!
Best part is, I've got a LR discovery at home...
I cut some MDF to fit the boot floor(s) and to protect the tunnel. That's three 75mm posts 2.4 Mts long, a 100mm fence post, two blocks, 6 slabs, 4 bags of ballast and a couple of boxes of screws, room for more and still get 3 people in!
Best part is, I've got a LR discovery at home...
Edited by BGB autosport on Sunday 26th June 11:36
Edited by BGB autosport on Sunday 26th June 12:35
BGB autosport said:
Another pic to prove practicality.
I cut some MDF to fit the boot floor(s) and to protect the tunnel. That's three 75mm posts 2.4 Mts long, a 100mm fence post, two blocks, 6 slabs, 4 bags of ballast and a couple of boxes of screws, room for more and still get 3 people in!
Best part is, I've got a LR discovery at home...
Solid effort there!! Loving hearing everyone's views and how much they've enjoyed these cars - thanks all. I need to drive one now!I cut some MDF to fit the boot floor(s) and to protect the tunnel. That's three 75mm posts 2.4 Mts long, a 100mm fence post, two blocks, 6 slabs, 4 bags of ballast and a couple of boxes of screws, room for more and still get 3 people in!
Best part is, I've got a LR discovery at home...
Edited by BGB autosport on Sunday 26th June 11:36
Edited by BGB autosport on Sunday 26th June 12:35
The best thing about the Rapide or the Rapide S is the leg room for the driver. Best of all cars except maybe a Crown Vic. I am 6’3” and I can’t put the seat all the way back and still reach pedals. Much much better than my V8 vantage or DB9. That said, back seats are not popular with my senior citizen friends. It is really a 2+2.
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