Rapide vs Rapide S
Discussion
Is there really that much difference between the two? Am toying with an idea of binning my Lexus RX450h (which has been the most reliable and practical car ever) and getting either Rapide or Rapide S. While I wouldn’t mind the extra 80bhp from the S variety, I prefer the look of the non-S. Given that both models don’t have a satnav worth using, is there anything else I am missing that justifies almost double the price between the two models (looking at 2011 Rapide or 2014 Rapide S)? 80bhp, 8 speed gearbox on later models and a garmin satnav which is arguably more useless than that of its’ predecessor?
I went for as late low mileage main dealer non S as I could afford. Couldn’t stretch to a higher mileage approved early S, though they did exist outside the main dealer network so technically I had the choice if I wanted.
Apart from the obvious monetary issue, reasoning was much the same as yours. It’s still got 470hp, the same interior, the garmin nav at least looks like it’s from recent times, and all the other options you could want.
Being a saloon, they are (understandably?) the bargain of the Aston range. I keep hearing they are underrated however if you look back at early test reviews, they are high praise indeed, all bar it’s initial high price (depreciation has since done its work) and the back seats which I happen to think are the best part! So I would measure under appreciated rather than the former, and in the context of time a very special car indeed. Hence I’m comfortable with the non S.
In time if I was to change out of mine I would skip the early S and go onto the late S with the last style dash. That way you would have the most developed version possible and learn to love the larger grill as a trade off!
Either way, considering that there isn’t a car quite as cool as a Rapide/S, go and test both and then put some pictures up of your choice!
Apart from the obvious monetary issue, reasoning was much the same as yours. It’s still got 470hp, the same interior, the garmin nav at least looks like it’s from recent times, and all the other options you could want.
Being a saloon, they are (understandably?) the bargain of the Aston range. I keep hearing they are underrated however if you look back at early test reviews, they are high praise indeed, all bar it’s initial high price (depreciation has since done its work) and the back seats which I happen to think are the best part! So I would measure under appreciated rather than the former, and in the context of time a very special car indeed. Hence I’m comfortable with the non S.
In time if I was to change out of mine I would skip the early S and go onto the late S with the last style dash. That way you would have the most developed version possible and learn to love the larger grill as a trade off!
Either way, considering that there isn’t a car quite as cool as a Rapide/S, go and test both and then put some pictures up of your choice!
I was down at AM Bristol yesterday for a service and MOT and naturally browsed their stock. Some cars are becoming great value, but none more so than this Rapide S standing in the corner...
https://www.dicklovett.co.uk/aston-martin/used-car...
It’s so closely related to a V12 VH-platform AM couple of the era (it’s only 3 years old!), has the most wonderful interior, just under 10k miles, stunning in the deepest blue paint and yet is “only” just under £80k.
I’m trying to think of an equivalent coupe. V12VS with B&O sound? Around £100k. Vanquish S? Around £130k. It makes the Rapide look like a complete bargain!
Sadly too big for the country lanes around here, but I wonder how low they will go?
https://www.dicklovett.co.uk/aston-martin/used-car...
It’s so closely related to a V12 VH-platform AM couple of the era (it’s only 3 years old!), has the most wonderful interior, just under 10k miles, stunning in the deepest blue paint and yet is “only” just under £80k.
I’m trying to think of an equivalent coupe. V12VS with B&O sound? Around £100k. Vanquish S? Around £130k. It makes the Rapide look like a complete bargain!
Sadly too big for the country lanes around here, but I wonder how low they will go?
nickv8 said:
I was down at AM Bristol yesterday for a service and MOT and naturally browsed their stock. Some cars are becoming great value, but none more so than this Rapide S standing in the corner...
https://www.dicklovett.co.uk/aston-martin/used-car...
It’s so closely related to a V12 VH-platform AM couple of the era (it’s only 3 years old!), has the most wonderful interior, just under 10k miles, stunning in the deepest blue paint and yet is “only” just under £80k.
I’m trying to think of an equivalent coupe. V12VS with B&O sound? Around £100k. Vanquish S? Around £130k. It makes the Rapide look like a complete bargain!
Sadly too big for the country lanes around here, but I wonder how low they will go?
That's a shadow edition. So the closest engine is that in GT12.https://www.dicklovett.co.uk/aston-martin/used-car...
It’s so closely related to a V12 VH-platform AM couple of the era (it’s only 3 years old!), has the most wonderful interior, just under 10k miles, stunning in the deepest blue paint and yet is “only” just under £80k.
I’m trying to think of an equivalent coupe. V12VS with B&O sound? Around £100k. Vanquish S? Around £130k. It makes the Rapide look like a complete bargain!
Sadly too big for the country lanes around here, but I wonder how low they will go?
That Rapide S is a weapon. I'd have it in a flash...
JohnG1 said:
That's a shadow edition. So the closest engine is that in GT12.
That Rapide S is a weapon. I'd have it in a flash...
Must admit I never followed Rapide versions at the time. Would have thought the Shadow edition was just an S trim special and the same engine and mechanical gubbins as a regular Rapide S?That Rapide S is a weapon. I'd have it in a flash...
I had the S, my friend had the normal.
S was much more responsive to drive as the gearbox is much better.
Front was different as engine was moved for pedestrian whatnot or something. I think the S looked better.
Honestly I loved that car, wish I still had it. Gorgeous, fast, shrank around you when driving it quickly and sooo stylish.
S was much more responsive to drive as the gearbox is much better.
Front was different as engine was moved for pedestrian whatnot or something. I think the S looked better.
Honestly I loved that car, wish I still had it. Gorgeous, fast, shrank around you when driving it quickly and sooo stylish.
Had a solid couple of hours out in mine today and sure perhaps on paper I am missing out on the ultimate power top trumps and a couple of cogs. Even so, at the money I just can’t see how you would be disappointed with the standard Rapide. It really is the complete package and an incredible all round motor car.
Thanks for all the responses. As this post moved to the second page without a single reply, I put it out of my mind and only just came back to it by chance. Very pleased to see so many useful responses.
Given that markets have tanked since I created the post, I am now thinking either going for the standard non-S version or waiting another month or so, to see if the crash translates into the Rapide S prices.
That Special edition Rapide S is indeed lovely and very good value for money, but my Budget was originally 35k-ish and ideally below 50k if I start ticking various boxes.
Will go test drive a non-S this weekend perhaps.
Cheers
Given that markets have tanked since I created the post, I am now thinking either going for the standard non-S version or waiting another month or so, to see if the crash translates into the Rapide S prices.
That Special edition Rapide S is indeed lovely and very good value for money, but my Budget was originally 35k-ish and ideally below 50k if I start ticking various boxes.
Will go test drive a non-S this weekend perhaps.
Cheers
Where abouts in the world are you, profile says London? I am not too far north of London so you are welcome to have a poke around mine if you are serious about it (mine was just above the top end of your budget).
Grange Hatfield (20 mins north out of kings cross) are usually excellent for a nose around and can get/may have something of interest if you pop along for a coffee (that’s how mine turned up!)
Could easily combine the two with a quick spin and nose about! They are a petty rare sight and understandably a decent amount of leg work required to find a good one.
Cheers
Grange Hatfield (20 mins north out of kings cross) are usually excellent for a nose around and can get/may have something of interest if you pop along for a coffee (that’s how mine turned up!)
Could easily combine the two with a quick spin and nose about! They are a petty rare sight and understandably a decent amount of leg work required to find a good one.
Cheers
nickv8 said:
I’m trying to think of an equivalent coupe. V12VS with B&O sound? Around £100k.
Really? If someone offered me £100k for mine (granted a MY16 car, but with the B&O audio, Performance Pack, Titanium Exhaust and AMi III infotainment all fitted) I'd be biting their hand off! Hell, at £80k I'd be more than keen.CB07 said:
Where abouts in the world are you, profile says London? I am not too far north of London so you are welcome to have a poke around mine if you are serious about it (mine was just above the top end of your budget).
Grange Hatfield (20 mins north out of kings cross) are usually excellent for a nose around and can get/may have something of interest if you pop along for a coffee (that’s how mine turned up!)
Could easily combine the two with a quick spin and nose about! They are a petty rare sight and understandably a decent amount of leg work required to find a good one.
Cheers
that's very kind of you to offer. Yup, am still in London, though am coming back from a holiday tomorrow and will be self-isolating, just to be safe. If your offer still stands in a couple of weeks, I'd be very keen to check out your Aston and have a chat.Grange Hatfield (20 mins north out of kings cross) are usually excellent for a nose around and can get/may have something of interest if you pop along for a coffee (that’s how mine turned up!)
Could easily combine the two with a quick spin and nose about! They are a petty rare sight and understandably a decent amount of leg work required to find a good one.
Cheers
Saw this on the Grange Hatfield website, looks ok to me, if still on the optimistic pricing side for the year, what you reckon?
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/144...
Salutations all,
I'm in the process of getting a new side extension garage for my home to house the Rapide I've longed for (will be my first venture into the Aston world having longed for one!).
Could some of you proud owners advise on the minimum dimensions to consider for space? Width space should be fine, it's the length that I'd really be keen to hear about.
Thank you kindly
I'm in the process of getting a new side extension garage for my home to house the Rapide I've longed for (will be my first venture into the Aston world having longed for one!).
Could some of you proud owners advise on the minimum dimensions to consider for space? Width space should be fine, it's the length that I'd really be keen to hear about.
Thank you kindly
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