New Aston Rapide owner - advice needed!

[Edinc]

Hi all, I'm planning to get an Aston Rapide and I am looking for general buying advice. Here are some questions I have. Any information or advice welcome!

1. Rapide vs Rapide S 1st gen - is it really worth the extra to get in to the S but pre the ZF gearbox change. The styling is different and there's a little more power in the S, but it's quite a price jump when a Rapide isn't really purchased for it's speed...

2. 60k miles on the clock vs 40k? Quite a price jump but I've heard Astons are more "mileage sensitive" than other cars? Is there truth to this?

3. Is 5+ owners a big red flag, even if there's FSH?

4. Is age a big issue, i.e. are there time based issues like rubber seals failing etc? Is getting a car which was built a couple of years later going to be a better bet?

5. Do Rapides deal ok with having the battery disconnected when left in a garage for a few weeks? There's no power in my garage so trickling would be tricky!

6. If the answer to 5. is "no" then are there any recommended solar trickle chargers I could perhaps fit to the garage roof to keep the battery from dying?

Any other advice I've missed please let me know.

This will be my first Aston and its always been a dream so I really want to avoid a bad experience!

Thanks!
Ed

[Simpo Two]

I'm not sufficiently qualified to answer your questions with any certainty but as a relative newcomer to the Aston fold myself (3 years with a DB9) I wish you well in your research and purchase. I think the Rapide is a great car and a clever design. Personally I wouldn't be swayed by the 'S' thing; I'm more interested in the condition/history/colour/trim than a few mph on the top speed. I think the later gearbox is a tad more economical though.

[Bluebottle_GB]

The S upgrade after Rapide’s hiatus in 2012-13 introduced a number of quality of life tweaks too, automatic headlights and wipers, glass buttons rather than plastic, I think more of the S versions have the heated/cooled seats and rear-seat entertainment as it seems they were separate options on the original car?

Ultimately the 8speed auto and AM29 would represent the fastest and most economical of the standard (non AMR) Rapides, but as has been said, it’s unlikely people buy a Rapide for lap times, although they did compete in the Nurburgring 24hr amongst others.

For me I wanted the 8speed as I am used to it in other cars and I didn’t want to feel slower than my outgoing F Type, and it doesn’t!
In the end, buy on condition and your spec preference, if I could put the ‘old’ grille on mine, I would, but other than that I like the S styling.

They do best on a trickle charger from my few months experience, I wouldn’t let mileage or owners put you off if the car’s history is good - it seems these were often driven a lot, probably to keep miles off something even more special in the original owner’s garage.

[Simpo Two]

Just looked at Rapides on AT and it made me wonder if they could have fitted a hatchback on the DB9...

[MMarkM]

Edinc said:

Hi all, I'm planning to get an Aston Rapide and I am looking for general buying advice. Here are some questions I have. Any information or advice welcome!

1. Rapide vs Rapide S 1st gen - is it really worth the extra to get in to the S but pre the ZF gearbox change. The styling is different and there's a little more power in the S, but it's quite a price jump when a Rapide isn't really purchased for it's speed...

2. 60k miles on the clock vs 40k? Quite a price jump but I've heard Astons are more "mileage sensitive" than other cars? Is there truth to this?

3. Is 5+ owners a big red flag, even if there's FSH?

4. Is age a big issue, i.e. are there time based issues like rubber seals failing etc? Is getting a car which was built a couple of years later going to be a better bet?

5. Do Rapides deal ok with having the battery disconnected when left in a garage for a few weeks? There's no power in my garage so trickling would be tricky!

6. If the answer to 5. is "no" then are there any recommended solar trickle chargers I could perhaps fit to the garage roof to keep the battery from dying?

Any other advice I've missed please let me know.

This will be my first Aston and its always been a dream so I really want to avoid a bad experience!

Thanks!
Ed

1 - yes
2 - mileage really isn't an issue, the engines are bullet proof. It's more about have they been looked after and serviced. a 60k car may have more cosmetic wear than a 40k but if looked after wont be able to tell difference
3 - FSH is the key, lot's people change these cars often, especially when new. I've actually had 2 Rapide AMRs!
4- same as 2 really, but again an S will be a better buy
5/6- Ctek charger all the way


Brief but hope that helps!

[Simpo Two]

One thing - check the gearbox oil has been changed since new. It's supposed to be changed every 40K miles or 8 years, and the torque converter can fail if this isn't done, which is expensive.

[filski]

Edinc said:

Hi all, I'm planning to get an Aston Rapide and I am looking for general buying advice. Here are some questions I have. Any information or advice welcome!

1. Rapide vs Rapide S 1st gen - is it really worth the extra to get in to the S but pre the ZF gearbox change. The styling is different and there's a little more power in the S, but it's quite a price jump when a Rapide isn't really purchased for it's speed...

2. 60k miles on the clock vs 40k? Quite a price jump but I've heard Astons are more "mileage sensitive" than other cars? Is there truth to this?

3. Is 5+ owners a big red flag, even if there's FSH?

4. Is age a big issue, i.e. are there time based issues like rubber seals failing etc? Is getting a car which was built a couple of years later going to be a better bet?

5. Do Rapides deal ok with having the battery disconnected when left in a garage for a few weeks? There's no power in my garage so trickling would be tricky!

6. If the answer to 5. is "no" then are there any recommended solar trickle chargers I could perhaps fit to the garage roof to keep the battery from dying?

Any other advice I've missed please let me know.

This will be my first Aston and its always been a dream so I really want to avoid a bad experience!

Thanks!
Ed

Standard Rapide here and i have spend fair bit of time finding the right one, I looked at both Pre S and S versions:

1. Speed is plentiful in both cars, surprisingly nippy too around the bends, I had a go at Bicester heritage track, (although not designed for a boat that is a rapide, it was still plenty fun) and both would just eat the miles on long journeys. Gearbox, i live in a countryside, and find if I want to use paddles, I hardly ever get above 5th gear on a spirited drive. I came from 6speed manual so to me 6 speed paddle was good enough, when test driving the 8 speed it just felt that the extra 2 gears were more for motorway efficiency. Although there are some increased power in the S I felt that Rapide had plenty power and i preferred the styling of the non s as it was more elegant than aggressive S. try both and make your mind.

2. this was not a biggie for me, mine had 43k and its now climbing to 48k, but at the time of looking I have seen these all way up to 80k and in us above 100k, look after it, throw oil at it and do the spark plugs and other maintenance, and I think it will keep going for a good while.

3. Owner number, now my experience, unfortunately, anything high owner wise that I have seen resulted in a car in super poor condition (subjective), i.e. lots of wear and tear, as there is a lot of leather inside i seen a lot of damage particular on drivers side and door, as you do sit really low, also as described by the dealer these were bought as commuter cars and thus would have a fair bit of wear and tear. Same applied to the paint condition, some were really too far gone for a simple cut and polish. My advise would be go and have a look and spend 45 min just looking at the body and interior before even starting the car. I took my friend who noticed other things wrong with some of the cars, and as he was not that interested, he was not holding back!

4. Age, my car was late 2011, and I found a decent looked after example. I must say the paint on Astons is Soft, mine had PPF and would recommend getting one, and either correct the paint before ppf or just slap it on to prevent further damage. Leather and rubber seems to be ok, although i seen some window delamination or whatever its called on newer cars, again I think all depends how the car been stored and looked after. Unfortunately in mine two areas of damage that needs addressing is leather on top of the speedo, sun damage, and ski slope, again sun damage, but is replicable. you may notice some paint bubbling and unfortunately almost all of the cars I seen had a degree of bubbling, again fixable.

5. I would not disconnect the battery, plus its location is a pain to casually disconnect and then reconnect. I bought my car to enjoy and although this is not my main car, it does get driven quite a bit so not had nay issues with battery drain. I had brand new battery and dont bother with trickle charger, although i have a 3.8 CTEK that connects to the boot, I'm just too lazy to put it on every time. However, I do when I know i will not be driving it as much or going holiday, but then again, if it dies and you have the metal key its not end of the world as the modules are not as fussy as earlier DB9s i think.

6.i think a lot of people recommend Ctek 5 with boot cigarette plug adaptor thing, my 3.8 (that i had before buy the car) works just as well, its just slower but does the same thing.

Shout if you need anything specific, I went through exactly same process back end of last year.

Good luck.

[skyebear]

Fabulous cars, put 8,000 miles on mine in just over a year of ownership. Does the school run, my wife loves it and takes it to work too.

Market seems weak for them at the moment so you'll probably get a later 8 speed for good money.

Check windows raise and lower properly when doors are opened and closed. Thermostat should always be pointing to 9 o'clock under all conditions when engine at temp. If not the thermostat could be on its way out.

White primer so stone chips are very apparent on darker models.

I'd want as much history as possible either with AM dealer or an AM Indy specialist.

Service prices can vary wildly depending on what's due.

The previous owner needed the parking brakes refurbed as he barely drove it for a year so they do benefit from being driven. I wouldn't be put off by high mileage so long as servicing cam be evidenced.

Pay a specialist to do a pre purchase inspection.

Even though it was on a CTEK my battery still died one day so for the sake of £100 you should stick a new one in unless it was replaced recently.

Edited by skyebear on Wednesday 27th November 16:32

[kipv12]

I have had a Rapide as a daily now for about 8 years, very few issues. Have left them for 2 to 3 weeks whilst on holiday with no battery issues. Great cars, drive and enjoy.

[Bluebottle_GB]

skyebear said:

Even though it was on a CTEK my battery still died one day so for the sake of £100 you should stick a new one in unless it was replaced recently.

My battery is on the way out actually, any recommendations? Looking at Yuasa YBX5110 or Bosch S5 010 as 5 year warranty on both and less than half the price of the unknown brand Aston part.

[Shooter McGavin]

Don't have any advice to give but I do love that there are several of them on AT nudging their way under £30k now.

It's an incredible amount of car for the money.

[skyebear]

Bluebottle_GB said:

My battery is on the way out actually, any recommendations? Looking at Yuasa YBX5110 or Bosch S5 010 as 5 year warranty on both and less than half the price of the unknown brand Aston part.

I spoke with Tayna Batteries who directed me to the Bosch S3 012 Type 017 for my 2013 Rapide S. I nearly ordered a battery that would have been too tall as every online battery checker spits out the incorrect model. Seems at some point Aston changed it so depending on your model it might vary.

You should give Tayna a ring as I found them excellent. £116 delivered next day.

Took me about 30 minutes to fit.

[filski]

Its nice to see few Rapide owners here , we should organise a get together.

I went to 30 years of DB7 at Gaydon and only saw 2 other Rapides there one being an S and one Pre s

[Bluebottle_GB]

skyebear said:

I spoke with Tayna Batteries who directed me to the Bosch S3 012 Type 017 for my 2013 Rapide S. I nearly ordered a battery that would have been too tall as every online battery checker spits out the incorrect model. Seems at some point Aston changed it so depending on your model it might vary.

You should give Tayna a ring as I found them excellent. £116 delivered next day.

Took me about 30 minutes to fit.

Will do that, cheers. Mine is 2015 but I think I’m still limited to the 175mm height as well…

[Bluebottle_GB]

skyebear said:

I spoke with Tayna Batteries who directed me to the Bosch S3 012 Type 017 for my 2013 Rapide S.

I spoke to them on Friday and they said the same thing... or a very similar sounding Yuasa. I'm looking towards the Bosch as it's the same Ah capacity as the AM fitted one.

Before I take the plunge, is there any magic to a battery swap in terms of process or coding for the car please?

When I did my 2012 Range Rover, I had to plug in a diagnostic tool to tell the car's brain there was a fresh battery. I think it's something to do with the charging pattern supplied from the alternator and the presumed age, and therefore condition, of the battery?

[skyebear]

Bluebottle_GB said:

skyebear said:

I spoke with Tayna Batteries who directed me to the Bosch S3 012 Type 017 for my 2013 Rapide S.

I spoke to them on Friday and they said the same thing... or a very similar sounding Yuasa. I'm looking towards the Bosch as it's the same Ah capacity as the AM fitted one.

Before I take the plunge, is there any magic to a battery swap in terms of process or coding for the car please?

When I did my 2012 Range Rover, I had to plug in a diagnostic tool to tell the car's brain there was a fresh battery. I think it's something to do with the charging pattern supplied from the alternator and the presumed age, and therefore condition, of the battery?

On earlier models across the range, yes. But both of ours don't need any battery reset/learn-in procedure. I replaced the battery myself and car started first time with all settings preserved. Just remember to reconnect the battery vent tube and ensure the other end goes through the hole in the floor pan.

I did get an emission service warning message after the new battery but I think this was a remnant of the failure of the previous battery. My local specialist cleared the error.

Edited by skyebear on Monday 2nd December 00:42

[dokkodo]

Not much to add to the above, but I do believe a Rapide is a good way to start with Aston, probably the best sorted model when they were launched. I have a 2015 MY with the 8 speed box/glass button console, owned for coming up 2 years - no issues, 25+ mpg and plenty of go (I spend a good deal of time in Germany so do use the autobahn performance). Every drive is a treat, even my wife is impressed.

Good luck with your hunt!

[Edinc]

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice! I went to take a look at a Rapide S this weekend and it looked great but the exhaust didn't sound anywhere near as good as a previous Rapide non-S I saw. I'm not sure if it was just that the first one I saw had the exhaust flap fuse removed or whether the first one had an aftermarket exhaust, or whether the S and non-S exhaust systems are just different. The sound is really important to me! Any info on this appreciated! Anyone with an S with stock exhaust and the flap fuse removed who could send me audio of what the resulting sound is maybe?

Thanks again all!

[skyebear]

A common mod done by me and many owners is fitting a cccharger module. This replaces the stock fuse and module under the n/s rear seat and enables, via a remote fob, the opening or closing of exhaust valve on demand. From factory the valve normally only opens above 3500ish RPM

I've previously tried to record the difference but my phone camera mic doesn't pick up the sound ranges well.

I believe that others on here have also fitted other types of valve controls, as well as things like decats to enhance the sound.

dokkodo said:

Every drive is a treat, even my wife is impressed.

My wife's "journey" has been: Please stop talking to me about Aston Martins --> wow, that's a pretty car --> I'm taking the Aston to work, bye.

Edited by skyebear on Monday 16th December 15:21

[Bluebottle_GB]

Another vote here for the cc-charger exhaust module. Peanuts cost, huge difference and can even be programmed to the garage door buttons on the rear view mirror (if they’re fitted).

There’s a 6speed S at Holwood Cars - if that works for you in terms of spec, I can recommend Paul there for sales. He sold me mine and is a lovely chap.