Thanks to you, I now have a much clearer picture of what a Rapide or ‘S’ ownership would be like. For me, its chemistry centers around its beauty and comfort related drivability. Owning someone else’s 7-12 yr old Aston (in lieu of one which ‘grew old’ with me…) is somewhat daunting, especially considering the lack of availability of 5 star rated independent Aston shops. But, it is, for me at least, a stunning beauty, which could lead me towards a less than intelligent purchase decision, lol…
Good point to test the car. I rented a 2011 Rapide in Houston for a week with the family to see how we would do. It made for a great road trip car, so I just bought a 2015 Rapide S. She is a keeper...like you said, a friend for life!
I can't agree more. Next to my Rapide S (2014), I couldn't resist the Rapide AMR. After so many years I enjoy them every day. Cultivated driving with style.
@@itzjdub282 no complaints! It’s been almost 2 years and the only issue I had was a faulty temperature sensor that told me the engine was melting down (it wasn’t). Other than that and sticky gas cap and a couple rattles, the car gave 6,000 miles full of smiles. I am glad I picked up a low mileage unit and now you can get one for even less!
@@Cynycter Rapide S weighs 4387 pounds so despite stellar suspension tuning, it can only handle so well. This car is really to be enjoyed for the sound. It’s sluggish through the bends but it makes up for it with the sound. I have also have a contemporary Caddy CTS Vsport (stock) that weighs 450 pounds less. That car is much more fun to throw into corners but the sound cannot compare. I guess we can’t have it all, can we? 😭
I drove a 2005 DB9 for 5 years and 45,000 miles. Loved it but switched to a 2011 Rapide for the extra room and occasional rear seats for friends and dinner engagements . It has worked just fine in that role and is a keeper.
God. Thank you for just getting to the point immediately! Watched the whole video anyway but not enough reviewers realise this haha. You’re a legend. Liked and subscribed
Great video. I wish I had you guys over here in Toronto Canada, anyone you would recommend in the GTA? I bought a 2010 Rapide a year ago. This is my second Aston. The last one was a 07 Vantage. I am 6'2"tall and found the Vantage too small. I love the Rapide for how it looks, drives and the rear space for stuff. Can you advise or do a video on parts that are shared with other vehicles. For instance, I recently changed the Cabin air filters at $120.00 for the pair. I found out that they are the very same ones that fit in a 2010 Mazda MPV that are sold for only $20.00 per pair. Also parts that are shared between the DB9 and the Rapid. such as brakes and other serviceable parts. A lot to asks I know. Love the channel. Al.
Living in the south of Europe I'd be interested to know, before going any further, if AM has addressed the weak A/C system. A cool car in summer down here is essential. Informative and interesting video btw.
As a relatively new owner of a 2013 S, I disagree that the early S is a depreciation hog. I paid (in New Zealand) the equivalent of £47000, and while still not at bottom of depreciation yet, I don't expect a huge drop. Given rarity and unique nature, I suspect will become sought after in the med-long term . I also disagree that it's just a car to "waft" in. While that is an enjoyable and relaxing way to drive this car, it's very capable of providing great driving pleasure, even as an auto. I'm a manual gearbox enthusiast (Z4 M Coupe and DC2 JDM Integra Type R, and 20V ur quattro all share garage space) this car in Sport mode with adaptive dampers in Sport, and using the paddles is a blast to drive on twisty roads. Planted, with wonderful hydraulic steering feedback it rewards way beyond expectation for a near 2 tonne car! Coupled with load space, interior quality, ambience, road presence, rarity, and that drop-dead gorgeous styling its an absolute bargain! I traded out of a 996.2 C2 manual and haven't regretted it yet 😊
You have great taste in cars, Greg! I was on the fence about trading in my corvette for a 2011 rapide and you just sealed it for me. Who wouldnt find value in a v12 AM with four doors? :)
Oh I love the start of this video - “ yes it’s an AM buy it” cracking Summarised platform 👏🏼👏🏼 - you teaser you! - and of cause only drive spirited for testing purposes only lol - I watch the full ocd episode and thoroughly enjoyed it nice one mike!
Thanks for the video and the channel! I’ve been a subscriber for over a year now! 2 questions on the Rapide: Would you recommend saving up / holding out for a rapide s (in a similar way that you recommend paying for a higher powered db9)? Second question is are there any known technical issues with the Rapide (and does it suffer from the DB9 engine tick?)
I just got a 2015 Rapide S. I would recommend saving up for the 2015 Rapide S or later...You are going to want the modern 8-speed transmission and Bosch engine management for the piece of mind...You also get bigger brakes and firmer rear suspension on 2015 or later...You won't regret it!
I don't know how I could be wrong, but if you keep your eye on the Speedo and the Tachometer....they both register zero all the time. So this would be solely a studio production, and none of it shot on the road.
They are opposing needles so they will look like zero but they aren't. You can tell from the sound alone, never mind the vibration that it was driven on the roads.
The answer is yes...goodbye. Whoa!! However, after recently discovering these videos....tons of good information. Only a fool would click the back arrow.
@@sidelnie I always see that then I've got someone sitting next to me saying oh something's wrong with your car why is that light on? And then I have to go through to the reset button but yes.
Thank you Mike. I was about to buy a Rapide (two kids 8 &10) after a seven month search. Thanks to your video I am now convinced despite all the research I have done, that it will not be the best Aston for me. I will go for a sportier model, and keep a second school run car. Thanks. You said what many people didn't. Good for wafting. Not my aim in buying Aston. Probably back to that illusive search for a V12 manual. Keep up the great work. Finlo
I had 9 years a 2004 DB9 and recently bought a 2015 Rapide S. Never drove a younger DB9 or an older Rapide. But more horsepower, wonderful 8 speed and better suspension makes the Rapide S more fun to drive compared to an older DB9.
@@marcelvandenburg8737 more fun? Rapide with the 8 speed transmission can hit 45 mph in first gear. Can you even have fun with it rolling through the gears in manual?
@@paladin3116 You should see my smile when driving. With 45 mph you can also drive in I guess 6th or 7th gear. I have the luxury of owning a few nice cars and have driven lots of wonderful cars. The Rapide S is my favourite. To my opinion the best looking 4 door car, comfortable and fun to drive. Only the navigation system is outdated.
@@marcelvandenburg8737 You can get a apple car play unit for it to replace the old nav. Im looking into a 2014+ rapid s and im just worried it might not be fun to drive because of the transmission. Has it gave your any major problems?
@@paladin3116 Thanks for mentioning the Apple Car Play option. The 8 speed ZF gearbox is very good if not perfect. It's a huge difference compared to the 6 speed gearbox I had in my DB9. Had no issue with the car.
It’s funny I was wondering whether you might do a Rapide review as a question of the week. Great insightful review. I’m looking to replace my car in Feb 2021 and this is making it just so much harder to choose between a DB9 or the Rapide. Despite living in Scotland I can see I’m going to need to ask you to do the car inspection when the time comes. Please keep posting the videos, they’re fantastic
nice review,,, i had brand new 2010 panamera turbo wish i replaced 2 years later with 2011 Rapide and honestly speaking there is no comparison between the two car . Rapide is the prettiest 4 door sport sedan while Panamera probably the ugliest . Rapide has great mechanical steering wheels that only compare to BMW M5 V10 while the Panamera had zero feeling . i beleive the Rapide had high torsional rigidity and i notice that quite well while driving. Rapide 6 speed ZF was not state of art but was fine for the car purpose while the Panamera PDK was jerky and badly synchronized just to score in 0 to 60 .first gear at full throttle changes at about 28 km second at about 47 ,however in normal drinking it shows its weakness clearly . Panamera engine is moody and behalve according to climate . suspension wise Rapide det up is mechanical with good road feeling and communicative ,, while Panamera felt like air cushion . the only time i enjoyed the Panamera is when travelling long journey and speed is over 160 km/h.
This guy must be trying to sell a rapide... It's a terrible car that has no features. A s320 has more... Further More the interior design and build quality rivaled bat of Kia at the time. While it has a V12 the back seats are completely useless, the back seat TVs are on viewable and the entire car is garbage. Test drive on yourself then come back and like my comment because I'm right.
Thanks to you, I now have a much clearer picture of what a Rapide or ‘S’ ownership would be like. For me, its chemistry centers around its beauty and comfort related drivability.
Owning someone else’s 7-12 yr old Aston (in lieu of one which ‘grew old’ with me…) is somewhat daunting, especially considering the lack of availability of 5 star rated independent Aston shops.
But, it is, for me at least, a stunning beauty, which could lead me towards a less than intelligent purchase decision, lol…
Good point to test the car. I rented a 2011 Rapide in Houston for a week with the family to see how we would do. It made for a great road trip car, so I just bought a 2015 Rapide S. She is a keeper...like you said, a friend for life!
I can't agree more. Next to my Rapide S (2014), I couldn't resist the Rapide AMR. After so many years I enjoy them every day. Cultivated driving with style.
Curious, how has the car been behaving after a year?
@@itzjdub282 no complaints! It’s been almost 2 years and the only issue I had was a faulty temperature sensor that told me the engine was melting down (it wasn’t). Other than that and sticky gas cap and a couple rattles, the car gave 6,000 miles full of smiles. I am glad I picked up a low mileage unit and now you can get one for even less!
@@sidelnie amazing..I'm really tempted by these cars...ow does it behave in the bends?
@@Cynycter Rapide S weighs 4387 pounds so despite stellar suspension tuning, it can only handle so well. This car is really to be enjoyed for the sound. It’s sluggish through the bends but it makes up for it with the sound. I have also have a contemporary Caddy CTS Vsport (stock) that weighs 450 pounds less. That car is much more fun to throw into corners but the sound cannot compare. I guess we can’t have it all, can we? 😭
I drove a 2005 DB9 for 5 years and 45,000 miles. Loved it but switched to a 2011 Rapide for the extra room and occasional rear seats for friends and dinner engagements . It has worked just fine in that role and is a keeper.
God. Thank you for just getting to the point immediately! Watched the whole video anyway but not enough reviewers realise this haha. You’re a legend. Liked and subscribed
Great video. I wish I had you guys over here in Toronto Canada, anyone you would recommend in the GTA? I bought a 2010 Rapide a year ago. This is my second Aston. The last one was a 07 Vantage. I am 6'2"tall and found the Vantage too small. I love the Rapide for how it looks, drives and the rear space for stuff. Can you advise or do a video on parts that are shared with other vehicles. For instance, I recently changed the Cabin air filters at $120.00 for the pair. I found out that they are the very same ones that fit in a 2010 Mazda MPV that are sold for only $20.00 per pair. Also parts that are shared between the DB9 and the Rapid. such as brakes and other serviceable parts. A lot to asks I know. Love the channel. Al.
I’m in for a rapide, panamera or Bentley.....the choice is really tricky
Just as I thought i’de escaped the Aston bug. You drag me back in. Great vid’.
Living in the south of Europe I'd be interested to know, before going any further, if AM has addressed the weak A/C system. A cool car in summer down here is essential. Informative and interesting video btw.
The air con in my Rapide is amazing and works wonders in the hot weather, I would be having no doubts if I was you!
As a relatively new owner of a 2013 S, I disagree that the early S is a depreciation hog. I paid (in New Zealand) the equivalent of £47000, and while still not at bottom of depreciation yet, I don't expect a huge drop. Given rarity and unique nature, I suspect will become sought after in the med-long term . I also disagree that it's just a car to "waft" in. While that is an enjoyable and relaxing way to drive this car, it's very capable of providing great driving pleasure, even as an auto. I'm a manual gearbox enthusiast (Z4 M Coupe and DC2 JDM Integra Type R, and 20V ur quattro all share garage space) this car in Sport mode with adaptive dampers in Sport, and using the paddles is a blast to drive on twisty roads. Planted, with wonderful hydraulic steering feedback it rewards way beyond expectation for a near 2 tonne car! Coupled with load space, interior quality, ambience, road presence, rarity, and that drop-dead gorgeous styling its an absolute bargain!
I traded out of a 996.2 C2 manual and haven't regretted it yet 😊
You have great taste in cars, Greg! I was on the fence about trading in my corvette for a 2011 rapide and you just sealed it for me. Who wouldnt find value in a v12 AM with four doors? :)
@@mannyfox8089 you won't be disappointed!
Oh I love the start of this video - “ yes it’s an AM buy it” cracking Summarised platform 👏🏼👏🏼 - you teaser you! - and of cause only drive spirited for testing purposes only lol - I watch the full ocd episode and thoroughly enjoyed it nice one mike!
With the seats folded back, can you easily get a Labrador in the load bay? Probably need some safety netting or screen to be compliant?
Enjoyed the video , 2017 Rapide Shadow Edition now retailing at £73000 with 7K miles....some buy now
Very much enjoyed your review. Nice delivery of the facts with just a bit of brand loyalty tossed on top.
i HAVE ALWAYS HAD A soft spot for the Rapide S
BTW Britax do a very affordable child's eat to fot in the Rapide.
Great video. Insightful.
Good honest review.
I am a Porsche guy, who would be an Aston guy, if there was reliable service available anywhere near me...
Thanks for the video and the channel! I’ve been a subscriber for over a year now! 2 questions on the Rapide: Would you recommend saving up / holding out for a rapide s (in a similar way that you recommend paying for a higher powered db9)? Second question is are there any known technical issues with the Rapide (and does it suffer from the DB9 engine tick?)
I just got a 2015 Rapide S. I would recommend saving up for the 2015 Rapide S or later...You are going to want the modern 8-speed transmission and Bosch engine management for the piece of mind...You also get bigger brakes and firmer rear suspension on 2015 or later...You won't regret it!
I'm looking for Rapide S is it big difference between 6 & 8 speed?? Because the price is much different..
I don't know how I could be wrong, but if you keep your eye on the Speedo and the Tachometer....they both register zero all the time. So this would be solely a studio production, and none of it shot on the road.
They are opposing needles so they will look like zero but they aren't. You can tell from the sound alone, never mind the vibration that it was driven on the roads.
The answer is yes...goodbye. Whoa!! However, after recently discovering these videos....tons of good information. Only a fool would click the back arrow.
Genuine review, 👏👏👏
Just bought a 15 reg... Love it. Just what we need for a daily drive ❤️
Just got a 15 Rapide...Agreed...A perfect daily driver...A keeper for sure...absolutely in love!
Yes. Here in Calabasas California. I have a 16 Rapide S. My favorite daily driver car going on 8 years now. Love it.
@@sidelnieDo you have an issue with the engine service indicator symbol on when the rear seats are down and car is in motion?
@@reuben.x.herrera1930 I will have to check. I believe it does give a message but you can clear it with the Read button
@@sidelnie I always see that then I've got someone sitting next to me saying oh something's wrong with your car why is that light on? And then I have to go through to the reset button but yes.
Really great, clever and informative video. Subscribed.
Thank you Mike. I was about to buy a Rapide (two kids 8 &10) after a seven month search. Thanks to your video I am now convinced despite all the research I have done, that it will not be the best Aston for me. I will go for a sportier model, and keep a second school run car. Thanks. You said what many people didn't. Good for wafting. Not my aim in buying Aston. Probably back to that illusive search for a V12 manual. Keep up the great work. Finlo
I had 9 years a 2004 DB9 and recently bought a 2015 Rapide S. Never drove a younger DB9 or an older Rapide. But more horsepower, wonderful 8 speed and better suspension makes the Rapide S more fun to drive compared to an older DB9.
@@marcelvandenburg8737 more fun? Rapide with the 8 speed transmission can hit 45 mph in first gear. Can you even have fun with it rolling through the gears in manual?
@@paladin3116 You should see my smile when driving. With 45 mph you can also drive in I guess 6th or 7th gear. I have the luxury of owning a few nice cars and have driven lots of wonderful cars. The Rapide S is my favourite. To my opinion the best looking 4 door car, comfortable and fun to drive. Only the navigation system is outdated.
@@marcelvandenburg8737 You can get a apple car play unit for it to replace the old nav. Im looking into a 2014+ rapid s and im just worried it might not be fun to drive because of the transmission. Has it gave your any major problems?
@@paladin3116 Thanks for mentioning the Apple Car Play option. The 8 speed ZF gearbox is very good if not perfect. It's a huge difference compared to the 6 speed gearbox I had in my DB9. Had no issue with the car.
I like em. Their weird
It’s funny I was wondering whether you might do a Rapide review as a question of the week. Great insightful review. I’m looking to replace my car in Feb 2021 and this is making it just so much harder to choose between a DB9 or the Rapide. Despite living in Scotland I can see I’m going to need to ask you to do the car inspection when the time comes. Please keep posting the videos, they’re fantastic
I would buy a Porsche Panamera and have a ton of money left for a db9 and some mods.
Good review!
nice review,,, i had brand new 2010 panamera turbo wish i replaced 2 years later with 2011 Rapide and honestly speaking there is no comparison between the two car .
Rapide is the prettiest 4 door sport sedan while Panamera probably the ugliest . Rapide has great mechanical steering wheels that only compare to BMW M5 V10 while the Panamera had zero feeling . i beleive the Rapide had high torsional rigidity and i notice that quite well while driving. Rapide 6 speed ZF was not state of art but was fine for the car purpose while the Panamera PDK was jerky and badly synchronized just to score in 0 to 60 .first gear at full throttle changes at about 28 km second at about 47 ,however in normal drinking it shows its weakness clearly . Panamera engine is moody and behalve according to climate . suspension wise Rapide det up is mechanical with good road feeling and communicative ,, while Panamera felt like air cushion .
the only time i enjoyed the Panamera is when travelling long journey and speed is over 160 km/h.
So,why did you buy such an ugly car?
@@leestrugnell3259 i had high hopes
I love AM cars, but have they ever been a “good” buy?
I owned almost 10 years a DB9 and never had a serious issue besides regular maintenance. My Mercedes SL500 had much more problems.
I think this guys gone Aston blindness. I wish I could get an Aston as a possible 3rd car and this us 4 years later. Crikey.
Confused ! A Bamford Rose video not about a Vantage.Someone stuffed up.
This guy must be trying to sell a rapide... It's a terrible car that has no features. A s320 has more... Further More the interior design and build quality rivaled bat of Kia at the time. While it has a V12 the back seats are completely useless, the back seat TVs are on viewable and the entire car is garbage. Test drive on yourself then come back and like my comment because I'm right.
Zero like😂
What a bland review and dull reviewer. I’d suggest watching Harry’s Garage review of the Rapide S.
Boring
Defo Aston Martin kills the Porsche