Looking at getting an Aston Martin Rapide

Actually it says you only care about exterior styling because the Rapide isn't even that high performance by modern standards, the interior is very dated, and there is nothing really luxurious about it other than some leather. It's not a $200K interior because it's barely even nicer than a way cheaper V8 Vantage.

A modern Aston Martin's price is at least 50% just brand.

 

Definitely play with the configurator and test drive a new S-class before you jump on an old, $100K Rapide.

S-Class Luxury Sedans: S550, S550 Plug-In Hybrid, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S600, S65 AMG | Mercedes-Benz

Not only does it have equal or better quality materials, it has the same or better performance even in base model. Way more spacious, usable backseats, and a warranty. Not to mention a ton of modern technology that you at least have a choice of having.

 

Do not fall for this line of thinking. A $200K MSRP and $100K of depreciation with low miles could just as easily mean it was a huge rip-off at $200K.

I'd really like to hear what makes a 2011 Rapide worth $100K. Other than looks, I just don't see it compared to the competition. Hell, even the V12 engine is meh. It's probably why AM has partnered with Mercedes for future engines.

 

Aston Martin builds one of the most beautiful cars on the planet. I own one and some other brands (Ferrari) and its always interesting how people gravitate toward the Aston. They do depreciate though which really is quite confusing. The car is alloy body hand built pure elegance. A timeless classic.

 

dude, you really don't know what you are talking about, unless you have owned or driven some of these luxury brands being a keyboard critic is meaningless.

there is value in old world hand workmanship. if you want modern transportation go buy a toyota or mercedes which is all assembly line made. i've been to all these factories, there is a significance difference in how they are constructed. Rolls Royce deserves the premium because of the branding and effort, no different for the Aston.

a rapide throttle is 100x better than the panamera rubber band throttle.

I put over 5000km on a 2014 S550, its the best luxury car on the market for comfort and technology, but it's no aston. Two very different cars.

 

Simmer down.

 

Perhaps Noone1 is correct that a Rapide is not worth what it sells for. I see people with very expensive watches and question their desire for such a watch when my relatively inexpensive Citizen watch tells perfect time. Nevertheless, I appreciate the uniqueness and mechanical marvels of the expensive hand crafted watches. If a person desires to obtain such a unique watch, I understand that their priorities are different than mine.

I could be cute and quote Oscar Wilde who said “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” But the truth is, people value things differently and that is what makes the world an exciting place to live.

However, I would be remiss in not pointing out that Noone1’s condemnation of the value of the Rapide because of its depreciation curve while recommending a new Mercedes S class is a bit perplexing. The depreciation curve of an S-Class is as frightening as that of a Rapide. The following site predicts that the 5 year depreciation level on a Mercedes S550 is 53% of its price with it suffering a 37% loss in value over the first year. 2014*Mercedes-Benz*S-Class 5 Year Cost of Ownership One could similarly wonder why an S-class is not a rip off at its price level.

I think that Noone1 should come clean and admit that the real reason he doesn’t like the Rapide is because someone in a Rapide either cut him off in traffic or a Rapide owner opened his door into the side of one of Noone1’s cars.  I suggest this because when I have viewed some of his other posts he seems to value intrinsic values of cars over pure performance and understands that depreciation is relative.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142760609-post544.html

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142760624-post546.html

Life in the fast lane is not cheap; therefore I suggest you at least enjoy the ride. Whether one derives that enjoyment from a Rapide or a Mercedes depends on the person. It sounds like Noone1 would derive more enjoyment from a Mercedes and, if so, more power to him. Myself, I prefer the note of the Rapide from the second I push in the key and the beast comes to life. I am probably a fool, but at least I am a happy fool.

Kindest Regards, Lloyd

 

as much as I like the rapide i would not buy a new one, buying a heavily depreciated used one is part of the pleasure of ownership, of getting a great car at great price.

Did you know a nicely option new tesla cost the same as new loaded mercedes S class and used rapide? it's true, enjoy life in the fast lane while you still can.

 

I think this is the key. No different that someone coming on the forum and telling us we are morons for buying an older Ferrari when a new Mustang or Corvette is much faster for less money.

It's not always about the raw numbers, just like its not always about the raw technology.

 

Well, I didn't think the thread would exist if he just cared about the subjective. He said he has a 2 year old and that back seats and 4 doors were important. Those are pretty good reasons to make note of the shortcomings and suggest better options. Also worth noting the the S-Class is probably safer and has more safety features. I don't have kids yet, but I don't think I'd like them in a cramped backseat.

I understand paying for something unique and special, but I just don't believe in being short-changed. Even though exotic performance has become irrelevant, I'm not OK giving me low performance for no reason. Imagine the uproar if the 458 had 360 or 430 performance, even though a 360 or 430 performance level is plenty.

A luxury car shouldn't be held to the performance standards for obvious reasons, but I really don't think it should be viewed similar to a nice watch or purely a fashion statement. There is a lot more to driving a car than wearing a watch. Luxury car makers wouldn't bother with these new technologies if people didn't really care about them. Imagine if a new car didn't support playing music from your iPhone or bluetooth. There'd be a 50 page thread about how it's bull**** that a $300K car has worse infotainment than a $25K Ford -- and there are if you go to McLarenLife

The OP specifically mentions the utility of it, so I thought he should consider some of the other stuff out there, even if they don't look like AMs.

I believe all AMs short-change you in what you objectively get. I don't think they have the money to keep up with everyone else and it's why AMs continue to receive universal praise for their looks but seldom if ever come out on top in comparisons.

That might be fine. Someone might just want the looks, but I didn't think the OP was one of those people.

I've never driven the Rapide, but I checked one out in around 2010 because I was right by the dealer. Didn't want one, but was curious about it. I didn't think it was a good car for $200K then, I don't think it's a good car today for $200K, and not for $100K used when you look at what you can get new today for that around those prices.

I left thinking this about the Rapide:

1. It had pretty much the same interior as a way cheaper Vantage.
2. The V12 seems unimpressive compared to what you got from competition. 470hp vs 600hp+.
3. It was cramped in the back.
4. The trunk was actually pretty small and the back seats has a large division removing even more of the their usefulness.
5. Another AM that looks better than it probably is.

Honestly, I just hope Mercedes buys them or something.

 

Just wanted to share this with you. It's just one review about the new Vanquish, from Edmunds, but...

That doesn't sound like high-class and quality components, IMO.

 

When it came time to move on from my 08 S Class. I looked at and drove the Raptide. I am fortunate to have a dealer from pretty much every brand within a half hours drive. Unlike most people I get in every car and say okay what am I going to have to do to this car to make it better. I really liked the Raptide until I went to one of my local Porsche dealers and they had the Panamera that is in AWE's video's there. I drove it and it made me forget all about the Raptide. Perhaps after all the Porsche's I've owned I just feel natural behind the wheel of one. Besides I have yet to see one equipped the way my car is and of course I have added my own special touches. The guys at Algar once told me no matter how good a deal (I was looking for a DB9 at the time) you get on an Aston it wont be good enough. I would never own a Raptide myself but I do see the appeal it has to some. I agree the new S Class is amazing and the S Class coupe (a car I will own ) is remarkable. Good luck whatever you decide but make sure you have a shop near by that knows these cars if memory serves it takes a few hours just to change an air filter on those cars.

 

Take a drive in the Rapide and then the Bentley GT. Was looking at the Rapide or DB-9 but then rented a B-GT for 2 days when the Aston we reserved had a mechanical issue. My wife and I both agreed, without any reservation, that as a daily driver the Bentley was the obvious choice. She has about 6K mi on her 2013 and we both are very pleased with the performance/styling/utlilty (dare I say!). The trunk is plenty big enough for 5 days+ of luggage. The back seats are not practical for an adult but her 4'10" 90lb daughter fits fine and ingress/egress is acceptable and should work well with a car seat. I give the styling edge to the AM's...but I have a tender spot for them. However, once I drove the Bentley hard (this was a 2006 model) I could not help but love the car. The Black/black 2013 is stunning after a fresh wax. If I had to do it over I would still get the B but would have held out for one a couple of years old and avoided the depreciation hit (used that money for a sportier exhaust and ECU tune).

 

This is a great thread really.

Good posts from asianbond, Lloyd, JM2, Atlanta355, Noone1, Nathandaryby67, everyone.

The Rapide is the most beautiful sedan I have ever seen. It is as low, sleek and stylish as the Panemera (Shamu) is bloated.

The new S class is impressive. But S classes are everywhere.

 

If performance isn't a factor and looks are paramount have you looked at a Fisker Karma?

 

I have owned 3 Astons. Currently have a 2015 MB S550. Way too much techo crap on it. Everything is a production-even the AC, Aston Martin's are iconic. Nowhere near the technology, but the elegance and wow factor are superb. No one stops to look at my MB when I drive by. In my Astons I was always getting filmed, photographed, acknowledged. And for the money you can get a great deal on a 2 year od Rapide, or any other AM for that matter. NEVER buy one off the showroom. They lose 30% of their value by the end of a model year.

 

No, the backup camera was apparently only offered as an OPTION starting in MY2012 but I imagine most buyers would have sprung for it. Just make sure you check it off on a car's features list.

 

I believe it's manual.

 

You have a very strange concept of "luxury", totally wrong, IMO.
Unless to you "luxury" means state of the art Bluetooth capability and access to Facebook through the onboard entertainment systems....

 

My new range rover has so much tech that it takes me ten steps to set radio, hvac, seats where i want them. Thats not luxury, that pita. Yes it has every gizmo known to man but who needs self parking. Never used it once.

Luxury to me is comfort, quiet, beautiful materials, smell, and quality workmanship. A rapide is not a cell phone even if it depreciates like one