Should You Buy a £25,000 Aston Martin Rapide? I Test The Most Tempting Aston....

[@disinverted]

I own one of these - people miss the point if they obsess about the rear seats. It’s a 2+2 super GT with 4 doors, it’s not a family saloon! Mine has never gone wrong, servicing is no more than a Porsche and it’s a rare, beautiful and makes an incredible noise. These are massively undervalued and I’m sure one day will have cult following and prices to match

[@yemidaramola1887]

Owner here.. seconded..

[@GoldenCroc]

Hear hear.

[@sidelnie]

@@disinverted Owner here…agreed, but my S weighs 4387 lbs…that’s no sports car. My 4-door Caddy weighs 450 lbs less, although it’s only a TT V6. I think the seats are disappointing relative to handling. I would be okay if the car handled like my Caddy, which has a bigger, more comfortable rear bench.

[@danielderosa2244]

Owner here in US ...2014 rapide S.. Absolutely amazing car. Will have forever ..

[@GoldenCroc]

@@sidelnie Who said it was a sportscar though? (you post seems to imply it can be seen as such). 2+2 super GT as the poster you tagged wrote, seems like a very apt description.

[@rahulmandala4930]

I remember the 3-way Top Gear comparison test (titled: Four Door Supercars) with the Quattroporte, Rapide, and Panamera. The tester spec that Top Gear had with the Rapide looked so classy and gorgeous. A blend of light-yet-dark blue exterior with that two-tone Blue and White-ish cream interior looked lovely. The entire craftsmanship felt like something out of a fancy luxury speedboat or yacht. The exterior design of the Astons from this time are just so sexy and elegant as well as timeless. It never looks like it's a 14 or 15 year old design...

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

B1tchin ride.....

[@AntoniusTyas]

If you spec that colour (Concours Blue, I believe?) with the same interior spec on the Rapide S you could easily make an impression of a four-door One-77. If you squint. But still...

[@rahulmandala4930]

@@AntoniusTyas Nice and interesting point!

[@kko1909]

The whole point of that episode was that three of them were trying not to look at the Porsche because that was so ugly. Hilarious 🤣

[@biafo4541]

​@kko1909 😂😂 Porsche still haven't managed to get the looks of their 4 dr vehicles right to this day

[@nazz2406]

I just saw my first Rapide in the wild two weeks ago. Thing looks gorgeous and you cant argue the sound of that V12.

[@escapedan]

Pushing 80k miles on my 2012. Looks, handles, and drives like new. Keep up with maintenance and they are solid drivers. No turbos, superchargers, or fancy engine gadgets to break. Solid transmissions. Electrical gremlins are expected.

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Aston Martins are very reliable and not maintenance hogs. Repair can be pricey when needed but not often. I owned a DB9 for 5 years and now have a 2011 Rapide for 1.5 years. Love them both. Gorgeous cars that are very well built. Only 5000 Rapides were built and I think will hold value because they are solid beautiful cars and destined to be classics if not somewhat collectible.

[@fentoc]

Six years ago I agonised over buying an Aston for £25k or a BMW for £25k. Ultimately, the BMW won because of running, servicing, repair costs and reliability. Six years later my BMW is worth £12k if I'm lucky. That Aston Martin is still £25k. Hasn't deprecated a penny, and there's no way I would have spent £13k on it in that time. Suddenly they seem the bargain of the century and I got it very wrong.

[@Czechbound]

£2k+ avg per year repair on an old AML : sadly there's every way you could have spent that. At least a 50% chance.

[@rthomasbox]

And you would have been driving an Aston for 6 years. Far nicer than any bmw

[@CommunityGameplays]

I’ve had mine (2014 V8 Vantage) for 2.5 years. It’s never gone wrong as such but dampers, ASM pipe, servicing… best part of £10K

[@SicSemperBeats]

To be fair, you probably would have evened out lol, between services on the V12, transmission, more expensive tires and brakes, higher insurance. You might have even benefitted from getting the BMW. Might not be financial but the stress of your car not working can depress you lol

[@ConanSoo]

Had a DB9 for 5 years, cost £1,500 per year total to run (MoT, service, repairs) which I was really happy with given any nice car would cost close to £1k

[@VHMR1974]

Being someone who just loves the DB9 and thinks the Rapide is a stunner, for a real four-door saloon that looks and feels good, I would move on to the Quattroporte V8-understated luxury, far better back seats and space, and one of the best tenors of the last twenty-plus years hidden under the bonnet.

[@Stijn5]

Nice car, money pit.

[@L0RDLUK]

Luckily they're about double the price here in mainland Europe so I don't have any of these brilliant ideas coming to my poor mind.

[@faafo2]

Prices in Europe are crazy high compared to UK - I always go to check at what price I can get the cars Jayemm drives and I am always thoroughly dissapointed 😬

[@richardelson3261]

I’m lucky enough to have driven the Rapide S on race and test tracks. Absolutely glorious. I’d have one. 😊

[@dadcars]

My next Aston will be a Rapide 🤙 great video James

[@IwillBwaiting]

Nice car! Has to be the UK for cars to be so cheap. In the Netherlands a 2010 is for sale at 75k euros. In Germany a 2012 is for sale at 61k euros with a bit higher mileage. They are rare here but the richest person in my old hometown bought one brandnew, then traded it in after half a year to get the Bentley azure. Haven't seen many on the road since those days to be honest.

[@curtisalex456]

Prices are also ridiculous in France!!!

[@jamiespinks3657]

The same here in Australia, apart from one 2010 Rapide going for AUD 96K or 59k euros the average price for a 10- 14yo example appears to be around 75k euros as well.

[@damirbajic4579]

About 100k euros in Croatia; thanks to our tax system 😂. So for 30k, yes, but for 100; hell no.

[@setter501]

Yep Australia crazy prices! My XJ was 25q Aus 5 years ago! Worth a lot more in my opinion! I'll buy my next classic in UK get shipped out and still have change! 😂😂😂

[@tektao]

Had plenty of astons classic and modern. This is the only one I kept. Modern but classy. Rapide S with better gearbox. Much better put together.

[@phillsmith9255]

I actually see the Rapide as a 4 door GT car instead of an executive car, it's a perfect Dadcar if you have 1-2 kids.

[@markwood7045]

Still comfortably the best car channel on the Internet. Well done Jay for this review - this is a car which people can conceivably put themselves in, and not break the bank purchasing. As someone else said further down though, I would put aside £10k for repairs. Seriously.

[@Spenny909]

I think that goes for all aging performance (or high-end for Aston) cars.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Aww thanks

[@albertperks3476]

I'm tempted if for no other reason it's such a quirky car and I'm really worried that these eccentricities of the motoring world are becoming rarer as companies are less willing to take random chances.

[@mattevans4377]

Aston certainly didn't help themselves with the price, but I think the biggest factor in how few were sold, was that it was late to the game. The Panamera too to some extent. It was clearly aimed at fighting the BMW M5, Audi RS6 and the Mercedes E63 AMG. Also the Maserati Quattroporte to some extent. But by it's release, the market had already dried up, and the SUV craze was in full swing. Had this been released sooner, maybe even alongside the original DB9, it may have seen more success. Not huge numbers mind, it's still a premium product, but definitely more than it got IRL

[@sstearns2]

I’ve heard that these sold well below sticker price.

[@krisdelta-uk]

Have owned a Rapide, only thing of concern are the bespoke front discs. £££. Everything else is DB9 with extra room. Astons are mega reliable. Owned 3, covered 50k miles, one sensor issue in total. These were £45k 3 years ago

[@BobbyAngmalaysia]

The Rapide is made so that it's a little bit more spacious than the rear seats of a two door sports coupe, and the passenger behind doesn't need to contort him or herself going in and out. Just look at the huge rear panel of the s class coupe, and wonder "hmmm wouldn't it be nice if there's a tiny door here? That's the Rapide. It's not meant to be a limo

[@fransb8543]

Fresh aston content from jayemm, always worth an upvote!

[@DJDinaggio]

Buy the car for 25 grand and keep another 10 grand set aside for breakdowns over the next year.

[@alistairkeith]

Mines never put a foot wrong .....

[@AmosDohms]

And hope it takes a few years to spend that 10k😅, that said, I'd like this thing at 45k.

[@greendegenerationx]

I know someone with one of these and has been great.

[@R03333]

So a £35k V12 Aston Martin? Sounds good

[@Jel01975]

Sad but true. Old Ford focus with pop and bang map it is then

[@escobeer3605]

I remember this test Tiff Needell did years ago, compared a Panamera with a Rapide. On practically all points the Porschee had beaten the Aston, yet Tiff concluded he would rather take the Aston and I understand him...

[@jannowak711]

If I could afford the running cost I would 10/10 buy that. It has the badge. It caries children around. And it is samwhat sporty. 10/10

[@lebojay]

Old Jags are your answer, my man.

[@alsanpi]

The most beautiful 4 door saloon ever made along with other Aston Martin: The Lagonda. As simply as that.

[@fullyplantd]

I do fancy a Rapide AMR at some point.

[@nicolasansom2681]

Lovely sign-off saying the world needs variety. Wise words!

[@per-hakansvahn8044]

Brilliant as always, Jay. These cars are really tempting. Drop dead gorgeous.

[@leighwhite6363]

Ive met Mathew the owner on a number of occasions and is a lovely and genuine enthusiast owner. I applaud him on the guts of going all out on such a risky purchase. What a gem of a V12 monster , my little flat 6 is in the shadows 😢

[@MattWebb-hd8wf]

Thanks for your kind words Leigh. Always a pleasure to catch you and get to enjoy your amazing BBQ food.

[@davidmulligan42]

That's a tempting car. You have me looking at them - $40 - $70k for the ones I found, with some nice examples under $50k.

[@yemidaramola1887]

go for it, I am exactly 2 years into ownership. I picked up this car, like this very car kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpfUiHyelLqFnqs and it has been super kind to me. Pros, maintenance isn't as scary as you would think. Many of the parts are actually shared and can be gotten for a reasonable price, there are some here and there however that aren't. Had to replace a center steering link last year due to leaking seals got a used one on eBay because AM wanted 6K(yea not happening) for $1200 I believe. Besides that, Ive put about 25K miles on the car (Not a daily driver, but I drive it quite a bit) and it's been PHENOMENAL. I'll use Jeremy Clarkson's words here "the difference between an M5 and an actual sports car is that an M5 is a family sedan trying to be a sports car." I've driven the new E63 or even the newer Astons with MB engines and the like and I promise you nothing beats the brute force of a naturally aspirated V12.. go for it. Cons, none. .. unless MPG is a thing to you, but you can squeeze out 19ish on the highway if you drive like grandma, which you wont! :)

[@davidmulligan42]

@@yemidaramola1887 Hey, thanks for the info, and congrats, that's a nice car! I just watched the video. I don't care about gas mileage, and I've only put 21k miles on my car in the past seven years, so I haven't been driving that much anyway. I'm three years out from buying a car (daughter in college), but this will definitely be on the short list. The other car I'm interested in is also a V12 - the Toyota Century (1997+). You can get a really nice one for $30k, and even a decent runner can be had for under $20k.

[@shakedlevi5686]

😊this car is still supremely gorgeous

[@addj7093]

Aston Martins are the best looking cars imo 👌🏻 so classy And they use the golden ratio in their design language hence the good looks 😉

[@Zed-zh8iv]

Always loved these... Great video

[@paultucker1272]

I've never understood why Aston's saloons (and I use that term loosely for this Rapide) have been a hard sell. Beautiful cars that handle well but just don't sell. Yet the DBX SUV is a gorky looking Aston Martin (albeit one of the best looking SUVs on the market) but outsells the rest of the range! I'm glad it does though, more DBX sales mean more Vantages/DB12s/Vanquishes and that's got to be a good thing. The problem for the Rapide though, is that when new, owners would likely have bought a DB9 AND a Range Rover.......so the Rapide was always going to be a niche product. It certainly makes sense as a used car as it may well be the only car the owner owns. Pretty enough and spacious enough to be the only car they need. Me though........I'd still want the DB9 and, if necessary, a 20 year old Focus to do the family stuff!

[@StreetPreacherr]

I've always even thought that the LAGONDA looks cool! The Rapide looks MILES better than any Panamera, and it's a toss up with the Quattroporte... Although, isn't the Maserati legendarily even LESS reliable than this generation of Aston? And I love how everything just sounds BETTER in Italian! The car's name wouldn't sound nearly as cool if it was the Maserati FOURDOOR. lol

[@aaronmuir8082]

So buy a Rapide and a focus and you can do anything on any trip then with those 2 cars 👍

[@lukeshardlow768]

Great car, as long as you do your research and pick a well look after one it will be ok. That engine is just mega in any shaped Aston.

[@charlesmoss8119]

Magna are good car builders - perhaps these early cars may be better build quality and the less S concept better for the car which is a GT?

[@boogboog8097]

Saw a lovely green one today, had what I assume was an aftermarket exhaust sounded great burbling along at about 10mph down the street.

[@truckinwithkermie2755]

The perfect car for Dad Cars 😊

[@thomaschivers7883]

I'd class it not as a saloon but as a four door 2 plus 2

[@oggie1967]

Hmmm, what a pretty car James. I have to say i love that colour. I currently own a 2005 DB9 in Onyx Black which i love but you know, i think if i were tempted to move it on I'd get a Rapide! Not an S though, i watched your review of it and hated the front grille! Excellent & honest review as always! Nice one.👍👏👏♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gingerfrank6174]

The early pre vvt cars were not torque limited atoll and the the early s with the 6 speed was limited in the first 3 gears same as early 2013MY vanquish so the early cars actually felt quicker. The later S with the 8 speed ZF was a lot better then the 6 speed S cars

[@travisbruce5096]

Most beautiful sedan ever

[@samcattell1150]

Funny you mention RS6 owners, this is one of very few cars that would tempt me out of my RS6 V10 as my weekend toy. It would mean loosing 200bhp (or 300+ if I'm using the "big map" 😂) though. Having said that, I've had cars with 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 cyls, so I think I need a 12 😂

[@mscd9676]

you need a valtra tractor with 7

[@Skawagon]

It is incredible what deals can be had on cars in UK. In continental Europe Rabide starts around 50 000€. Quite a difference.

[@mojosabien]

It’s weird but that is actually one of my favourite cars in the world. I actually prefer it to the DB9. How anyone could pass up the Rapide and buy a Panamera, one of the ugliest cars ever built, is beyond me. Stunning motor car, one of Astons best and let’s face facts here, you don’t buy an Aston to race blow hards in Ferraris, you buy an Aston to own an Aston.

[@AntoniusTyas]

Fun fact: Aston actually did a shooting brake Rapide... of the sort. Problem is, it was not called Rapide Shooting Brake and it was not available as mass production car. Instead, it's called Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake. And they only made 99 of those. Yes, Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake was actually based from Rapide, not Vanquish S. You can see it got slightly longer wheelbase compared with the Zagato Coupe, Volante or Speedster. But if you expect another 4-seater... nah. The rear end was instead become a large cargo space... only it got one of the tiniest boot opening I have ever seen in my entire life, it's about as practical as a dustbin if I'm honest. It is, however, achingly beautiful. I saw one of those early this year. Easily _THE_ most striking, most unique and gorgeous car I have seen full stop.

[@God_emperor_Doom]

I love Astons and this is qn underrated car

[@jamessheehy4895]

Always been looking at cls63’s maybe I should go for one of these ❤

[@EzzaLeo]

I'd be so keen for James to try the later 8-speed Rapide S as the final comparison. That and, say, a BMW F06 650i for added reference.

[@Sevastous]

My biggest fear is that VH platform Aston's start to skyrocket when I finally have the savings to go for my dream

[@iqcool]

I live in Canada, so I'd be spending roughly 60-70k Cad on one, but for that money I could also have my dream everyday car, a very good condition Volvo V90. So weirdly enough, this car presents something of a conundrum for future me: be sensible and get a reliable, very safe Swedish wagon or the fast, flamboyant, and super cool British land yacht? If you see this Jay, I would love for you to review a more recent example of a current generation V90 or V60 if you get the chance; future me will appreciate it greatly!

[@RogerHaefele]

I have an XC90 and they are certainly not cheap to run. I don´t see a huge difference in running cost between these cars. The Aston V-12 is made in Germany (ex Ford) and is rather reliable. Fuel cost is certainly a bit higher but I don´t think this is a car that bean counters would buy.

[@TomEvans-id8oc]

Need to go for the aston for sure. You only live once the likelyhood is the aston won't lose anywhere near as much money as the volvo. Do it

[@invisiblekid99]

It is of course so tempting. I might be in the market next year to spend this kind of money, and while you can own an Aston at this price, you still need the spare cash that you would have if you could buy one new. I'd be terrified of big services or issues, it's poor MPG and £700+ tax (for now)when you can get a faster luxury cars for less. M5's are faster, more economical and £190 tax However, 6ltr NA V12, kids can fit in the back, and IT'S AN ASTON MARTIN, A GOOD ONE!

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

612 Scaglietti are 45K heading towards 30K already.. Would be my pick.Some hate the styling but I love it.

[@lukemallory7832]

I also love the 612. A totally silly thing, but I love it. A chap here had one new back in the day, replacing his 456. Haven't seen either car in near 20 years.. probably moved on to a Qashqai..

[@christhompson9420]

No chance for 30k, 45k for 612 is very bottom of the market and you'd have to be brave to get one at that price, one you'd actually want to buy is 60k+.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

@@christhompson9420 Agree, would want a manual which are even more.

[@ToniDosle]

Ah UK car prices gotta love them. Over here in The Netherlands the cheapest Rapide is 60.000 pounds.

[@BikeFromTheBrink]

I'll stick with my S8,I was tempted with the Rapide but I think my V12 will be a 760Li.

[@brownmcpherson5724]

Just looking at USA prices and they seem to be about 50% higher than in the UK. Too bad for US car lovers.

[@pipimontana]

£25,000? these low UK prices are so funny... I could not find one for 29 910,75 Euro one for 45k - but 58K seems to be the entry to ownership...

[@eric-wb7gj]

TY J 🙏 Shame they never hit the mark.

[@TheSgtsMess]

I can’t get away from the £140k car repair bills.

[@DjNikGnashers]

6 litre V12, for 25 grand ... I'd be scared for the huge potential running costs and bankruptcy trying to keep it on the road. I don't think it's the prettiest thing, but it's not ugly, side profile is like a sleeker Tesla. I don't like the rear lights, just a personal thing, front looks a bit plain jane, but it's not bad. I quite like it ! I'd never have one though 🙂

[@vinex19]

The early models are the most reliable when it comes to finish quality say other owners. Magna Steyr produced them at a higher quality so the thought goes. And seeing how 4x4 panda’s they used to built tend to be better than the normal kind, I’m inclined to believe it.

[@MattWebb-hd8wf]

@@vinex19 they also make the G-Wagon. So they know their stuff. Good enough for me 😁

[@ollie7117]

Love these cars always felt like they were under appreciated

[@Cynycter]

James! I havent bought mine yet! SHHHHHHH

[@conner.9262]

Great varied content…. Great job….this car made a mistake for not implementing the rear door access like RR….

[@Aliens_Gonna_Get_Ya]

1 parks in my office carpark… beautiful machine… 👍😊

[@allanmacbadger5692]

You might be buying a £30K car but you are servicing a £150,000K car, and thst needs to remembered.

[@pdterre5496]

Panamera was after some time available with (technically)3 seats in the back. That was due to demand. The Rapide falls behind in that sense.

[@schwifty9520]

6:56 Perfect timing, I happened to be mid swig of the last of my coffee exactly as he said take a shot 🤣

[@PhilBaines-c8u]

Good review J but..... please,please, please try out the 2016 Rapide S with 560HP 8 speed box updated suspension and dash.

[@karlc4352]

IMO the jag xjr is the car to have , I have driven all cars you mentioned apart from the Porsche. The jaguar is the better car.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Well Said, Jay!!!

[@neilmckay8649]

Rear seating like Ryan Air Business Class. Great for your briefcase.

[@christophecamus8410]

Very cool looking car, great video thanks

[@JellyMan3634]

Love that shirt Jay

[@aldrichuyliong8143]

I know sedans are no longer the cash cows they once were and Aston now has an SUV but I'd like to see a new Rapide. Just saying.

[@andrewkimber6183]

for children and slim adults, the back seats are no problem!

[@danyssonperrera2800]

Hello Jay, I follow you from France (marnes la coquette). Beautiful car the Aston rapide (with the Bentley Arnage and other quattroporte sport gts) but here in France the prices are terribly high. A model in good condition with 100k kilometers is worth at least 60k euros...it’s overpriced.

[@danyssonperrera2800]

I don’t know if it is the same in England but in France the fast aston, the Bentley Arnage as well as the quattroporte are extremely rare vehicles for sale. People bought them new 10/15 years ago and they pass them on to their relatives...it’s really rare to see them for sale, they are old aristocrats' cars.

[@m.p.509]

James, hope you have seen the love you have gotten in the comments section of Doug DeMuro’s ‘Favorite KZbinr’ video!

[@isctony]

do you just mention a Ferrari FF as a comparison - did we forget the price point lol - thats high praise indeed for this car

[@RomainSandt]

This was always compared to Panamera or Quattroporte... But it was a DB9 for people who have kids or Friends. Wich is a small crowd.

[@DavidDatura]

It’s mentioned here that VH platform cars were known for corrosion. But isn’t most of the chassis and body of these cars made of aluminium? I like the Rapide, I think it’s a very handsome design, like most Aston’s of this era. Still, I also think it was a lost opportunity for Aston to reintroduce Lagonda. And then go all out to make it competitive with the likes of Bentley and Rolls.

[@justinlinnane8043]

I do think there should be some sort of dress code to drive one of these no ? and i'm not talking about a black tuxedo !!

[@StuartBleasdale-z9k]

Longer car than DB9, longer exhaust pipes, different tones?

[@volatileatom1]

Was the key still in the boot in the intro while its being driven??

[@Musicmedstudio]

My v8 jag does 15 to the gallon so can’t complain with 20

[@KA_Sammler]

After so many years I saw a Rapide yesterday driving on the street and today this video follows. Great. Here in Germany they sold in small numbers.

[@StreetPreacherr]

Has Jay ever actually specified HIS dimensions? What is the distance between his Shoulders & Hips? And what is his total height?

[@mariusscurtu6255]

@@StreetPreacherr he has a nice long torso 😂

[@julianlord2697]

Cheapest on Autotrader is GBP32k. 2011 with 65,000 miles dealer sale. Just saying Matt must have found a serious bargain or it was a private sale with no warranty. Plenty of DB9 around for 20-25k including Volante, the passengers may need leg amputations but you can buy a real Aston coupe for this budget with the aluminium body technology.

[@jumpferjoy1st]

James, you are a bugger! Like so many guys, I have my short list of cars if ever I suddenly come into money.......and now there is another.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Yes, the long-short list!

[@jameswieler3295]

How did you get away with deleting the catalytic converter on your DB9? Don't they test annually?

[@jonathancollard3710]

I had DB9 and looked at one of these in order to get my then small kids in back…. But the actual RAPID badge always looked so naff 😵‍💫

[@Kaizers11]

I nearly bought one...opted for a Jag F-Pace instead (sensible head as I have to commute) The child in me wants the Rapide even more so now!

[@john1703]

Speaking of DB5 (or 4), that is the source of the first modern (Lagonda) Rapide in 1961-4, and compared to this one (in the film), that was pig-ugly at the front. Shame about the rear seats and doors, because it looks gorgeous, and a V12. Lordy, lordy.

[@stamy74]

If something goes wrong, prepare for eye watering bills.

[@margaretbehler4935]

I still love the looks.

[@dwrowley]

is there nothing to stop anything flying forward between the rear seats

[@Lee-zk8vu]

There's a reason why it's 25K. You do understand their reliability issues and cost of repairs of course. Enjoy.

[@AbdullahHood]

Aston Martins are generally reliable.

[@KotaManifest]

Aston should come back out with a new rapide

[@k17sher]

I paid £40k for my 840i Gran Coupe last year instead. The rear seats are more spacious.

[@deaks25]

Maybe a controversial statement, but I was never a fan of the single large front grille of the Rapide S, I much preferred the split grille of the original car, it fits the styling better for me.

[@MRVSKIN]

Great car if somewhat of an add all in many people’s eyes

[@kellysmith1144]

Didn't Bertone do a shooting break Rapide as a commission? It's got a higher rear roofline and a hatch-style tail gate. Yup! The Bertone Jet 2+2 estate.