The Aston Martin Rapide is somewhat of a conundrum. So what is a Rapide or what is the Rapide? It’s a four-door sedan that is produced in limited numbers. Many find its understated elegance appealing and they wouldn’t be wrong.
I think to describe it as a stretched out DB9 (Aston Martin coupe) is fair as it clearly bares family resemblance just a little longer and adds two more doors. Exotic and four-door sedans don’t typically go hand in hand but the Rapide changes that without question. You typically never dreamed about a four-door sedan exotic until now.
MSRP Range New: $206,000.00
PMPR (Poor Man Price Range): $114,000.00 - $125,000.00
Current Max Savings Against MSRP New: 45%
Current Body Style: Yes
Total Listed Nationally : 15
For: Rare and beautiful with understated elegance on par with any luxury vehicle while delivering sports car performance and comfortably seats four.
Against: This car is so rare you will be speaking a language many won’t understand as they wonder what kind of car you are driving. Maintenance will be higher than your Honda Accord and their dealer network is limited which means there’s not more than two in your city.
Single Poor Man POV: Be prepared for some fun and drive it like a rock star.
Married Poor Man POV: If you sold your wife on getting a new Mercedes S Class or BMW 7 Series you can impress her with how much you saved and let her know she’s not the only one in the family who can find a great bargain as you just saved close to $100K over MSRP new. She will enjoy it’s lavish and cavernous interior.
Divorced Poor Man POV: Your ex-wife will consider taking you back to court and wonder if you are having another mid life crisis when she hears you bought an Aston Martin. She also wonder if you are dating some younger women half your age and with this car it’s a possibility.
Curb Appeal: 9 and possibly a 10 with the right aftermarket wheels. It’s that good.
Bottom Line: This is a beautiful car that gives you the best of both worlds which is sports car looks and performance with four door practicality. While this car is certainly capable of being a daily driver don’t be fooled as it is an exotic in the same vein of Ferrari and Lamborghini which means maintenance won’t be cheap. If you plan on putting daily driver like miles on this car it will be expensive. There have only been evolutionary changes to this car’s exterior but it is nearing the end of it’s cycle meaning there will be a new one coming soon. The good news is this car’s looks should age well and Aston Martin typically evolves the looks of their cars versus making revolutionary changes some car manufacturers are noted for.
Aston Martin Online Forum:
http://www.astonmartinforum.com/forum/aston-martin-rapide-forum/
Aston Martin Certified Program Details:
Aston’s Certified Pre-Owned program is called “Timeless”. Here is verbiage pulled from their site.
“The promise of our cars being ‘Timeless’ is reflected in the 12 month unlimited mileage Extended Warranty (Limited Warranty in North America) and roadside assistance you will receive. This protection allows you the complete peace of mind you deserve when considering your purchase.”
When the Aston Martin dealership was visited they stated cost for the CPO car in question would be determined by the vehicle as they don’t have a specific cost associated with their program.
Did You Know?
2010 is the first model year for the Rapide and the only real change made to it’s appearance to date as been the front grill. That started with the 2014 model year.
The Rapide was designed to deliver the silhouette of a two door coupe and resembles Aston Martin’s DB9 Coupe.
The Rapide has a 12 cylinder engine.
The Rapide new car warranty is 3 years unlimited miles for both basic and powertrain.
Other Poor Man Options In Same Price Range:
Bentley: 2014 Continental
Cadillac: 2017 CTS-V (New)
Porsche: 2015 911 C4S Convertible
Poor Man Options Slightly Outside Price Range Of A 2014 Rapide:
Audi: 2014 R8 5.2 Spyder
Bentley: 2014 Flying Spur Sedan
Rolls Royce: 2011 Ghost Sedan