We’re looking at S-spec cars this week and our trawl begins with theAston Martin Rapide S. The four-door, four-seat, V12-powered sports car was a hard sell new but it looks good value today.
For example, we found a 2013-reg S Touchtronic with sought-after carbonfibre exterior pack and 23,000 miles for £56,497 – a big number, true, but usefully smaller than the car’s new price, before discount, of £151,000. What’s more, it’s an approved used car with a 12-month warranty so is pukka and protected.
Being a 2013-reg, our find is an early second-generation version with the more powerful 550bhp 5.9 V12 – an increase of 80bhp on the first-generation car. In recognition of its substantially improved performance, it gained that S in its name. It kept the six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission, though – the eight-speed Touchtronic III ’box not arriving until 2015.
The Rapide’s trick is to look like a two-door, at least if you’re not paying attention. The rear chairs aren’t the easiest to access but, once there, you won’t want to leave. They fold down, too, but so arranged there’s space for only a couple of largish bags.
Because this is a Timeless car (Aston’s name for its used programme), we wouldn’t expect to find any problems with our example. Still, we’d make sure the dealer has honoured the scheme’s pledge to carry out any servicing required within three months or 3000 miles.
The Rapide’s engine and gearbox are reliable. Instead, we’d be more interested in the condition of our car’s brakes. We’d check, too, that it’s rolling on genuine Bridgestone Potenza Aston Martin-rated tyres.
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A lot of metal for your money, but
of all the cars listed, probably only the Fiesta and possibly the Mini will not seriously deplete your finances over three years and 15000 miles of luxurious, fast but licence risking and worry filled 'fun'.
The true joy of motoring.
xxxx...where are you...?
Must be on holiday...bunking up in the neighbours garden shed.