Hi all, I have an incoming '14 Rapide S with 45k miles and an uncertain maintenance history. Have not seen the car in person (though I did do what DD I could). Should I bite the bullet and go to the dealer in Norwood, MA, or are there any knowledgable independents nearby?

I do know the pads and rotors are new. I'd like to get an overall check of the car. I'm anticipating at a minimum changing the fluids. Maybe it's due for plugs and coil pacs? Probably belts? Anything else that should be on my radar?

My first AM, am nervous but incredibly excited! thanks for any help you can offer a new owner. Steve

 

My '12 Rapide has around 45K miles as well. Owned it about 6 years.

Norwood has a great set of tech's that know what they're doing. I would add air and cabin filters to your service list. Air filters get dirty really quick on this car. I think every other year they should be replaced. I just did a 45K service a couple of months ago. That included filters, radiator flush, auxiliary belt, oil change, brake fluid change, remote battery, and general inspection of car. They also tightened the motor mounts. Make sure they take it for a good test drive.

I defer to them on anything additional it may need. Hasn't needed coil packs at all. I know some day it will, but until then. They usually do one bank at a time unless coils on both sides are an issue.

Make sure you buy a CTEK and a code reader. Emission Service errors are pop up every few of months. Easier to erase. I would also recommend a CC Charger remote valve control that defaults to valves open. Best money spent on an Aston Martin.

I use a 2nd set of Rapide winter wheels during the winter. The Rapide a terrific winter car. Double pane glass keeps the car warm. HVAC works great, and drives fine on winter roads.

 

Thank you Brightoncorgi, I really appreciate your experience and advice! My car should be getting picked up today in OH so I should see it early next week. I found the CC charger remote and that will be my 1st mod

I have cheap chargers from Amazon on my other cars, always wondered what one gets for the extra $$ for a CTEK, for instance. Will have to investigate further.

So Norwood Aston here I come!

Thanks again, Steve

 

Get a yoga mat for the trunk area. Cut it size to fit over the luggage rails. You'll rip the rubber strips out of the rails if not.

 

Mine are ripped indeed and it looks ugly so I keep the fold on... Any "easy" fix? Glue them back on?

 

A few of mine are ripped too. I haul a lot in this car. Had 10+ cases of wine at once. Love to hear other options beyond glue. Wish I had thought of the yoga mat when I first bought the car. My Vantage had a warped cargo cover & the Rapide has ripped rails.

I have been looking 5+ years for a used Rapide cargo cover that goes over the rear seat backs. No luck.

 

When is the party? 😎

I appreciate all the responses, my 14 Rapide S should be here tomorrow!

Steve

 

My cousin has a '14 Rapide S as well.

 

Being loaded in OH, will be here in a few hours

 

Great color. Almost bought in the same color. My cousin's Rapide S has the same wheels.

 

So that's a matte wrap on the car in what appears to be very close to the AM color ... it's got a small tear in it on the rear quarter. I may end up taking it off. Am assured that the paint underneath is pristine (fingers crossed)

 

Show us the arrival!
Thanks,
JH

 

What color is it underneath?

 

Looking forward to the pics when it arrives..congrats eh…

 

ok, it's here!

1. The wrap appeals to me more than I thought it would. Reconsidering whether to "unwrap" it

2. The driver took the car out of the transport before he called me! First time that's ever happened, but no pics/videos of arrival (which have become a staple for me LOL)

3. I'm color blind and even though I popped the hood to have a look underneath, I'll be damned if I can judge the paint color. Gonna need a high intensity light and someone that is not color blind

4. Bonus! The manual has pretty consistent maintenance stamps in it, but unfortunately only an oil change after 20k miles, Carfax does show services after that

5. The manual lists the color as "meteorite" which from web browsing seems pretty close to the wrap color, although the wrap is matte

6. I love the tan/saddle interior leather. I don't see any lifting anywhere, and the alcantara headliner is in great shape

6. I will post some pictures as soon as the weather breaks!