2016 Aston Martin Rapide 5.9L Petrol · 49 RJB

The 2016 Aston Martin Rapide presents a clean MOT record with no defects recorded across five consecutive tests, indicating a stable and well-maintained vehicle. The most recent test on 2 January 2026 at 18,153 miles passed with zero advisories or failures, a strong indicator of consistent upkeep. The maintenance trend is firmly stable, with no recurring mechanical or structural issues flagged throughout the documented history. For a vehicle of this age and value, this is an exceptionally clean record. The mileage pattern reveals an unusual trajectory that warrants scrutiny. Between 21 October 2021 at 19,665 miles and 16 December 2023 at 15,997 miles, the recorded mileage decreased by approximately 3,668 miles. This is physically impossible for an odometer reading and strongly suggests a data recording error, a replacement odometer unit, or a clerical mistake entered into the DVSA system. Prior to the 2021 test, the mileage was 15,966 miles on 19 November 2022, meaning the vehicle effectively recorded no mileage change over a thirteen-month period. Between 2023 and 2025, the car accumulated just 2,258 miles over roughly two years, confirming genuinely low annual use of approximately 1,100 miles per year in its most recent period. The overall average of roughly 1,815 miles per year remains low for a vehicle of this type, though the anomalous 2021 entry undermines complete confidence in the mileage history. Despite the clean MOT record, the mileage anomaly is a significant concern for any prospective buyer. A decreasing odometer reading can indicate odometer tampering, and this must be investigated through a comprehensive HPI check, service invoice cross-referencing, and physical inspection of the vehicle's digital service history via Aston Martin's dealer network. The absence of MOT defects does not guarantee the absence of latent faults, particularly on a low-mileage luxury saloon that may have stood for extended periods. Seals, rubber bushes, tyre age, brake fluid condition, and battery health can all deteriorate through inactivity rather than use. The tyres, for instance, may appear to have adequate tread but could be perished or date-coded beyond safe service life if they are original or near-original fitment. A buyer should commission an independent pre-purchase inspection with a marque specialist, focusing on the condition of suspension bushes, brake caliper operation, exhaust system integrity, and any signs of moisture ingress or interior mould from prolonged standing. The structural underside should be examined for corrosion, particularly given the vehicle's age and the possibility of long-term storage in suboptimal conditions. The powertrain and gearbox should be assessed for smooth operation, as low-mileage use can sometimes lead to sticking valves or gearbox issues from insufficient warm-up cycles. The clean MOT record is encouraging but does not substitute for hands-on verification, especially given the irregularity in the documented mileage.