1998 Continental R - one year on - Running costs
Discussion
After years of dreaming about it, I finally took the plunge on a Conti R about 15 months ago.
A year on, i thought it was time for a quick update.
I have put 10000 miles on the car! That probably says a lot. I have been to Le Mans 3 times plus other long trips up and down the country, as well as using it pretty much as a daily driver.
It has performed faultlessly and never let me down. The car feels special at all time and I don't get tired of how amazing this thing is.
It is big and old school but what a fabulous way to travel.
Onto running costs. Fuel consumption has been about 18mpg on average which is pretty good I'd say.
I got it serviced twice, tectyled under body wax for the winter, 5x new Avon tires, and various electrical fixes (gauges, headlamps, bulbs, sensors), plus a new anti roll bar lin to get through MOT...
All the work done by a reputable independent specialist.
So, Total for the year: about £5000 (including VAT) excluding fuel.
Although I was hoping for less, my gut feeling is that, with the constant little improvements and fixes required, this is probably the average amount of money needed every year to keep these car on good order.
I remember a recent discussion on this forum about running costs and getting ripped off by dealers in spending more than necessary... I have tried to strike a balance between not letting the car deteriorate and spending too much on un-necessary work. My indie has advised on other work that I have chosen not to do for now.
Overall I'd say that you'd be wise to allow for £5000 average every year if you wish to keep the car in good condition (and I am not talking concours).
It may sound like a lot (and it is for me!)... However, I don't think the car has depreciated at all.
To me it all makes sense and I am very happy to keep going.
Best
A year on, i thought it was time for a quick update.
I have put 10000 miles on the car! That probably says a lot. I have been to Le Mans 3 times plus other long trips up and down the country, as well as using it pretty much as a daily driver.
It has performed faultlessly and never let me down. The car feels special at all time and I don't get tired of how amazing this thing is.
It is big and old school but what a fabulous way to travel.
Onto running costs. Fuel consumption has been about 18mpg on average which is pretty good I'd say.
I got it serviced twice, tectyled under body wax for the winter, 5x new Avon tires, and various electrical fixes (gauges, headlamps, bulbs, sensors), plus a new anti roll bar lin to get through MOT...
All the work done by a reputable independent specialist.
So, Total for the year: about £5000 (including VAT) excluding fuel.
Although I was hoping for less, my gut feeling is that, with the constant little improvements and fixes required, this is probably the average amount of money needed every year to keep these car on good order.
I remember a recent discussion on this forum about running costs and getting ripped off by dealers in spending more than necessary... I have tried to strike a balance between not letting the car deteriorate and spending too much on un-necessary work. My indie has advised on other work that I have chosen not to do for now.
Overall I'd say that you'd be wise to allow for £5000 average every year if you wish to keep the car in good condition (and I am not talking concours).
It may sound like a lot (and it is for me!)... However, I don't think the car has depreciated at all.
To me it all makes sense and I am very happy to keep going.
Best
Thanks !
Regarding the hydraulic service, the word from the few specialists I've spoken to is that it is better to keep an eye on all things hydraulic at every service, irrelevant of mileage (especially with cars doing few miles) and replace things bit by bit as they come along.
My car should reach 60k next summer, so it may have to be done then.
Regarding the hydraulic service, the word from the few specialists I've spoken to is that it is better to keep an eye on all things hydraulic at every service, irrelevant of mileage (especially with cars doing few miles) and replace things bit by bit as they come along.
My car should reach 60k next summer, so it may have to be done then.
Thanks Paul for your input. It is good to know other owner's experience.
And thanks Matt for posting pics. Lovely car. Wildberry has always been a favourite of mine. For a long time, it was the colour I was looking for.
I wish I could do more work on the car myself but I am pretty useless on that front, and would hate to damage anything.
And thanks Matt for posting pics. Lovely car. Wildberry has always been a favourite of mine. For a long time, it was the colour I was looking for.
I wish I could do more work on the car myself but I am pretty useless on that front, and would hate to damage anything.
Byteme said:
Hmm... Byteme, would you mind to elaborate as to why this makes interesting reading? I have had no dealings with this company and it seems opinions do differ about them, but I fail to see where this is suppose to lead.Why the suspicion?
I may not be a serial poster but I am a pistonhead and visit this forum on a daily basis as a genuine Bentley owner and enthusiast. As such I use independent specialists and i am curious about others experience of businesses that I may use in the future. You posted a link to what seem to be (to me at least) pretty irrelevant info. You obviously implied something. I do not know Roberts Hall and hadn't heard of them until mentioned on this forum.
It looks to me that you're the one hiding something.
I may not be a serial poster but I am a pistonhead and visit this forum on a daily basis as a genuine Bentley owner and enthusiast. As such I use independent specialists and i am curious about others experience of businesses that I may use in the future. You posted a link to what seem to be (to me at least) pretty irrelevant info. You obviously implied something. I do not know Roberts Hall and hadn't heard of them until mentioned on this forum.
It looks to me that you're the one hiding something.
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