Regular Mulsanne or Speed - Honest advice please?

[allister]

I wonder if anyone can help..... I'm just about to buy a new Bentley Mulsanne - I have found a car I'm happy with (Mulliner Driving Spec), but I have another salesman at another dealership telling me the Speed is the 'Must Have Car".

I'm not really interested in pushing a car to it's limits, if I were I'd have kept the Ferrari I've just sold!

I have driven the Speed and liked it but not because of it's performance, instead for it's comfort.

I haven't driven the Mulliner Driving Spec but now found myself questioning my choice - It's a lot of money to get it wrong!

Has anyone driven both (Speed and the Standard Mulliner Driving Spec Mulsaane) and if so, what advice can you give - Bearing in mind that I'm looking for a Bentley to waft along in, not to race, do I really need the Speed?

Many thanks in advance

Allister

[allister]

Thanks Jeff...... I think I'm just going to stick with my instinct - I'm happy with the look of the Mulliner Driving Spec and as I say, comfort is my priority, not handling and speed.

I am going to view the MDS in the morning and expect to buy it - Will keep you posted.

Allister

[allister]

[quote=buyer&seller]There'll be a salesman rubbing his hands with glee today then, make sure you nail him to the cross as I'm told there's a huge amount of support on these cars prior to the 2017 models arrival.
[/quote]

Not quite concluded deal yet - What do you think I should be paying for a new Mulsanne MDS (or what % discount do you think I should be getting off RRP)?

[allister]

Thanks guys..... Think I did OK, £280k list - Paid £166k, so I make that about 40% off!!!!

Went for a brand new Mulsanne Speed will post pictures once delivered.

Allister

[allister]

Thank you for your kind words everybody - Sorry I haven't replied sooner, I've been out of the country quite a bit.

Firstly, I collected the car yesterday afternoon and it was lovely driving home - My car was sourced from Bentley Manchester but they all seem to be doing deals at the moment throughout the dealer network, as they're getting a lot of manufacturer support from Bentley. I spoke with several dealers throughout the country and this was the best price I seemed to be able to get them all down to.

I'm afraid it doesn't come with the Naim Audio ........ because I'm not building the car from new and there's only a limited number left in the country (they've stopped building this model now), you have to be a little bit flexible in terms of what you want - The Naim would have been a nice thing to have but I feel it's the only sacrifice I have made, everything else is pretty much what I wanted - Speed specification in Extreme Silver, Linen Leather with Piano Black and Sunroof.

If I'm honest, I went full circle on the colours, I've always been a fan of the traditional colours and very nearly bought a lovely Black Sapphire, Linen Leather and Dark Burr Walnut from Bentley Kent (again approx £280k down to £165k). But when I went to look at it, I just thought I'm probably going to look more like the chauffeur than the owner driving this car, so I went for something that I thought looked less "official" and perhaps a little bit younger, as I'm only 45.

I've attached a video below showing the colour Extreme Silver (I suspect some people will love it, others will hate it), together with some interior pictures - I chose the Extreme Silver (which would have been a £4,300 option) as it changes colour a little in certain lights (from sort of steel blue, to creamy gold to bright silver), making it slightly more interesting and less "Wedding Car"

In my opinion, the piano black also looks stunning against the chrome...... I will add more external pictures soon, as these aren't great but give an idea.

• ** The images below showing the outside of the car, are enabled to increase in size, internal ones won't for some reason!!.... Will try to correct this*****

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ZhXZNoPq8

Edited by allister on Tuesday 10th May 08:12

[allister]

Aeroresh said:

Looks amazing in that colour! Did you deal with Jan at Bentley Manchester? Hes a top bloke.

Thanks for your kind words Aeroresh..... I actually bought the car from Brittle Motor Group. I wouldn't normally buy from outside the main dealer network, but as this car was sourced direct rom Bentley Manchester and the car was still brand new (only 32 miles on the clock) I decided it would be fine - Full warranty etc. From what I understand, from time to time Brittle deal some of their stock.

I couldn't find another similar car anywhere within main dealer network (certainly not brand new), so I was very pleased to come across this one

It is however going back to Bentley Manchester, for a 1,000 mile service in a few weeks time, everyone I spoke with their seemed great.

[allister]

chilistrucker said:

Hellers said:

Honestly, many congratulations - that is indeed stunning! I completely get where you are coming from about the colour vs. black.

I'm 53 and hankering for a Bentley and my fiancée keeps saying I'm too young! Just wait 'til I show her your beautiful new motor.

All the best,

Hellers.

Buy it

OP, how dare you, I am 45, and I am the chauffeur. The car looks lovely and the colour is great. I really enjoyed driving the Mulsanne, and although the Naim system was great it was a bit fussy at times. Enjoy your car.

Firstly thank you chillistruker - hopefully no offence was caused with my chauffeur remark and it's also nice to hear that the Naim System wasn't perfect.

Hellers - thank you also for your kind words.... I know EXACTLY where you're coming from with the fiancée thing, my wife is only 38 years old and we had these very same conversations - In order to convince your "wife to be", you need to find the right spec to win her over - Don't get me wrong, I do still love the traditional woods and colours such as dark sapphire, but get the right colour combination and a Mulsanne can go from a beautifully made, traditional motor car, to a very cool piece of handcrafted art.

The craftsmanship in these cars is second to none - They really are beautiful pieces..... The strong smell of leather that hits you every time you open the door is like nothing else!

Edited by allister on Wednesday 11th May 07:54

[allister]

matt5791 said:

Absolutely lovely looking car.

Had the privilege of a tour of the Crewe factory on Friday - what I noticed is the Mulsanne is made much more like the older cars - things like the wood waist rails are solid wood under the veneer (rather than veneer onto plastic substrate as in the GT/Fluing Spur/Bentyaga). You really can see where the extra money is going with the Mulsanne.

Hi Matt, that's nice to know - I'm planning on asking the dealer to arrange a tour, sounds like you enjoyed it.

It's good to know that a bit more care and attention goes in to their flagship.

Edited by allister on Thursday 12th May 07:24

[allister]

Byteme said:

Horrible doesn't even start to describe this.

Your opinion is fair enough - I know this colour combination will not suit everyone and definitely not all the chaps who prefer the more traditional colour schemes, with polished burr walnut, etc (a look which I also admire and appreciate).

I might have been slightly offended by your comments Byteme, but clicking on your profile name and then the forums tab, shows both myself and anyone else who chooses to look, that in all of your replies, you never actually have a nice word to say about anything..... So I won't take it personally.

All of your comments build up a very good picture of you, confirming my suspicions, that you are sadly, a miserable lonely old man, writing on forums at 2.15am in the morning.

I hope life gets better for you and one day you find happiness.

[allister]

enjoythemusic said:

My wife also feels I'm too young for the GTC. After a few years am going to sell/trade it. As we all know, will lose tens of thousands during the trade. The Bentley is perhaps the single worst 'investment' I've made in years. Reliability has not been that great, so I should have taken notice when others warned me and seeing all the problems online.

Hi enjoythemusic

You say "Reliability has not been that great" I kind of know what you mean - A quick update........ My 5 day old Mulsanne is currently parked up, awaiting recovery after I noticed power steering oil leaking on to my garage floor.

I guess with hand built cars you're bound to get some problems, particularly at the beginning of ownership, I am expecting that, I just hope this car doesn't start spending more time in Bentley's garage than it does mine.

I know what you mean about the single worst investment / purchase - Despite the heavily discounted price I received, I know I'm still going to take a massive hit on this car. The only thing that will help soften the blow, is if I keep it long term (10+ years), which is certainly my intention but only time will tell.

I also noticed you saying that you're going to change, but for what? This was a huge dilemma for me and the one that put me in a Bentley - I'll explain why.

I've just come from a Ferrari F430 Spider (Manual), a very rare car which made me £30k profit in 12 months - However, I didn't particularly enjoy driving it. The ride was firm and bumpy to say the least, comfort was pretty much non existent, other road users hate you and it spends most of it's time in your garage, particularly as it always rains here in the UK.

So I thought I can buy pretty much anything I like, what do I want?

Having just come from a Ferrari and with comfort becoming more and more important to me, I dismissed changing to the likes of Porsche as I didn't want to go back to uncomfortable motoring. So what were my options...... Well I drove the Rolls Royce Phantom, a beautiful car, unbelievably quiet but for me it felt just a bit too big. Not interested in the Rolls Royce Ghost as from what I understand it shares too many components with a 7 series BMW.

So I looked at the Mercedes S Class LWB, as I had one some years ago and loved it. Unfortunately now it just feels dull and very much like a mass produced Mercedes (good value but certainly not exciting).

Don't laugh but I also have a 10 year old (2007 MY) Range Rover 4.4 Vogue Petrol which I absolutely love, it's quieter than the new diesel, smooth as silk and has bags of character, so a new Range Rover was a no go.

So where do I go then..... I don't know - I don't want another high performance sports car and I feel I've explored all the "Luxury Comfort" stuff. The only thing I found left that excited me was the Mulsanne. The interior reeks of quality (obviously not the power steering), it's smooth on the road, has an immense sense of presence and when you accelerate it sounds like a diesel locomotive - Seriously, it really does, I've never known anything like it!!

That's how I ended up in a Bentley - If you do trade / sell where do you think you'll go next?

Allister

[allister]

dazzalse said:

Look a great car, hope you got the problems sorted. I've actually done a deal on one myself, being delivered Tuesday.

Excellent - What did you go for, Regular, Mulliner Driving Spec or Speed? And what about colour combo?

[allister]

Modificata said:

What an absolutely stunning looking car. If im honest the interior is spot on, but personally I prefer the exterior in Blue. But your silver is still lovely.

I really relate to your reasons for buying a Bentley at a relatively young age. I purchased my Arnage T at 40 after wanting one for at least 5 years. I too came from Ferrari (although I still own a classic), and wanted something more comfortable and quicker. The Bentley has amazed me and each time I jump into it I think I should drive this more often! In fact im going out tonight... Looks like I'll have to take it

Thank you for you kind words Modificata

Like you, I'd also wanted a Bentley for some time before buying one - I was planning on an Arnage Final Series but the deals being offered on the new Mulsanne meant I went that way. I know what you means about the blue..... I do also love this, in fact Dark Sapphire / Black Sapphire, together with Cream Leather and Dark Burr Walnut have always been my dream colours, so buying what I did was a big shock to me and not what I expected at all but after having a Mulsanne loaned to me for 5 days, I just fell in love with the polished steel air vents and piano black wood, which then lead to the colour change externally.

This was my second choice and the car I very, very nearly bought - See images below:

Edited by allister on Sunday 22 May 08:22

[allister]

dazzalse said:

allister said:

dazzalse said:

Look a great car, hope you got the problems sorted. I've actually done a deal on one myself, being delivered Tuesday.

Excellent - What did you go for, Regular, Mulliner Driving Spec or Speed? And what about colour combo?

MDS, Black, Linen, Black Wood, Sunroof, Rear entreatment, iPad Tables, Naim, Ventilated seats, not a lot of choice left now as there was only a limited number of cars with support and we need rear entertainment and a sunroof but pleased with the spec!

That's a fantastic spec - You got a lot more rear seat toys than I did - I think this car was also one that was on my radar but as we have no children, I chose the Speed over the high spec MDS - Like you though, a sunroof was a must have (although I am disappointed it doesn't slide - tilt only.... Actually, hope you know this).

Was this a Harwoods Sussex car? If so, did you deal with Paul in sales?

[allister]

dazzalse said:

Yes it was a Harwoods Sussex car and we did deal with Paul, i've not met him actually as i did the deal over the phone, but I've had a couple of cars from them before, when Simon was there they also looked after my Arnage Final Series

I thought so..... I made an appointment with Paul to see that exact same car (he seems a really nice guy) but found my car the day before - I'm quite confident I would have bought that had I not found the Speed the day before, so excellent choice, it's definitely the pick of what's out there in my opinion.

[allister]

matt5791 said:

I think the one you have has a better colour (easier to live with) and nicer wheels

Thanks Matt....

[allister]

A few new external pics:


http://thumbsnap.com/f/twXOja7I

http://thumbsnap.com/f/glvE6GH3

http://thumbsnap.com/f/Q18lS8PE

http://thumbsnap.com/f/1CPXq7Yc

http://thumbsnap.com/f/twXOja7I

http://thumbsnap.com/f/0q9iMziY

Edited by allister on Thursday 2nd June 23:30

[allister]

Modificata said:

Dazzalse - Congrats on the new purchase. Love to see pics once you take delivery.

Allister - Both cars look stunning, although your home pics really show the exterior colour. I can see why you chose it! It really shows the sharp lines of the car. Great choice.

Yes Dazzalse - It would be great to see some pics of delivery tomorrow.

Thanks Modificata - My thoughts exactly regarding the colour...... The first pictures I posted were taken in extremely bright direct sunlight, which meant the light was bouncing of the paint and wheels, making it difficult to really see the car. Thanks again for your comments, I'm glad you like it.

[allister]

sealtt said:

This thread was a great read, I can certainly relate having almost entirely given up on sports cars in recent times!

I had a very similar experience to you with the F430 Spider, though mine was an 'F1' gearbox. The points you made were all reasons I do not regret selling it and don't miss it at all. Reading your write up on the Mulsanne will certainly make me consider such a car next time around. The way that you have described the workmanship put into the car, I'd certainly appreciate that sort of thing myself. Though currently I have a new Range Rover since I love the commanding view through the vast windows and the cavernous interior is very useful as I have a young family (and a baby on the way).

The spec of your Mulsanne is great, the interior stunning, and from the outside it is classy but still has that proper 'Bentley' look about it. Very nice, enjoy.

Thank you for your kind words sealltt , I also love the Range Rover and use one as my daily driver, although I'm sure yours is much newer...... Mine is a late 2006 (2007 M/Y), 4.4 Petrol, Blue with Cream Leather, a rare car, as when these came out with the improved suspension / cornering, everyone moved on to the TDV8 - So I know where you're coming from on the Range Rover front they are a fantastic car and although mine is now 10 years old, it's still beautiful to drive, has an almost silent cabin and is great for our 2 Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (once the back seats are folded down of course - they need all the space they can get).

[allister]

mirage5512 said:

It seems the "cheap" mulsanne deals seem to be tempting quite a few people.

I have also just changed from an older flying spur to an 18 month old mulsanne speed with less than 2000 miles on it. I also considered the rolls phantom and ghost but the phantom gets replaced soon and the ghost is a bit too similar to my 730LD and I thought having both you would compare them even more but I still love the series 2 ghost and I'm not criticising it as I think they are a great car.

I don't subscribe to the old man car analogies either as I like anything that is top of the line and whether you're 30 or 100 (I'm 37) if you like this type of thing you're kind of limited to a rolls phantom, mulsanne or merc maybach's etc and I expect to go to a new shape rolls phantom after this car in a few years time.

Similar routes in regards to previous cars after numerous ferraris and Porsches etc but thought it would be nice to have a special car all the family can enjoy.

Mine was bought from GC motors up in Harrogate and I was happy with the deal as well though I didn't realise they were selling brand new ones at £165k lol. To be fair my car has everything apart from the bottle cooler and tv tuner (not sure which one I'll miss most) and I thought why not go for a car with less than 2000 miles at less than half price so these cars are great "value" at the moment.

Regards the driving they are a totally different drive to the spur and don't go round corners like that car but I'm finding that just sitting in the car and the ambiance of the car mean I'm not in such a rush to get where I'm going if that makes sense and it is just a wonderfully comfortable car. The quality of the materials are just on another planet from the older Spurs as anyone who has one will know. I especially love the small round vents on the b pillar, I don't know why I always think of those but they are so well made and seem dinky compared to the bigger ones but wonderfully crafted.

I spent the first weekend I had it just sat in the front and back playing with all the settings and gadgets so I had a good handle on the car. I also figured that if you use an old iPhone 4 as a "dvd" changer you don't have to mess about changing discs and my old 32gb version holds over ten films (sd and hd). It must be the later iPod cable mind with the red colour on the cable otherwise the video doesn't work. The in car wifi isn't over fantastic either but I've not tried it on a proper run yet.

I thought the Naim audio system is the best thing I've ever heard in a car, I've had a couple of after market systems and the Naim is very good in my opinion.

I also think the fuel consumption is ok for the size of it and the speed's is much improved over the standard mulsanne.

I forgot to mention mine is anthracite with an all black interior. I normally go for black and light interiors but in light of three kids under 7 I thought it might be sensible to have black this time!

Completely with you on the ghost being too similar to the bmw miragee5512 - Good to know you are also enjoying your new car - I found some archived images of it on Google, it does look stunning. How often are you driving yours - Daily?

By the way..... I love it that you're 37 years old and strong enough to make your own decisions, not following the crowd and feeling that you have to buy the alternatives, which are considered to be "younger persons car"

Edited by allister on Wednesday 25th May 23:46

[allister]

coyft said:

Congratulations! It looks a lovely place to sit either as a driver or passenger. I just don't understand why they have to be so big,

I wish you could buy a smaller car say Audi A6 size, that had the same quality. We don't all want to drive such huge cars. Although I'm probably in a minority of one as car manufactures seem to fill every possible niche.

I don't know coyft - It is madness I admit...... I find it almost impossible to park my Mulsanne anywhere, but I just love driving it and I guess the size and majesty of the car, is part of what makes it so special.

Edited by allister on Wednesday 25th May 23:53