DB9 to Continental GTC
Discussion
OK... The DB9 has gone to the company that made all of the 'enhancements' for sale as they will be offering 12 months warranty on the car.
I did have my heart set on a GTC but since looking I an swaying towards the GT or even a GT Speed. Apart from looks is there anything I should be concerned about between the GT and GTC or are they pretty much like for like?
I did have my heart set on a GTC but since looking I an swaying towards the GT or even a GT Speed. Apart from looks is there anything I should be concerned about between the GT and GTC or are they pretty much like for like?
WightGT said:
Good afternoon,
You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
Hi'WightGT',You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
Many thanks for your response. My budget is in the region of £50k - £55k and have seen some good low mileage 2008 GT and GTC models. I test drove a 2006 GTC last week and it fits in my garage with enough room for me to get in and out both with the roof up and down.
I had full warranty with my DB9 for the same reasons that you mention... AM parts can be quite expensive as well.
Good point about the 'GT Speed'... The standard GTC that I drove last week was certainly responsive enough and that was in 'D' and not 'S' with the paddles.
I have my eye on a few at 'Imperials Cars' and 'Phantom Motors' who both seem to sell good GT/GTC's with either Bentley or their own warranty. I just need to decide between the Coupe or Convertible....
Many thanks for your comments. Having come from a heavily modified DB9 I think a 'Speed' might be the way to go. My major decision at the moment is convertible or coupe. The car that I test drove was a convertible and it was a nice sunny day so the roof was up and down throughout the test (So I could check for road noise).
Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
Also I cant find any Speed convertibles... And what year was the 'Facelift'.
The four dealers that I am looking at are: Phantom Motors, Imperials Cars, Harwoods and Hampshire Bentley.
There seems to be a lot of black cars for sale. My DB9 was black and I swore never to get a black car again. Is the paintwork on a Bentley more 'Robust' than and Aston and therefore less susceptible to swirl marks?
Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
Also I cant find any Speed convertibles... And what year was the 'Facelift'.
The four dealers that I am looking at are: Phantom Motors, Imperials Cars, Harwoods and Hampshire Bentley.
There seems to be a lot of black cars for sale. My DB9 was black and I swore never to get a black car again. Is the paintwork on a Bentley more 'Robust' than and Aston and therefore less susceptible to swirl marks?
That's it... The Aston is on its way.....To New Zealand.
Now looking for a GT Speed around the £55,000 mark. The benchmark was a lovely 2010 "51 Series Speed" with 44,000 on the clock from a main dealer for £56,500. I say "was" as it was sold on the same day as my Aston so I missed it.
Had a good look around the internet at various sites and happy to note that there is plenty of choice out there.
I have a few requirements:
Speed Model - Coupe
2010
Prefer not black leather but not a deal breaker
NOT walnut dash
Full service history
Prefer black wheels
Relatively low mileage
My friend swears by ceramic brakes as a must option but aware of the expense if anything goes wrong. (Experience from the Aston forum).
If any fellow PH enthusiast knows of one that fits the bill please drop me a PM with the details.
Now looking for a GT Speed around the £55,000 mark. The benchmark was a lovely 2010 "51 Series Speed" with 44,000 on the clock from a main dealer for £56,500. I say "was" as it was sold on the same day as my Aston so I missed it.
Had a good look around the internet at various sites and happy to note that there is plenty of choice out there.
I have a few requirements:
Speed Model - Coupe
2010
Prefer not black leather but not a deal breaker
NOT walnut dash
Full service history
Prefer black wheels
Relatively low mileage
My friend swears by ceramic brakes as a must option but aware of the expense if anything goes wrong. (Experience from the Aston forum).
If any fellow PH enthusiast knows of one that fits the bill please drop me a PM with the details.
Lockhouse said:
Super for me, never used regular but I believe she'll run on it.
Just checked my handbook. 97 recommended, will run OK on 95 but reduced performance may occur.
The way to tell for sure is to look inside the fuel filler cap apparently.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew.... Filled up with Super Unleaded..Just checked my handbook. 97 recommended, will run OK on 95 but reduced performance may occur.
The way to tell for sure is to look inside the fuel filler cap apparently.
Andrew
Dave
Just got the GT Speed back after 5 man days of hard slog to get the paintwork back to 'Better than Showroom' condition. The previous owner obviously used the roadside 'EU Nationals' and 'Supermarket Car Park Cleaners' to clean the car so it was in a pretty sorry state.
Handed it over to Tim from 'Envy Valeting' on the Gosport road who worked his magic on the paintwork, glass and wheels. I also had the wheel hubs refurbished with heat resistant silver paint and the brake calipers finished in Rosso Red.
The car is totally transformed and I can't wait for a bright sunny day to get some 'Artistic Shots'.
Handed it over to Tim from 'Envy Valeting' on the Gosport road who worked his magic on the paintwork, glass and wheels. I also had the wheel hubs refurbished with heat resistant silver paint and the brake calipers finished in Rosso Red.
The car is totally transformed and I can't wait for a bright sunny day to get some 'Artistic Shots'.
JulianPH said:
Hi David, looks absolutely stunning now you have had it detailed. How are you finding it after the Aston?
Absolutely love it. Don't get me wrong, my DB9 was a great car particularly after the many enhancements but I love driving the Bentley. I am glad I went for the GT Speed as the power delivery is superb. Having a '51' series makes the interior that bit special and the overall finish is excellent.The guys at 'Envy Valeting' did an excellent job on the paintwork and repainted the wheel hubs and another couple of coats of paint on the callipers.
I probably wouldn't get the same 'response' on a track as I did from the Aston but this is a proper GT and we are already planning a driving trip through Europe next summer. (Although I don't think we will be doing the Stelvio Pass this time).
Really glad I had the Aston but I am really very impressed with the GT Speed.
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