04 Vintage Bentley GT over 100,000 miles - avoid?

[enjoythemusic]

waterden said:

Wise words! And at 6,000 per annum production they will never become collectable. In time these will go below £5k, admittedly better depreciation than some from here, but watch out for the black swan costs. ]

I dont think theyll go below 5k becuase you can always part out the car. Good thing he's not talking GTC, my back window fell out, a known problem and new tops are 5k to 17k depending on how bad things are. After having a GT that was kinda ok to a nightmare GTC, yes those 'surprise' costs are appropriate for a retail 200k car and not a 25k car. Think that's what trips up some newbies versus seasoned car guys who know about false air engine out, air suspension problems, etc that are virtually guarantted to happen at certain intervales.

Check out 6Speed online discussion board as there are many posts there for neebies to get great info.

Btw, ask if the air line above the transmission was changed to mainly metal hard lines, when were all four air shocks changed, does the air con recirculate flap work correctly, and when was the front suspension changed due to high bushing wear. Make sure you have an independant who knows Bentley cars do a full and thorough check. Also get in writing a 90 day warranty just to ensure the owners stands by their product and will pay for all repairs during that 90 day period. This is all just to be safe and protect you and am sure the seller will agree if their Bentley is as good as they say.

Edited by enjoythemusic on Friday 19th May 21:41

[mattman]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I'm 44 and on car #55 - mostly mainstream stuff, but all with the potential for decent sized bills in comparison to their worth. So eyes fully open, not expecting to run it the same as a vw lupo.
But I'm at the point where I'd rather a 25k Bentley than a 25k non-descript euro box that will depreciate like a stone. I agree, I really can,'t see a GT hit 5k, yes there are more around, but they still retain a value of relative exclusivity.

My other problem is that there is nothing else out there at that price point that floats my boat or gives that reads the same as the Bentley. I'm not a big 911 can and know buying one would just be to follow the crowd, AM's and Maserati's that I really like are still a bit out of reach, so what is really left?

[mattman]

And this is the reason for the want.

A work trip in 2011 where we got to drive a range of supercars from Zurich to St Morritz and back again across the passes. Out of the 9 cars we had, the GTC Supersport was my favourite

[NDA]

I had a GTC from new a few years ago. Unrelenting luxury - a great car, sold it to pay stamp duty on a house and still regret it!

It might be worth trying to find a tame GT owner on here somewhere to come with you on a test drive - you are so insulated from the world in a Bentley that only a regular driver of one might spot if something doesn't feel right. Just a thought.

[turbobloke]

Good to see these cars being enjoyed, thanks for the pics Fiammetta and mattman.

[Speculatore]

NDA said:

I had a GTC from new a few years ago. Unrelenting luxury - a great car, sold it to pay stamp duty on a house and still regret it!

It might be worth trying to find a tame GT owner on here somewhere to come with you on a test drive - you are so insulated from the world in a Bentley that only a regular driver of one might spot if something doesn't feel right. Just a thought.

I did ask him some posts ago where in Hampshire is he as there are a number of us in Hampshire. I for one would be happy to let him have a look or even drive but mine is the speed '51' series so might give him the wrong impression.

[enjoythemusic]

Did your GTC rear glass window fall out yet? Mine did, it's a known issue for those who live in warm climates. Perhaps where you live it doesnt have a good amount of hot weather, so that helps. Also check for holes at the 'rear elbow of the top, another common problem.

http://robisonservice.blogspot.de/2013/08/trouble-...

Edited by enjoythemusic on Saturday 20th May 14:29

[mattman]

Speculatore said:

NDA said:

I had a GTC from new a few years ago. Unrelenting luxury - a great car, sold it to pay stamp duty on a house and still regret it!

It might be worth trying to find a tame GT owner on here somewhere to come with you on a test drive - you are so insulated from the world in a Bentley that only a regular driver of one might spot if something doesn't feel right. Just a thought.

I did ask him some posts ago where in Hampshire is he as there are a number of us in Hampshire. I for one would be happy to let him have a look or even drive but mine is the speed '51' series so might give him the wrong impression.

Sorry, missed this - sssh, but I'm in Basingstoke - thanks for the offer!!

[Speculatore]

I live in Portchester, between Portsmouth and Fareham. Nearest train station is Fareham and nearest Motorway junction is M27 Jnct 11. I work in Holland during the week but will be taking a long 'Bank Holiday' weekend off arriving home Thursday afternoon. As you have already driven one at length there may not be the requirement for you to test drive another one, and, mine is the speed version so will not give you the same feel as the standard GT.

Over to you

[J4CKO]

Silly Road tax ?

I would buy the best I could afford as realistically an extra £200 on VED is a small cost in comaprison to running something like that, it would be a slight bonus if I got a decent example I would be thinking.

[lambo_xx]

mattman said:

I've got to the point where i want to own something a bit special a.k.a. mid life crisis.

I'm not overly fussed on 911's and after driving a lovely specced up GTC Supersport through the alps a few years back i've always been fond of the GT.

Budget is ideally 20-25k and i'm looking to keep before 2006 to avoid the silly road tax.

There are a few cars to chose from in this price bracket and i'm doing my research as best i can - question i have though is whether there is any point even considering a car with over 100,000 miles or do i pay 4-5k extra for something with 50-60k? I understand the service history will be key on any car, but are we still looking at more potential cost for other parts on a car that has done more miles, or do they tend to work better if regularly used?

Other cars on the 'short list' include the BMW 840, Maserati 4200, AM DB7 - all a little bit stupid as i plan to use it as a 'daily' doing approx 8k a year

This one has caught my eye - but other cars in stock are Cat C so i'm not 100%
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/null-Bentley-Continental...


Thanks in advance for any advice or tips.

My opinion for what it’s worth – 3200 & 4200 are not comparable. They are significantly older cars in terms of Tech etc especially 840. Ditto DB7

I’ve had my GT Speed (2008) since about 2012/13. It’s now on about 50k miles and has never missed a beat. The only problems I’ve had other than normal servicing etc is the wiper linkage failed last year (cost about £1k to fix). Other than that it’s been great.

Mileage is always tricky because like everything, it’s down to how each car has been used/treated/serviced etc. a 100k mile car that’s just done motorway journeys will be a better car than a 30k mile car that’s been hammered around country roads it’s whole life. That being said my instinct would be to buy a lower mileage car if possible but just make sure you GET IT INSPECTED!!!!
Ps Bluetooth won’t work with your iphone on pre 08 cars (my friend had an 07 and it wasn’t compatible. Official Bentley Bluetooth module was like £700-800 to upgrade his car)
Also – make sure you get a car with massaging seats! The best invention in the world!