Buying a Used Mulsanne
Discussion
Hi, I’m hoping to get into my first Bentley very soon! I’m just negotiating on a 2013 Mulsanne at a franchised dealer and wondered if anyone had an experience of what discount may be negotiable? It’s around 100k and I have been offered 3.5k off that with minimal haggling.
Also are there any potential known problems to be aware of with these cars? Its a 2013 model with full dealer history.
Thanks
Also are there any potential known problems to be aware of with these cars? Its a 2013 model with full dealer history.
Thanks
I am not sure on the level of discount from a Bentley dealer, but in terms of things to look out for here are a few tips that I have come across with my Mulsanne:
The metal coating on the door handles (they are not solid on these cars, even the Mulsanne) can bubble and flake, so look out for any bubbles starting. I understand this is very expensive to rectify and can involve replacing the handle and in some cases, all four door handles.
Check the power boot opens smoothly and not weakly on a single button press. Mine was slow and weak and has deteriorated meaning the replacement of two motors.
It is worth checking the version and date of the maps on the sat nav. They may be 2012 maps and the latest maps available for the Mulsanne are 2015 - the dealer will probably charge over £600 to update to 2015.
It seems to be normal for some condensation to appear in the lights (front and rear) in cold weather and this should disappear when the unit warms up. However, one of my driving lights failed, presumably related to excessive condensation, and had to be replaced (£1600ish).
There seems to be very little on the various forums on the Mulsannes having problems - I presume in part due to their low numbers and relative newness, but also the ownership 'demographic'. Having spoken to a couple of specialist Bentley dealers, it seems they have few problems and are very reliable cars.
i cannot speak highly enough of the Mulsanne (I also have an Arnage T - also a great car but quite a different experience) and it is a pleasure to drive. The only consideration is you have to plan where to park due to the length and maneuvering in car parks.
It is worth finding a car with adaptive cruise control - makes motorways/dual carriageways a very relaxing experience.
The metal coating on the door handles (they are not solid on these cars, even the Mulsanne) can bubble and flake, so look out for any bubbles starting. I understand this is very expensive to rectify and can involve replacing the handle and in some cases, all four door handles.
Check the power boot opens smoothly and not weakly on a single button press. Mine was slow and weak and has deteriorated meaning the replacement of two motors.
It is worth checking the version and date of the maps on the sat nav. They may be 2012 maps and the latest maps available for the Mulsanne are 2015 - the dealer will probably charge over £600 to update to 2015.
It seems to be normal for some condensation to appear in the lights (front and rear) in cold weather and this should disappear when the unit warms up. However, one of my driving lights failed, presumably related to excessive condensation, and had to be replaced (£1600ish).
There seems to be very little on the various forums on the Mulsannes having problems - I presume in part due to their low numbers and relative newness, but also the ownership 'demographic'. Having spoken to a couple of specialist Bentley dealers, it seems they have few problems and are very reliable cars.
i cannot speak highly enough of the Mulsanne (I also have an Arnage T - also a great car but quite a different experience) and it is a pleasure to drive. The only consideration is you have to plan where to park due to the length and maneuvering in car parks.
It is worth finding a car with adaptive cruise control - makes motorways/dual carriageways a very relaxing experience.
Thanks for those useful tips, I will definitely check the said items. I had a look at the factory build details and I would certainly hope not to get too many problems with a car made with such close attention to detail.
I was back in contact with dealer today and don’t think they will budge on the discount despite my best efforts.
The car will largely be used for a 200mile motorway and a road commute to my cottage, with probably limited supermarket runs so hopefully will be fine! Do you find it attracts very much unwanted attention when leaving it parked in the street?
The example i am looking at unfortunately doesn’t have the adaptive cruise, I think that was a cost option. It does have the naim upgrade though which I understand is supposed to be excellent.
I was back in contact with dealer today and don’t think they will budge on the discount despite my best efforts.
The car will largely be used for a 200mile motorway and a road commute to my cottage, with probably limited supermarket runs so hopefully will be fine! Do you find it attracts very much unwanted attention when leaving it parked in the street?
The example i am looking at unfortunately doesn’t have the adaptive cruise, I think that was a cost option. It does have the naim upgrade though which I understand is supposed to be excellent.
The car will get attention, but whether it is unwanted depends on which street you park it in!
I have often returned to the car to find people looking in, which I don't mind. Only once have I parked on a street, walked away then though better of it and returned to find somewhere safer (glad I did given there were 4 men not so much admiring, but 'sizing up').
The attention it receives surprises me as I think the car is relatively understated. I like to think people are appreciative and enjoy seeing it, rather than jealous. On the dual carriageway back from Shropshire at the weekend I could see a small blue Honda Jazz coming up behind with 4 'youths' in, seemingly desperate to get past. As they came up closer I could see phone flashes going off, so I pulled the switches to put the privacy blinds up in the back as they overtook, to much staring and waving as they passed!
You may find yourself using the Mulsanne more than you anticipate - it makes most other cars feel like a mere mechanical tool.
I have often returned to the car to find people looking in, which I don't mind. Only once have I parked on a street, walked away then though better of it and returned to find somewhere safer (glad I did given there were 4 men not so much admiring, but 'sizing up').
The attention it receives surprises me as I think the car is relatively understated. I like to think people are appreciative and enjoy seeing it, rather than jealous. On the dual carriageway back from Shropshire at the weekend I could see a small blue Honda Jazz coming up behind with 4 'youths' in, seemingly desperate to get past. As they came up closer I could see phone flashes going off, so I pulled the switches to put the privacy blinds up in the back as they overtook, to much staring and waving as they passed!
You may find yourself using the Mulsanne more than you anticipate - it makes most other cars feel like a mere mechanical tool.
I agree, it is very understated but it’s sheers size commands amazing presence.
I actually put a deposit down on one yesterday, hopefully I will have it by Thursday. I haven’t physically seen the car as it’s 200miles away but have had lots of photos and a video so hopefully it will turn out as the sales man is presenting it.
It’s peacock blue with linen hide, the premier and milliner pack and a few other nice options so I’m looking forward to the 200mile drive home!
At 37, Part of me thinks I must be maturing at a faster rate than people my same age, but I’ve always fancied one and I’m sure it won’t disappoint!
I mentioned the door handles, sat nav and boot motors to the sales man, thanks for that.
It comes with a Bentley approved warranty, do you know if these are very comprehensive and worth extending?
I actually put a deposit down on one yesterday, hopefully I will have it by Thursday. I haven’t physically seen the car as it’s 200miles away but have had lots of photos and a video so hopefully it will turn out as the sales man is presenting it.
It’s peacock blue with linen hide, the premier and milliner pack and a few other nice options so I’m looking forward to the 200mile drive home!
At 37, Part of me thinks I must be maturing at a faster rate than people my same age, but I’ve always fancied one and I’m sure it won’t disappoint!
I mentioned the door handles, sat nav and boot motors to the sales man, thanks for that.
It comes with a Bentley approved warranty, do you know if these are very comprehensive and worth extending?
Well done - bet you can't wait to collect it now! A very smart colour combination too (mine is Tungsten & Linen so should need less washing than yours!).
I don't know about the Bentley Warranty, but presume it must be ok if arranged through a dealer. I have found that when asking some technical questions, the dealers aren't very forthcoming and maybe that relates to lack of knowledge on specifics for Mulsannes and, I hope, problems being rare. I have been in touch with the factory directly a few times - very polite but they tend to direct you to the dealer if they can.
I suspect there aren't going to be many 37 year olds in a Mulsanne. I am 5 yrs older (so probably still young for a UK Mulsanne driver) but take great pleasure in sharing the experience of the car with my family and friends (even if I end up being the chauffeur).
I don't know about the Bentley Warranty, but presume it must be ok if arranged through a dealer. I have found that when asking some technical questions, the dealers aren't very forthcoming and maybe that relates to lack of knowledge on specifics for Mulsannes and, I hope, problems being rare. I have been in touch with the factory directly a few times - very polite but they tend to direct you to the dealer if they can.
I suspect there aren't going to be many 37 year olds in a Mulsanne. I am 5 yrs older (so probably still young for a UK Mulsanne driver) but take great pleasure in sharing the experience of the car with my family and friends (even if I end up being the chauffeur).
I've extended the factory warranty on my Conti. I didn't want to be caught by an unexpected £10k bill. Plus it comes with European Bentley Assist - made sense as I do a lot of miles on the continent.
I've had a few bits and pieces done under warranty and have found that Bentley didn't quibble. The biggest of which was tracing an overboost that turned out to be a split rubber hose but took hours to locate. Bentley are still ahead financially but my car is always 100% perfect.
I've had a few bits and pieces done under warranty and have found that Bentley didn't quibble. The biggest of which was tracing an overboost that turned out to be a split rubber hose but took hours to locate. Bentley are still ahead financially but my car is always 100% perfect.
Stogs said:
Well done - bet you can't wait to collect it now! A very smart colour combination too (mine is Tungsten & Linen so should need less washing than yours!).
I don't know about the Bentley Warranty, but presume it must be ok if arranged through a dealer. I have found that when asking some technical questions, the dealers aren't very forthcoming and maybe that relates to lack of knowledge on specifics for Mulsannes and, I hope, problems being rare. I have been in touch with the factory directly a few times - very polite but they tend to direct you to the dealer if they can.
I suspect there aren't going to be many 37 year olds in a Mulsanne. I am 5 yrs older (so probably still young for a UK Mulsanne driver) but take great pleasure in sharing the experience of the car with my family and friends (even if I end up being the chauffeur).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tungsten for sale, must be a rarer colour choice which is a good thing. So I picked up the car yesterday from Leicester Bentley, had a great drive home and have done over 550 miles in it already! I don't know about the Bentley Warranty, but presume it must be ok if arranged through a dealer. I have found that when asking some technical questions, the dealers aren't very forthcoming and maybe that relates to lack of knowledge on specifics for Mulsannes and, I hope, problems being rare. I have been in touch with the factory directly a few times - very polite but they tend to direct you to the dealer if they can.
I suspect there aren't going to be many 37 year olds in a Mulsanne. I am 5 yrs older (so probably still young for a UK Mulsanne driver) but take great pleasure in sharing the experience of the car with my family and friends (even if I end up being the chauffeur).
Came through the borders A roads and actually found it handled very well. The sound system is amazing and the ride so quiet it’s actually astonishing. The car is currently covered in salt and grit, unfortunately this cold snap we are having meant there were lots of gritters out, so will be giving the beast a good wash tomorrow!
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/fzjpFskY.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/2Irhh9cF" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/2Irhh9cF.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/dR402IMv" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/dR402IMv.jpg)
Edited by Davetherave95 on Friday 9th February 23:43
[url][img]Edited by Davetherave95 on Friday 9th February 23:45
I think that the ability to travel in huge comfort with all of that craftsmanship, yet with handling and performance on hand, in a car with devastating presence and class, is near unique. Great decision, I think that it is Bentley’s best current car.
The only thing I am not keen on is that so many seem to have piano black veneers. I also much prefer the pre 2016 radiator grille.
Congratulations !
The only thing I am not keen on is that so many seem to have piano black veneers. I also much prefer the pre 2016 radiator grille.
Congratulations !
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 12th February 19:50
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