Speculative Continental GT/GTC questions....

Speculative Continental GT/GTC questions....

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Discussion

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

196 months

Tuesday 27th October 2009
quotequote all
All, I've had a 'Bentley itch' for a while. And I'd like to know a bit more about the different models, the differences and the pros and cons.

The wife's boss has an 08 plate GTC (maybe a speed) and if this became available (he changes cars often) it might be an option. I suspect the cost might just be out of reach (having looked at classified/approved used prices), so it might be an older one we'd go for.

But also, this purchase might never happen. If it did, it would be spring next year. But it's nice to dream and a good way to fill a grey afternoon.

The car would primarilly be a garage queen, for high days and holidays - with perhaps a trip over to France once or twice a year.

So I'd really appreciate any genuine answers from people who know and/or have owned and driven these cars.

1) what is 'mulliner' spec level? what does it add?
2) GT/GT speed - what's the difference? Is it just....more.... speed?
3) What differences in spec/technology came along in more recent cars? I.e. getting a low miles 05-06 car is alot cheaper initial outlay than buying an 08 or newer car. But would I be missing much tech/spec-wise?
4) are there any common issues with these vehicles?
5) although I thought I'd never say this; I suspect it'd be the GTC we'd go for. Any issues with the hoods?
6) I'm not that bothered re running costs. I suspect it's all horrific smile. But any good indie garages in the gratham/lincs/notts/derby area?
7) where does the flying spur fit in to the model line up
8) any spec 'must haves'?


That's it really. Thanks in advance.

hss111

233 posts

184 months

Tuesday 27th October 2009
quotequote all
coming from some one who has owned 3 bentleys. arnage, flying spur and a gtc. what sort of budget do you have and what are you expecting to spend on running it over a year? reason i ask is running and owning a bentley is like no other car.

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

196 months

Tuesday 27th October 2009
quotequote all
hss111 said:
coming from some one who has owned 3 bentleys. arnage, flying spur and a gtc. what sort of budget do you have and what are you expecting to spend on running it over a year? reason i ask is running and owning a bentley is like no other car.
We've already a 911, Range Rover Sport and a Audi A6. I expect the the running costs for the Bentley to be 'obscene' in comparisson. But let's say, I'd not be phased by £3-4k per year for a service, a tyre or two and some warranty. And then I'd expect insurance, tax, fuel to be on top of that. I realise this will be a costly experience.

Initial cos t- I'd expect £90-100k+ for a nice 2008 car and say, 70k+ for an 2007 car.

I just want some pointers re ownership experience and how the models compare. I'm not worried too much re the high running costs - though I'd not be buying a brand new one.

hss111

233 posts

184 months

Wednesday 28th October 2009
quotequote all
ok well first of all I would like to say.... the arnage is a totally different Bentley to the flying spur and gtc. the looks, the presence of the arnage and head turning capability the arnage is second to none. major service is 3 g from Bentley , lubrication is 1g and intermediate is 1.5k if I can remember correctly. flying spur and gtc are basically the same to me. the flying spur is just a bigger version of the gtc. gtc is a true celebrity car . perfect car for the summer. drop the hood and take it out for a cruise with the mrs or even the kids. sits 4 adults comfortably. every bentley i have had have all been solid cars. have had no problems with anything braking or going wrong fingers crossed. the main things about these cars is service, petrol and insurence costs which you have pointed out.

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

196 months

Wednesday 28th October 2009
quotequote all
hss111 said:
ok well first of all I would like to say.... the arnage is a totally different Bentley to the flying spur and gtc. the looks, the presence of the arnage and head turning capability the arnage is second to none. major service is 3 g from Bentley , lubrication is 1g and intermediate is 1.5k if I can remember correctly. flying spur and gtc are basically the same to me. the flying spur is just a bigger version of the gtc. gtc is a true celebrity car . perfect car for the summer. drop the hood and take it out for a cruise with the mrs or even the kids. sits 4 adults comfortably. every bentley i have had have all been solid cars. have had no problems with anything braking or going wrong fingers crossed. the main things about these cars is service, petrol and insurence costs which you have pointed out.
Thanks for the reply. Good to know they're solid bits of kit - I'd have expected nothing else to be honest smile

All other repies welcome and I'll let you know if/when we go for it. Main bottle neck would be construction of new garage (november). But if I'm going to get a GTC, I'd like to be able to get it in the middle of winter to get best price possible - and wont do that until I've a garage to put it in smile

hss111

233 posts

184 months

Wednesday 28th October 2009
quotequote all
these types of cars dont sell for more or less in the seasons. there generally a set price all year round

LAMBO MARK

20 posts

176 months

Wednesday 28th October 2009
quotequote all
Mulliner gives you a different interior spec mainly.. It gives you the diamond stitch quilted seats and door trims along with a few other bits like nicer gear knob, in the older cars. You can get the newer cars with the nice aluminum and leather gear knob as an option..alloy fuel cap,different colors, cross stitching, embossed trim.... the list goes on and on

Tech wise an newer GT GTC and Spur will give you DVB TV if fitted and the option of rear view camera Bluetooth phone (this wont work with iPhone or Blackberry (there is an upgrade on the way..) iPod connection, Power boot close and three spoke steering wheel..
All of the above can be retrofitted to older cars pre 08, with the exception of Rear view camera this can only be done from 08 onwards.. Arnarge etc specs changed on a daily basis so take you pick from the options above, many of them can be retrofitted..

Cost id be guessing I have spent years working on evrything electronic on the things and know the ins and outs of all the models but not had the urge to own one yet...


rbolesworth

312 posts

204 months

Wednesday 28th October 2009
quotequote all
Hi tom,

You and I have had similar stuff in the past and it seems like it is continuing as I've just bought a spur.
If you like PM me and I'll give you my number if you want to ask me anything.

Cheers russell

tomw2000

Original Poster:

2,508 posts

196 months

Thursday 29th October 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for all the info guys, appreciate it.

cho

927 posts

276 months

Sunday 28th February 2010
quotequote all
LAMBO MARK said:
Bluetooth phone (this wont work with iPhone or Blackberry (there is an upgrade on the way..) iPod connection, Power boot close and three spoke steering wheel..
All of the above can be retrofitted to older cars pre 08, with the exception of Rear view camera this can only be done from 08 onwards.. Arnarge etc specs changed on a daily basis so take you pick from the options above, many of them can be retrofitted..
Mark do you know if the iPhone bluetooth upgrade has been implemented yet. I'm picking up an 08 GT Speed next week and the dealer has told me that iPhone doesn't work with bluetooth and didn't mention any upgrades to get it working.

Also does anyone know of satnav upgrades which might be in the pipeline. A lot of manufacturers are using HDD's incorporating satnav's nowadays!

Thanks

Cho