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

[mattman]

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.

[mattman]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Db9 would be pushing the budget a little too far. I do prefer the 3200 over the 4200 just for the boomerang lights.

But the GT just seems to be that little bit more special imho

[mattman]

I'm sticking with the GT - have even managed to get approval from the boss lady too.

I'm assuming there are no additional horrors lurking after 100k - but as the prices are all over the place anyway, may as well go for the best combination of condition, history and colours

[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

[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!!