2006 Flying Spur - risky?

[mark387mw]

I know there are plenty of horror stories with problems on these cars, but are they all bad?

What do I need to check to know if it’s a lemon or a good ‘un?

I’m in New Zealand so specialists are limited, and an AA report on such a car might be difficult if the inspector hasn’t a clue.

This is one I’m toying with. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bentley... VIN SCBBE53W36C034094
Buying isn’t the problem, just if it went wrong!

Any advice?

Is the Arnage a better bet? https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bentley...

[mark387mw]

I think the Arnage looks classier but has the Flying Spur got the ‘mod cons’?

What I’m really asking, as nobody has a crystal ball, can maintenance history or any early clues indicate the condition or likely failure of weak spots?

[mark387mw]

The car has service history from Bentley Auckland. Whether that is standard annual service only or repairs and maintenance I’m unable to find out from the seller. Not sure if Bentley Auckland will pass on this information. I can only ask...

[mark387mw]

The Bentley has had a price drop of NZD5,000 and the dealer is following up trying to flog it to me but I have reservations although could be unfounded.

The dealer principal tells me it’s his personal car and everything is good!
However the tyre pressure monitoring system is not working - the new parts are there but he says a waste of time fitting as the batteries keep going.
Also, the bonnet struts don’t hold the bonnet up.
I do wonder what else is not right. I’m not getting much info re service history except it’s all there which is probably rountine servicing. I’m told Bentley Auckland won’t divulge maintenance history to me.

Are these alarm bells or little things on a good car?

[mark387mw]

alabbasi said:

Do they have a carfax in new zealand? most dealers and independents here in the US are now reporting any work done to a car on Carfax. It makes managing service history much easier.

Not a comprehensive Carfax like the US, just basics like finance, owner numbers and theft etc.

[mark387mw]

ruhall said:

The issue for me is that that mentality then applies to other work, so no preventative maintenance is done and things are fixed, if in fact they are fixed, when they break, not before.

That’s what I’d expect so no future surprises because weak spots have been checked.

Also I always consider the exit strategy so if I needs to sell, can I sell as it is with no history?
With these cars I’d consider we’re custodians and the whole car with history becomes a package. The car was the “chairman’s car” from big companies before going into private ownership. The annual servicing I’m sure was done but anything else??

I guess I’ve answered my own questions and this is a dealbreaker so I should buy with my head and look elsewhere.