Arnages - Green vs Red Label
Discussion
Sirs!
I have for some time now been looking to purchase an Arnage. In my cynical head I feel they all have some depreciating to do, although I don't personally think they will quite hit the lows of the Mulsanne/Eight/Brooklands and Turbo Rs. As such I cannot see the point in spending too much money as, unlike with my classics, this is likely to be a loss making venture rather than one that returns both enjoyment and profit.
Green Label (or pre Green Label)
I feel that the best value cars are early 4.4 ltr examples powered by the BMW unit. 15/16k buys a nice one privately; a little more if you purchase one from a dealer, and a little less if you can find a friend in the trade who wants to get rid of one. Some reckon they don't look as good with their smaller wheels and overbodied stance, but I can't say that I am too offended by the looks. I do circa 15/16k miles per annum (split between my cars) so it nice to know that petrol consumption isn't too high on these smaller engined cars. I had a drophead 60s RR and I once calculated it used petrol at 50p per mile, which makes one think twice about taking the car to Cornwall for the weekend.
Red Label
Yes a little more power, and yes and little more waftability, but with it comes a little more in terms of costs (both up front purchasing as well as maintenance and consumption). Nice looking examples seem to be 22/23k upwards. If one assumes that all examples have 8-10% depreciation to do over the next 5 years then there is much more to lose on a more expensive example. Saying that, the general consensus is that the 6.75ltr cars are more popular so selling one will probably be easier.
It is all too easy to go 'yes the later cars are better', but when one is spending their own cash, the equation shifts a little. Some say the early cars don't feel powerful enough, but having driven a couple of examples, I can't say I felt underwhelmed. The original roadtests for the 4.4ltr cars are very good, but then the roadtests for the 6.75ltr cars are exceptional. Thoughts welcome...
I have for some time now been looking to purchase an Arnage. In my cynical head I feel they all have some depreciating to do, although I don't personally think they will quite hit the lows of the Mulsanne/Eight/Brooklands and Turbo Rs. As such I cannot see the point in spending too much money as, unlike with my classics, this is likely to be a loss making venture rather than one that returns both enjoyment and profit.
Green Label (or pre Green Label)
I feel that the best value cars are early 4.4 ltr examples powered by the BMW unit. 15/16k buys a nice one privately; a little more if you purchase one from a dealer, and a little less if you can find a friend in the trade who wants to get rid of one. Some reckon they don't look as good with their smaller wheels and overbodied stance, but I can't say that I am too offended by the looks. I do circa 15/16k miles per annum (split between my cars) so it nice to know that petrol consumption isn't too high on these smaller engined cars. I had a drophead 60s RR and I once calculated it used petrol at 50p per mile, which makes one think twice about taking the car to Cornwall for the weekend.
Red Label
Yes a little more power, and yes and little more waftability, but with it comes a little more in terms of costs (both up front purchasing as well as maintenance and consumption). Nice looking examples seem to be 22/23k upwards. If one assumes that all examples have 8-10% depreciation to do over the next 5 years then there is much more to lose on a more expensive example. Saying that, the general consensus is that the 6.75ltr cars are more popular so selling one will probably be easier.
It is all too easy to go 'yes the later cars are better', but when one is spending their own cash, the equation shifts a little. Some say the early cars don't feel powerful enough, but having driven a couple of examples, I can't say I felt underwhelmed. The original roadtests for the 4.4ltr cars are very good, but then the roadtests for the 6.75ltr cars are exceptional. Thoughts welcome...
If I bought the Aston, then probably in addition; I am still short of a comfortable fast car to seat four (something brought home by a trip last weekend to Tenby with partner and friends which had to be undertaken in a Golf Tdi as none of my cars were big enough).
If I buy a Continental, then the Arnage would have to take a back seat. As I said in my previous post, I favour the Bentley for ease of maintenance and tried and tested specialists. The Continental is more money than the Arnage, but more depreciation proof. The Arnage is probably a nicer driving experience but a little less pretty at the same time. Anyway... that's rather strayed away from the subject of the post...
If I buy a Continental, then the Arnage would have to take a back seat. As I said in my previous post, I favour the Bentley for ease of maintenance and tried and tested specialists. The Continental is more money than the Arnage, but more depreciation proof. The Arnage is probably a nicer driving experience but a little less pretty at the same time. Anyway... that's rather strayed away from the subject of the post...
I don't mind the early Arnage myself and in fact, there was a high mileage greenie for sale here on eBay for $25K (US) a couple weeks ago. Had 100K on it. Thought it might be nice to put in the garage but I think I'd quickly regret opting for the BM lump and would always feel that it plays second fiddle to a Red Label. I figure with the expense of keeping one of these on the road, one may as well stump up for the proper engine. Granted, here in the US where fuel isn't so expensive, we are probably a bit more prone to favor displacement over fuel consumption
Meanwhile, I probably ought to sell my Turbo R and my R-Type before putting anything else in the garage, lest I upset the missus.
Always it comes back to MPG! 
Trust me, that would not be your concern when owning one as the maintenance costs for Bentleys as day-to-day cars are high. If it is just something for the weekend then you won't do enough miles to care about the cost (as it would be such fun to drive, you won't care!)
Trust me, that would not be your concern when owning one as the maintenance costs for Bentleys as day-to-day cars are high. If it is just something for the weekend then you won't do enough miles to care about the cost (as it would be such fun to drive, you won't care!)
It is not just the chassis but the whole fuel injection and engine management were re-engineered for 2002. The Arnage R reputedly does about 20 mpg so it is possible to have the "proper" engine and still have a degree of economy.
However, the point has already been made that most of these cars do limited mileage so the cost of fuel is not a major issue in the total running cost.
It boils down to whether you want a luxury barge or a luxury barge that performs like a sports car!
Paul
However, the point has already been made that most of these cars do limited mileage so the cost of fuel is not a major issue in the total running cost.
It boils down to whether you want a luxury barge or a luxury barge that performs like a sports car!
Paul
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