1998 Continental R - one year on - Running costs
Discussion
After years of dreaming about it, I finally took the plunge on a Conti R about 15 months ago.
A year on, i thought it was time for a quick update.
I have put 10000 miles on the car! That probably says a lot. I have been to Le Mans 3 times plus other long trips up and down the country, as well as using it pretty much as a daily driver.
It has performed faultlessly and never let me down. The car feels special at all time and I don't get tired of how amazing this thing is.
It is big and old school but what a fabulous way to travel.
Onto running costs. Fuel consumption has been about 18mpg on average which is pretty good I'd say.
I got it serviced twice, tectyled under body wax for the winter, 5x new Avon tires, and various electrical fixes (gauges, headlamps, bulbs, sensors), plus a new anti roll bar lin to get through MOT...
All the work done by a reputable independent specialist.
So, Total for the year: about £5000 (including VAT) excluding fuel.
Although I was hoping for less, my gut feeling is that, with the constant little improvements and fixes required, this is probably the average amount of money needed every year to keep these car on good order.
I remember a recent discussion on this forum about running costs and getting ripped off by dealers in spending more than necessary... I have tried to strike a balance between not letting the car deteriorate and spending too much on un-necessary work. My indie has advised on other work that I have chosen not to do for now.
Overall I'd say that you'd be wise to allow for £5000 average every year if you wish to keep the car in good condition (and I am not talking concours).
It may sound like a lot (and it is for me!)... However, I don't think the car has depreciated at all.
To me it all makes sense and I am very happy to keep going.
Best
A year on, i thought it was time for a quick update.
I have put 10000 miles on the car! That probably says a lot. I have been to Le Mans 3 times plus other long trips up and down the country, as well as using it pretty much as a daily driver.
It has performed faultlessly and never let me down. The car feels special at all time and I don't get tired of how amazing this thing is.
It is big and old school but what a fabulous way to travel.
Onto running costs. Fuel consumption has been about 18mpg on average which is pretty good I'd say.
I got it serviced twice, tectyled under body wax for the winter, 5x new Avon tires, and various electrical fixes (gauges, headlamps, bulbs, sensors), plus a new anti roll bar lin to get through MOT...
All the work done by a reputable independent specialist.
So, Total for the year: about £5000 (including VAT) excluding fuel.
Although I was hoping for less, my gut feeling is that, with the constant little improvements and fixes required, this is probably the average amount of money needed every year to keep these car on good order.
I remember a recent discussion on this forum about running costs and getting ripped off by dealers in spending more than necessary... I have tried to strike a balance between not letting the car deteriorate and spending too much on un-necessary work. My indie has advised on other work that I have chosen not to do for now.
Overall I'd say that you'd be wise to allow for £5000 average every year if you wish to keep the car in good condition (and I am not talking concours).
It may sound like a lot (and it is for me!)... However, I don't think the car has depreciated at all.
To me it all makes sense and I am very happy to keep going.
Best
good to hear you are enjoying it , lovely cars.
£5k is quite a lot but you are putting up a fair few miles and depreciation is virtually zero which makes up for it. prices of cars seem to be all over the place with early cars sometimes similar to the much better later cars. The only worry is if you keep putting up 10k miles a year the value is going to drop quickly, but that's fine if you are going to keep for a good while.
£5k is quite a lot but you are putting up a fair few miles and depreciation is virtually zero which makes up for it. prices of cars seem to be all over the place with early cars sometimes similar to the much better later cars. The only worry is if you keep putting up 10k miles a year the value is going to drop quickly, but that's fine if you are going to keep for a good while.
Good on you I say. I would like to use Hatty occasionaly for work but it is out of the question. Too many lumps of metal being moved around and I would not want Hatty to sustain any damage.
High mileage I guess would effect resale but these cars don't sell easily anyway. For me mileage is irrelevant as Hatty is not going anywhere, continue to enjoy
High mileage I guess would effect resale but these cars don't sell easily anyway. For me mileage is irrelevant as Hatty is not going anywhere, continue to enjoy
Special is what these cars are. Have you had the hydraulic service yet? That can be a bit of a killer. I am just about to do mine as one front caliper went last track day.....
A Continental is on my list for an every day car to compliment the turbo R track car.
There are so many good pattern parts and s/hand parts available - this helps with costs. Remember, like all manufacturers, Bentley/RR don't make brake pads/filters/bearings etc. so most consumables don't need an oem stamp on them!
Also, using a car every day will be better for it than sitting in a garage for weeks or months on end. Seals will dry out, stuff will seize. It is a bit of machinery designed to be used. Well done, sir!!
A Continental is on my list for an every day car to compliment the turbo R track car.
There are so many good pattern parts and s/hand parts available - this helps with costs. Remember, like all manufacturers, Bentley/RR don't make brake pads/filters/bearings etc. so most consumables don't need an oem stamp on them!
Also, using a car every day will be better for it than sitting in a garage for weeks or months on end. Seals will dry out, stuff will seize. It is a bit of machinery designed to be used. Well done, sir!!
Thanks !
Regarding the hydraulic service, the word from the few specialists I've spoken to is that it is better to keep an eye on all things hydraulic at every service, irrelevant of mileage (especially with cars doing few miles) and replace things bit by bit as they come along.
My car should reach 60k next summer, so it may have to be done then.
Regarding the hydraulic service, the word from the few specialists I've spoken to is that it is better to keep an eye on all things hydraulic at every service, irrelevant of mileage (especially with cars doing few miles) and replace things bit by bit as they come along.
My car should reach 60k next summer, so it may have to be done then.
I have had my Arnage T for 18 months now. I have done 8,800 miles. This is higher than normal as I have done two continental trips as the period covers two summers. A true annual mileage would be about 5000. I have spent £2928 on maintenance but that includes updating the SatNav and a new set of tyres which should be non recurring for a few years.
I get just over 17 mpg which is not too bad as I still tend to cruise at fairly high speed.
I sold my Continental R to move into a much lower mileage Arnage T. I prefer the look of the R but my wife prefers the four doors if we are taking anyone with us. My advice to any R owner would be to keep an eye on the sills which are very prone to rust.
Paul
I get just over 17 mpg which is not too bad as I still tend to cruise at fairly high speed.
I sold my Continental R to move into a much lower mileage Arnage T. I prefer the look of the R but my wife prefers the four doors if we are taking anyone with us. My advice to any R owner would be to keep an eye on the sills which are very prone to rust.
Paul
Thanks for the info, a lovely looking car. Very nice colour. Sounds like we both came at ownership of these cars from a similar angle - I have now owned my Continental R for just over 6 months - I had thought they looked like the perfect car since I first saw them as a student in London in the 90's. However, there was always a danger that when I finally drove the car it would all be a big disappointment - like with people, they say never meet your hero. But I totally agree with you, it's a very special car and a delight to own and drive. I would like to think I'll keep the car for many years. I think it has an almost perfect blend of technology and old world charm.
It's a 1996 car and had been sitting for a number of years (in a garage) but despite this I have been surprised how reliable and how few faults it has suffered from. I love the way these cars have been put together. I've only put 1500 miles on it so far. Costs to date:
Initial check over and oil change £170
Front ball joints + Thermostat + Rear suspension gas springs replacement + Adjust rear ride height. £1100
Aircon Condenser + re-gas + trouble shooting £600
Forte engine flush + Oil change & filter + Forte Top end Treatment + front brake pads £700
Original Alpine stereo repaired £130
Still to do, in near future:
- Although I now have a system holding the gas, the Aircon will not kick in - compressor works if directly powered up, so suspected pressure valve or thermostat faulty.
- Rocker cover gaskets are perished and seeping some oil, typical for a car that has stood.
- Front springs are tired and need replacing along with any other worn or perished bushes and suspension components.
Things I have solved myself at little or no cost (I find the car is a delight to work on):
- Initially active ride was inoperative, but problem turned out to be unplugged ECU! Very satisfying fix. Initially I expected plugging it back in would raise a new problem (why was it unplugged in the first place?!) but it has performed faultlessly since and active ride warning extinguished on dash. The car was riding low on the back - maybe someone at the (non-specialist) dealer where I found the car, was trying to trouble shoot this and had unplugged it. Who knows.
- Electric tilt mechanism release actuator on front seat replaced
- Freshened up leather to bring it up to "as new" standard - still on going. I find the car needs lots of hide food to soften up the leather and stop it creaking. The Gliptone leather conditioner and cleaners are excellent, maintaining a "matt" finish to the leather.
- Loud speakers replaced - after the Stereo was fired up it just blew the old speakers to bits - they hadn't been used for so long. Rear speakers requires removal of quite a lot of trim, so it all got leather food at the same time.
- Lubricated dry and creaky drivers door check strap. - Wayoyled inside doors. - lubricated Window mechanisms. - Lubricated moving parts in door locking and handle mechanism. - freed off drivers door latch switch and lubricated.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/lSln5lC7.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/1OoooMWf" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/1OoooMWf.jpg)
It's a 1996 car and had been sitting for a number of years (in a garage) but despite this I have been surprised how reliable and how few faults it has suffered from. I love the way these cars have been put together. I've only put 1500 miles on it so far. Costs to date:
Initial check over and oil change £170
Front ball joints + Thermostat + Rear suspension gas springs replacement + Adjust rear ride height. £1100
Aircon Condenser + re-gas + trouble shooting £600
Forte engine flush + Oil change & filter + Forte Top end Treatment + front brake pads £700
Original Alpine stereo repaired £130
Still to do, in near future:
- Although I now have a system holding the gas, the Aircon will not kick in - compressor works if directly powered up, so suspected pressure valve or thermostat faulty.
- Rocker cover gaskets are perished and seeping some oil, typical for a car that has stood.
- Front springs are tired and need replacing along with any other worn or perished bushes and suspension components.
Things I have solved myself at little or no cost (I find the car is a delight to work on):
- Initially active ride was inoperative, but problem turned out to be unplugged ECU! Very satisfying fix. Initially I expected plugging it back in would raise a new problem (why was it unplugged in the first place?!) but it has performed faultlessly since and active ride warning extinguished on dash. The car was riding low on the back - maybe someone at the (non-specialist) dealer where I found the car, was trying to trouble shoot this and had unplugged it. Who knows.
- Electric tilt mechanism release actuator on front seat replaced
- Freshened up leather to bring it up to "as new" standard - still on going. I find the car needs lots of hide food to soften up the leather and stop it creaking. The Gliptone leather conditioner and cleaners are excellent, maintaining a "matt" finish to the leather.
- Loud speakers replaced - after the Stereo was fired up it just blew the old speakers to bits - they hadn't been used for so long. Rear speakers requires removal of quite a lot of trim, so it all got leather food at the same time.
- Lubricated dry and creaky drivers door check strap. - Wayoyled inside doors. - lubricated Window mechanisms. - Lubricated moving parts in door locking and handle mechanism. - freed off drivers door latch switch and lubricated.
Edited by matt5791 on Thursday 14th August 07:36
Thanks Paul for your input. It is good to know other owner's experience.
And thanks Matt for posting pics. Lovely car. Wildberry has always been a favourite of mine. For a long time, it was the colour I was looking for.
I wish I could do more work on the car myself but I am pretty useless on that front, and would hate to damage anything.
And thanks Matt for posting pics. Lovely car. Wildberry has always been a favourite of mine. For a long time, it was the colour I was looking for.
I wish I could do more work on the car myself but I am pretty useless on that front, and would hate to damage anything.
So I can't sit on the side lines without joining in here!
Like you both, I bought my Conti R in April. On a whim, and bored over Easter, I saw it was going through the ring with H&H at the Duxford Auction, and had a pop. I didn't see it before or attend the auction, and bought it blind over the phone. It was delivered a few days later.
It cost £28,600 including the plate – it had just had a £5k service in London, and was taxed and MoT’d. The delivery service from Kentvale was very impressive and good value – about £250 from their depot in Northampton to Cheshire.
I have used it for a few long trips, about 2,500 miles in total. I haven’t spent a penny – yet. It has a detailed service file and an interesting history. Perhaps the most amusing is this:
It has done 18 – 20mpg consistently. I drive on cruise a lot of the time.
It has all the right things – clean interior, matching Avon Turbospeeds, lambswool rugs, arm rest extentsion etc. The paint is not immaculate but I am getting this addressed, and it has one key, which is always a lottery! It has a hideous (and expensive) hifi / bluetooth / iPod thing which is out of keeping with the car – which you also appear to need a PHD to use.
It drives well, although I haven’t pushed it at all. I don’t think I will. I don’t keep cars very long, I like to experience something and move on, and I will have to decide what I do with this one! It site in my small collection, but gets used a lot. I just don’t look forward to the big bills you hear about…
The interior for those interested!
Like you both, I bought my Conti R in April. On a whim, and bored over Easter, I saw it was going through the ring with H&H at the Duxford Auction, and had a pop. I didn't see it before or attend the auction, and bought it blind over the phone. It was delivered a few days later.
It cost £28,600 including the plate – it had just had a £5k service in London, and was taxed and MoT’d. The delivery service from Kentvale was very impressive and good value – about £250 from their depot in Northampton to Cheshire.
I have used it for a few long trips, about 2,500 miles in total. I haven’t spent a penny – yet. It has a detailed service file and an interesting history. Perhaps the most amusing is this:
It has done 18 – 20mpg consistently. I drive on cruise a lot of the time.
It has all the right things – clean interior, matching Avon Turbospeeds, lambswool rugs, arm rest extentsion etc. The paint is not immaculate but I am getting this addressed, and it has one key, which is always a lottery! It has a hideous (and expensive) hifi / bluetooth / iPod thing which is out of keeping with the car – which you also appear to need a PHD to use.
It drives well, although I haven’t pushed it at all. I don’t think I will. I don’t keep cars very long, I like to experience something and move on, and I will have to decide what I do with this one! It site in my small collection, but gets used a lot. I just don’t look forward to the big bills you hear about…
The interior for those interested!
Looks like a lovely example - I saw that was coming up at H&H. And an interesting history - I think a lot of these cars have had an "interesting" past, I know mine has, and I'm currently researching it.
If you do hang onto one car, I would make it this one because I really think they are desperately undervalued at the moment. It's as though the market has almost forgotten they exist.
Looking at that car transporter, isn't that a bit wierdly loaded - 2.5 tonnes on the top rear end and a little Audi below!
If you need another Key you can have a new one direct from Crewe for about £27 - they can cut it from the chassis number. And you can say whether you want the master key or valet key or both - the valet key wont open the glove boxes. Call an independent specialist like Roberts Hall, they should be able to sort this for you.
If you do hang onto one car, I would make it this one because I really think they are desperately undervalued at the moment. It's as though the market has almost forgotten they exist.
Looking at that car transporter, isn't that a bit wierdly loaded - 2.5 tonnes on the top rear end and a little Audi below!
If you need another Key you can have a new one direct from Crewe for about £27 - they can cut it from the chassis number. And you can say whether you want the master key or valet key or both - the valet key wont open the glove boxes. Call an independent specialist like Roberts Hall, they should be able to sort this for you.
Edited by matt5791 on Friday 15th August 18:24
Thank you for the key advice.
I love checking out the history of these cars. Mine was a Sir, a wealthy care home owner and finally Mr Whyte.
It is weird as they were properly expensive when new but three mates had fathers / an uncle who had one new at the time. Two were "captains of industry" and one an entrepreneur. The social history side is fascinating.
I love checking out the history of these cars. Mine was a Sir, a wealthy care home owner and finally Mr Whyte.
It is weird as they were properly expensive when new but three mates had fathers / an uncle who had one new at the time. Two were "captains of industry" and one an entrepreneur. The social history side is fascinating.
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