Someone tell me I am mad

[robrobc]

OK, I am looking to scratch my Bentley itch very shortly. Living in Portugal they are seriously expensive with all secondhand ones seemingly irrespective of age or specification costing a small fortune.
So import is the way to go for me and just live with the importation taxes.
I am trawling about looking and comparing different models, initially tempted by a 02 or later Arnage R or an early flying spur when I happen upon this:-

http://www.targetcrashcars.eu/crashcars/bentley-co...

Now just down the road is the most amazing bodywork repair shop who have worked wonders with my Cayenne Turbo and my wife´s Lexus, so painting and bodywork issues
do not worry me.
Am I mad?
Is this going to be one continual assault on my wallet?

Can someone give me an impartial assessment as to my state of mind
Thanks in advance.
Rob

[soad]

That's a classy motor - imagine rolling in that!
Get it bought (if finances allow).

[robrobc]

So this is how it looked before repair

http://passioncars.pl/SCBZB14E7YCX63305

So a question to all those knowledgeable out there, Is there anything in these pictures that would suggest walking away?
Thanks all

Rob

[sunbeam alpine]

Maybe do a google search for "Target Cars Eindhoven reviews" and make your mind up after that.

[12 POT]

To start with it is worth stating that these are fantastic cars to simply look at and it is always tempting to consider ownership,......however, they can also be extremely costly to maintain even if they haven't been involved in a significant front end collision! Personally, I would give it a miss, as in all probability it would turn out to be a more expensive option than if you were to buy one that is in good order. Clearly, others who have greater personal mechanical / bodywork repair capabilities than I do may take a completely different view.

[matt5791]

It just depends if you are into this kind of thing because you need to be able to instruct the right people and in the right way, and to do this you need some experience and understanding of the cars. Otherwise you have to pay a lot of cash for the work with a specialist place. Personally I would love to get involved in a project like that, but it's something I would want to be heavily involved in to make sure it went back as per original.

So if you use your Cayenne place you probably need to be confident in how you instruct them - the bodywork on these cars are not finished like a modern car and if you are not careful you finish up with something that may be sound and perfectly OK - BUT is nevertheless obviously been damaged and repaired.

If you buy at the right price and do the job right, then you may have a great deal. But it could easily go the other way.

Edited by matt5791 on Monday 19th January 07:57

[robrobc]

Thanks to 12Pot and Matt

Wise words which I will now take time to ponder.
Rob

[MRPULLHARD]

maybe try japan for a cheap lhd continental r ? you would be best to try import agent - some in uk

[selym]

sunbeam alpine said:

Maybe do a google search for "Target Cars Eindhoven reviews" and make your mind up after that.

Funny why they bothered having a 'target crash cars' section with work done to a low standard. Aren't they all like that?

[MRPULLHARD]

interesting operation Target cars , would love to visit but their crashed cars seem pricey especially the 2012 Bentley conti GTC and they do get a lot of poor reviews. they seem to buy the cheapest priced vehicles they can find from all over the world

[Corbeliere]

Nice looking car when undamaged but, in my opinion, I would walk away. Cars never seem to drive the same after an accident like that.
If it's been repaired to a poor standard, what else might have been overlooked?
Personally, I would spend the money on one that doesn't need work.

Happy hunting!

[sunbeam alpine]

selym said:

sunbeam alpine said:

Maybe do a google search for "Target Cars Eindhoven reviews" and make your mind up after that.

Funny why they bothered having a 'target crash cars' section with work done to a low standard. Aren't they all like that?

I didn't want to post too much and get in trouble under the "naming and shaming" rules.

OP - I'll send you a PM

[matt5791]

Looking at the crashed photos again - this is potentially a great project - for the right person. You just have to accurately assess it and make sure you pay the right price.

One question - the odometer is in miles. Is it a US spec car?

[V8 FOU]

It is a US car - you can tell by the headlamps. The parts needed are very rare s/hand - so check on part costs. A new front bumper outer is about £2K. The impact wasn't very much with the original damage as the passenger airbag hasn't activated. You can tell this because a replacement cover won't match the wood. The bumper impact beam doesn't look like it was too bad, although I suspect the mounts took the brunt of the impact.
I would say it could be a good project. Just need to check the usual Bentley potential problems. I do have a few spares, including a much better liner for under the bonnet!!

Best of luck.