PHANTOM COUPE as an everyday car

[Birkin1932]

I currently run an Arnage as my everyday car and have done for about 10 years. I am considering a Phantom Coupe. Can any Phantom owners offer their views on me using it as an everyday car.

[stain]

I had a Coupe on loan for a while whilst my saloon was in for some repairs. As a daily car I had the following thoughts:

The position of the rear window and roofline meant rear visibility suffered.
Ditto for very thick C pillars.
It is very large.
It is very in yer face.

[dazzalse]

I'm running a Phantom saloon, and previously a DHC, also had Arnage's since 2001, currently a final series. The Arnage is slightly easier to use as a everyday car then the Phantom, as other's have pointed out the rear visibility in a coupe is restricted. The size is also a concern as does not fit into normal size spaces and parking them does attract attention, although I do go through phases of using mine daily, especially over the summer month as we drive it down to Portugal. The Arnage, although large is easier to live with daily, they are more nimble and visibility is better, its more of a drivers car.

I don't think we would like to use our car daily in London for example. You also need to consider things like how many miles you will do, a chipped screen for example might cost more then a small hatch to replace, a cracked headlamp on a series 2 car is 5k to replace, a new grill 6k. I've always been use to a big car but the practicalities make it unsuitable for everyday use unless you have a driver, I'm sure other might disagree and if you are only going to the golf club every few days it might be a different story, but if your nipping down to Waitrose, taking the kids to school and commuting it's size makes it unpractical.

[Birkin1932]

Thanks for the feedback guys. A bit of food for thought. I fancy a change, hate the Mulsanne, not too keen on the Brooklands so thought I would try a roller as I have never had one.

Still may go for a final series Arnage

Decisions decisions

[OLDBENZ]

I have had a DHC Phantom for 6 years. It is certainly reliable enough for daily use. One issue as already mentioned is size, particularly its width combined with the suicide doors if you need to use regular carparks. Another issue is that it is likely to attract unwelcome attention from certain types in certain areas which really rules it out as an only car. I only use my 1964 Mini Cooper 1071S around London.