DB9 to Continental GTC
Discussion
OK... The DB9 has gone to the company that made all of the 'enhancements' for sale as they will be offering 12 months warranty on the car.
I did have my heart set on a GTC but since looking I an swaying towards the GT or even a GT Speed. Apart from looks is there anything I should be concerned about between the GT and GTC or are they pretty much like for like?
I did have my heart set on a GTC but since looking I an swaying towards the GT or even a GT Speed. Apart from looks is there anything I should be concerned about between the GT and GTC or are they pretty much like for like?
Good afternoon,
You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
WightGT said:
Good afternoon,
You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
Hi'WightGT',You don't say what year GT/GTC you are considering, or what your budget is, so it is difficult to advise. I had my garage widened by 5 feet, so that I could get out of my GT. The car was a tight fit in a standard single garage, and I couldn't open the door far enough to get out of the car. I also had it lengthened to 20 feet. Older versions of the GTC had issues with the mechanism that operated the hood, but I guess that has been resolved on more recent models. I would recommend buying a car with a full Bentley main dealer service history, and with a Bentley warranty. These can be expensive, but a new steering rack will set you back £6,000 which puts it in perspective. As to whether to go for a Speed, I'd try one first. Sure, it's got 10% more horsepower than the cooking GT, but where can you use it? The ordinary GT is quite thrilling enough for most mortals - people refer to a smile a mile, and I agree.
Many thanks for your response. My budget is in the region of £50k - £55k and have seen some good low mileage 2008 GT and GTC models. I test drove a 2006 GTC last week and it fits in my garage with enough room for me to get in and out both with the roof up and down.
I had full warranty with my DB9 for the same reasons that you mention... AM parts can be quite expensive as well.
Good point about the 'GT Speed'... The standard GTC that I drove last week was certainly responsive enough and that was in 'D' and not 'S' with the paddles.
I have my eye on a few at 'Imperials Cars' and 'Phantom Motors' who both seem to sell good GT/GTC's with either Bentley or their own warranty. I just need to decide between the Coupe or Convertible....
I bought my car from Phantom motors in 2009, and have been very happy with it. Since I now live on the Isle of Wight, it is more convenient to go to Bentley Hampshire at Bramshaw. You may benefit from having a chat with their Business Manager Simon Stiles on 02380 813206, since they have a large stock of pre-owned cars. They do a fantastic job of getting the cars on song, and are not as expensive as you might fear. It's a pleasant trip to go to Bramshaw and kick a few tyres, and it's not far for you.
Happy hunting.
Happy hunting.
I tried the SSports, Speed, and basic spec pre and post face lift before buying and found significant differences between them. Don't dismiss the Speed as "only a few more BHP" because it does feel like a distinctly different car, especialy in sport and with the suspension stiffened up.
As always it's a matter of personal preference, but if you want something engaging go for the post face lift Speed or the Supersports. If you want a cruiser buy the basic GT.
As always it's a matter of personal preference, but if you want something engaging go for the post face lift Speed or the Supersports. If you want a cruiser buy the basic GT.
AR101 said:
Can you stretch to a newer model on PCP? There's some cracking deals about at the moment and V8S would be my (and everyone else it seems currently in terms of numbers) preference.
I would definitely go for the Speed or V8S over the "normal" models. I found quite a difference in drive and angle of attack into corners with the GT Speed. Also as a Speed owner and having driven the V8S and a W12 Speed back to back it's no denying the V8S is a really enjoyable drive, it's a lovely handling car. The Speed however, is a hooligan, not as light of touch as the V8S and with more weight up front. It does however have a phenominal wall of acceleration especially once rolling that never fails to put a grin on my face.
I too recommend Bentley Hampshire, not as expensive as you might think and I've always had good service there.
Last word - carbon ceramic brakes. In my opinion the must have option on these cars bar none.
Whichever model you choose, impeccable service history is a must.
Andy
Many thanks for your comments. Having come from a heavily modified DB9 I think a 'Speed' might be the way to go. My major decision at the moment is convertible or coupe. The car that I test drove was a convertible and it was a nice sunny day so the roof was up and down throughout the test (So I could check for road noise).
Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
Also I cant find any Speed convertibles... And what year was the 'Facelift'.
The four dealers that I am looking at are: Phantom Motors, Imperials Cars, Harwoods and Hampshire Bentley.
There seems to be a lot of black cars for sale. My DB9 was black and I swore never to get a black car again. Is the paintwork on a Bentley more 'Robust' than and Aston and therefore less susceptible to swirl marks?
Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
Also I cant find any Speed convertibles... And what year was the 'Facelift'.
The four dealers that I am looking at are: Phantom Motors, Imperials Cars, Harwoods and Hampshire Bentley.
There seems to be a lot of black cars for sale. My DB9 was black and I swore never to get a black car again. Is the paintwork on a Bentley more 'Robust' than and Aston and therefore less susceptible to swirl marks?
Speculatore said:
Many thanks for your comments. Having come from a heavily modified DB9 I think a 'Speed' might be the way to go. My major decision at the moment is convertible or coupe. The car that I test drove was a convertible and it was a nice sunny day so the roof was up and down throughout the test (So I could check for road noise).
Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
Get a GT Speed Coupe and an old Spitfire or MG for the sunny days. You have loads of fun in those.Is it worth getting a convertible for probably 2 months in the year where the roof will be down?
My DB9 was a coupe and as was my previous XKR, in fact my last convertible was a 'Stag' back in 1980 so more than happy with a coupe. But!! A friend said "If you get a coupe would you regret it on the first sunny day"?
That's it... The Aston is on its way.....To New Zealand.
Now looking for a GT Speed around the £55,000 mark. The benchmark was a lovely 2010 "51 Series Speed" with 44,000 on the clock from a main dealer for £56,500. I say "was" as it was sold on the same day as my Aston so I missed it.
Had a good look around the internet at various sites and happy to note that there is plenty of choice out there.
I have a few requirements:
Speed Model - Coupe
2010
Prefer not black leather but not a deal breaker
NOT walnut dash
Full service history
Prefer black wheels
Relatively low mileage
My friend swears by ceramic brakes as a must option but aware of the expense if anything goes wrong. (Experience from the Aston forum).
If any fellow PH enthusiast knows of one that fits the bill please drop me a PM with the details.
Now looking for a GT Speed around the £55,000 mark. The benchmark was a lovely 2010 "51 Series Speed" with 44,000 on the clock from a main dealer for £56,500. I say "was" as it was sold on the same day as my Aston so I missed it.
Had a good look around the internet at various sites and happy to note that there is plenty of choice out there.
I have a few requirements:
Speed Model - Coupe
2010
Prefer not black leather but not a deal breaker
NOT walnut dash
Full service history
Prefer black wheels
Relatively low mileage
My friend swears by ceramic brakes as a must option but aware of the expense if anything goes wrong. (Experience from the Aston forum).
If any fellow PH enthusiast knows of one that fits the bill please drop me a PM with the details.
Beautiful.
Warning: couple of weeks ago I managed to lose my iphone in the centre console. It is possible, with the ashtray open, for an iphone to slip down behind the lid into no mans land. Had to remove whole center console panel thing to retrieve it (not too difficult - refer to youtube). While in there though you realise how easy it is to wire in a dedicated charger etc..
Also Pics:
1. it's good off road - in most muddy fields as good as my previous RR
2. With winter wheels and tires it really is a great winter car - even in the US East Coast storms...
Warning: couple of weeks ago I managed to lose my iphone in the centre console. It is possible, with the ashtray open, for an iphone to slip down behind the lid into no mans land. Had to remove whole center console panel thing to retrieve it (not too difficult - refer to youtube). While in there though you realise how easy it is to wire in a dedicated charger etc..
Also Pics:
1. it's good off road - in most muddy fields as good as my previous RR
2. With winter wheels and tires it really is a great winter car - even in the US East Coast storms...
Speculatore said:
There seems to be a lot of black cars for sale. My DB9 was black and I swore never to get a black car again. Is the paintwork on a Bentley more 'Robust' than and Aston and therefore less susceptible to swirl marks?
Swirl marks can be kept at bay by careful washing and drying. The two bucket method is your friend.http://www.detailingspot.com/?page_id=15
Lovely looking car by the way
Speculatore said:
2010 Continental GT speed - Leaded or Super Unleaded?
Super for me, never used regular but I believe she'll run on it.Just checked my handbook. 97 recommended, will run OK on 95 but reduced performance may occur.
The way to tell for sure is to look inside the fuel filler cap apparently.
Andrew
Lockhouse said:
Super for me, never used regular but I believe she'll run on it.
Just checked my handbook. 97 recommended, will run OK on 95 but reduced performance may occur.
The way to tell for sure is to look inside the fuel filler cap apparently.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew.... Filled up with Super Unleaded..Just checked my handbook. 97 recommended, will run OK on 95 but reduced performance may occur.
The way to tell for sure is to look inside the fuel filler cap apparently.
Andrew
Dave
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