Looking to buy an 05/06 Bentley GT
Discussion
Hi all,
I would be interested to hear from Bentley GT owners, on their experiences with this model. Especially if you own one of the 04/05/06 models. I am negotiating on a lovely 06 GT with low mileage but has not been regularly service - the owner has had it for about 9 years and believes that a yearly service was not necessary due to doing little mileage. So trying to glean as much information before I commit.
Many thanks.
I would be interested to hear from Bentley GT owners, on their experiences with this model. Especially if you own one of the 04/05/06 models. I am negotiating on a lovely 06 GT with low mileage but has not been regularly service - the owner has had it for about 9 years and believes that a yearly service was not necessary due to doing little mileage. So trying to glean as much information before I commit.
Many thanks.
IMHO find another car - there are plenty on the used car market. If he could not be bothered to service the car in accordance with manufacturer specifications it was pretty obvious he owned an asset that he could not really afford and hence skimped on costs. I would assume he had has brakes etc changed at Kwikfit and also used Korean or Chinese tyres on this car. Not worth the hassle as if these go wrong you need a lot of money to sort it out. I would pay a bit more and find a car with full service history and a folder full of bills showing that the car has been cared for. All the best,,
Thank you PrancingHorse, I totally get what you are saying - normally I would but this one is exactly the spec and colour and very low mileage for the year - been looking for a few months. To his defence, I have had some lengthy conversations and full emails (not the usual one-liners) with them and I get the impression that they love this car and is for sale reluctantly. I think, because he is in the motor maintenance business, he has been able to run the car, very little mileage each year, and when items have needed to be done, he has done the work - there is a folder full of receipts apparently. I will be getting Bentley to carry out a pre-purchase inspection and he has offered to get an up to date MOT done. Sounds like I am talking myself into it....... They have offered to send me a detailed video of the car soon. However, what are these cars like to live with - any experience of problems or does the VW quality shine through ? Thanks.
I think you are talking yourself in to it 
Personally I would not buy a car such as this if not maintained to standards. Imagine the hassle you will have when trying to eventually shift this!
Anyway a lot of reading for you here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=157...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=1&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=511...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=584...
Personally I would not buy a car such as this if not maintained to standards. Imagine the hassle you will have when trying to eventually shift this!Anyway a lot of reading for you here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=157...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=1&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=511...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=584...
Thanks for those links to other conversations. Has anyone got experience of their Bentley not being garaged (my property is listed and unlikely to be able to get permission to build a garage). I have read a lot about drain holes getting blocked etc. I was wondering if I could use a suitable cover especially during the autumn and winter months. Thanks again
We have had 2 Spurs (same car basically) from 06 and 07 MY's and both were not exactly fault free. In fact the 07 car cost a fortune in unplanned repairs. As for putting it under cover - I wouldn't bother. The paint won't thank you for it and these cars need to be used regularly so cover on, cover off will become a faff. Just keep an eye on the known blockage points for leaves and it'll be fine.
I have a 'proper' Bentley (none of this VW stuff ) but know of a few CGTs and they are not faring well as they age I'm afraid to say. One chap has just had a new starter motor - £5K as it's an engine out job, every nut and bolt was rusty/seized and was a nightmare.
Pre 99 is where it's at
) but know of a few CGTs and they are not faring well as they age I'm afraid to say. One chap has just had a new starter motor - £5K as it's an engine out job, every nut and bolt was rusty/seized and was a nightmare.Pre 99 is where it's at
There are obvious reasons why used Bentley cars, even those only a handful of years old, are offered for far less than you'd expect. Plan on the stealership making a handy profit on fixing the many known problems. Agree with previous poster as have a 2007 GTC and you'd be ashamed to admit the annual cost of operation. Known problems like starter, hose above transmission, holes in convertible top, rear glass on top falling out.... and these are just a few of the common problems(!). Engine out for starter. Engine out for hose above transmission. New convertible top is 15k+ in USD... Do the math, find another brand of car where the manufacturer cares.
enjoythemusic said:
There are obvious reasons why used Bentley cars, even those only a handful of years old, are offered for far less than you'd expect. Plan on the stealership making a handy profit on fixing the many known problems. Agree with previous poster as have a 2007 GTC and you'd be ashamed to admit the annual cost of operation. Known problems like starter, hose above transmission, holes in convertible top, rear glass on top falling out.... and these are just a few of the common problems(!). Engine out for starter. Engine out for hose above transmission. New convertible top is 15k+ in USD... Do the math, find another brand of car where the manufacturer cares.
ISWYM, on the other hand there's a thread over in General Gassing titled "Cars that have a bad reputation, but you want one anyway". The GT is in that category for me at least! http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
It will also stop Mrs TB from nagging me to get one as she thinks they're great, which helps sort-of.
I've been looking at cars around 05 vintage and the best I've seen would require about £3k to bring to a reasonable condition, £4k at an authorised Bentley dealer. Folklore has it that these cars are bought by wealthy folks who spend a lot on the car and a lot on taking care of it. At least the first part is correct, what appears to happen is that servicing is carried out and the stamps are there, but maintenance beyond the basics can be lacking.
Parts and extras are 'interesting' based on recent enquiries - if you want a bush for a suspension arm, Bentley will supply the arm. A new grille comes with part of the bodywork around it. If the service book is lost, or full of stamps, it's ~£250 for a new one, and new keys only come in pairs. When you get the key to undertake a test drive, check it's got the 'D' on the end that will enable it to fit onto a key ring. A small matter and it can be fixed but when focusing on the key you can remember to check if there's a spare.
A set of replacement Bentley overmats will take you for between £400 and £500. Also from my enquiries, an independent may charge around £90 to £100 per hour for labour whereas an authorised Bentley dealership would be around £150. You probably knew all that already. When I found out, I was still interested. I ought to head over to that GG thread (but CBA).
Just in case it helps anyone, in addition to the issues often mentioned in buying guides e.g. high level brake light, rear screen demist, blocked drainage channels, loom issues, tyre pressure sensors, coil packs and starters, perishing radiators, and worn suspension with a heavy car (etc) take a look also at.....the dipstick if you're a filler cap person. The plastic bit can become detached, and while a new dipstick is available - entirely metallic allegedly - Bentley will supply you with the item and its sleeve. This is perhaps more understandable than the keys situation.
At the age of an 05-ish car, some GTs will have had a ding or two, but this is easier to spot in my view than with other marques since Bentley paint doesn't come with the almost-acceptable BMW level of orange peel (not the pits type, the small surface granulations type) so if any is visible it's a repair job and it will stand out from nearby unretouched surfaces by way of confirmation. This isn't knocking BMWs, I have two V8s with BMW paint (naturally!) and they're fine by me, it's a plus for the Bentley more than anything.
Anything approaching 40k miles is heading towards a 2-day uberservice. That said. a low mileage car is attractive of itself, but if it's very low you'll be able to tell if the car you're looking at has been standing unused in storage due to signs of perishing in the outer tyre tread rubber. If this is present, based on previous experience I'd plan on checking the coolant for freezing point (and corrosion protection) and changing the brake fluid as one or both will almost certainly be past their drive-by date with a car in storage.
Not forgetting the batteries of course, one or both of these may have had to 'survive' without a battery conditioner, particularly the left-hand one which has to cope with everything except starts. Finally, sludge can build up in washer bottles with unused cars, so if anything doesn't work as it should, the fix may be less costly than first thought. This has been a one-off so far.
In my view the look of the car is spoilt if the rear number plate is of standard size rather than Bentley size, a small point and if you buy a GT the chances are you may want to put your own plate on it anyway. It's worth a double check in any case. I've also seen several sticky bonnet latches due to age and traffic grime which would be fixed relatively easily with the help of WD40. Inside, the driver's seat bolster gets worn as they all do, a fix can be had for about £500 allegedly if it's simply worn beyond your acceptable level but not badly damaged, as can happen near the seat belt. There's more to look for, but a post need only be so long.
On the upside, the turbos seem to be OK, with no smokescreens in the rear view mirror so far, and the 4-wheel drive likewise. Apart from the driver's seat bolster, the interiors seem to wear well, particuarly with extended leather.
Anyway..the upshot is that I've decided to continue looking for a car with, or close to, my ideal spec (some are specced in 'individual' ways) then if/when I find one and it's not a total lemon, stop looking. I'll factor in the inevitable 'fixit' cost - and fix it. There'll also be a future fixit pot as I wouldn't want to treat a car like this in the penny-pinching manner that early owners can do. It's almost as if a car at this level is, nevertheless, white goods to some, when it's truly phenomenal and deserves better.
I ran mine daily for a small number of miles each day and they definitely prefer to be used regularly (just like any car).
Mine lived outside with no issues but I was always checking the known issues as have already been mentioned here.
One point regarding the service history intervals is when I came to sell mine the fact it had been serviced annually and by Bentley made the sale a lot easier and quicker. Every single person who enquired asked that question either first or second so I would be wanting a significant saving if I were looking at one that wasn't serviced as Bentley suggests.
If you've got a suitable slush fund for when something needs attention it will make the ownership experience far more enjoyable as running one hoping it won't cost you a big bill or two will make you constantly listen and look for every little issue.
I actually had mine remapped as it improved the power delivery and would you believe even made a very slight improvement in it's fuel economy!
Mine lived outside with no issues but I was always checking the known issues as have already been mentioned here.
One point regarding the service history intervals is when I came to sell mine the fact it had been serviced annually and by Bentley made the sale a lot easier and quicker. Every single person who enquired asked that question either first or second so I would be wanting a significant saving if I were looking at one that wasn't serviced as Bentley suggests.
If you've got a suitable slush fund for when something needs attention it will make the ownership experience far more enjoyable as running one hoping it won't cost you a big bill or two will make you constantly listen and look for every little issue.
I actually had mine remapped as it improved the power delivery and would you believe even made a very slight improvement in it's fuel economy!
turbobloke said:
pdavison said:
I actually had mine remapped as it improved the power delivery and would you believe even made a very slight improvement in it's fuel economy!
May I ask where the remapping was carried out?BGTeagle said:
Hi all,
I would be interested to hear from Bentley GT owners, on their experiences with this model. Especially if you own one of the 04/05/06 models. I am negotiating on a lovely 06 GT with low mileage but has not been regularly service - the owner has had it for about 9 years and believes that a yearly service was not necessary due to doing little mileage. So trying to glean as much information before I commit.
Many thanks.
What is your budget?I would be interested to hear from Bentley GT owners, on their experiences with this model. Especially if you own one of the 04/05/06 models. I am negotiating on a lovely 06 GT with low mileage but has not been regularly service - the owner has had it for about 9 years and believes that a yearly service was not necessary due to doing little mileage. So trying to glean as much information before I commit.
Many thanks.
Hi All,
I dont usually do forums, however I want to update my Sat Nav disc on my Bentley GTC 2008 so thought perhaps I could offer my experiences with this and an Arnage model I once owned as well as asking about sat nav discs.
If I may briefly start with the Arnage - my first Bentley. This car was a 2006 model which I owned 3 years ago as a high days and holidays car, Muliner spec in a huge car, amazing performance for its size, massive presence, almost embarasing outside the local Co-op sticking half way across the road as I picked up some Cupa Soup for my daughter! but a delight to cruise in, sheer delight in fact. When I purchase this little treat I decided to make an allowance of £3000 into my bad day fund hopefully to cover any minor repairs and a minor service, that worked fine, a minor service worked out at about £1200. Faults that occured were a sticky seat belt switch in the drivers seat belt retaining catch, switch price £15, take the seat out and replace for access £480 ! WD 40 and a lot of motion on the fitting £25. Problem it seems was dust and sitting in the garage. Now, however not a good advert for a car that cost hundreds of thousands of pounds new and needs a seat belt switch repairs at 35000 mls.
Upwards and onwards Next weekend toy:- Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.
Great fun brilliant exhaust note (fuse out) every one loved it but very engaging to drive, not a long distance cruiser, after 4 hours you want to take the train, (Im not 35 anymore) did bring out the boy racer in me though and creates so many lines in your face you spend half your pension on skin treatment - laughter lines that is. 14000 mile minor service from Norwich specialist sports cars £795, insurance £320 year for 5000 miles. Gosh it nice getting older!
Next Steps:- Bentley GTC
Now I have read many of the fault reports here and hope they dont come to me as they read pretty bad, definately off putting but hey just now and again we have to let our heart rule our head. The GTC is fabulous to drive a real cruiser, the W12 is faster than the V8 Aston I feel (in a straight line that is) Its hunger for 98 octane when you drive it like a bat out of hell means you are inclind to respect speed limits more and offcourse this alows you to full embrace the symphonic music system in the car. My car regulary lies outside so first job was to have a professional valet and get some really good polish on to repell the rain. I used a company from Norwich who did a mechanical buff to the body work, deep cleaned the lambswool, cleaned the seats etc etc. all for £135 and they did a fabulous job, It took quite a few years of its age Im sure.
Faults yep I have had a few. Nearside rubber bush on anti roll bar (at 39000 mls ?) replacement part from "Flying spares" great service, about £15 for bush, my local garage fitted it in 1 hour for £60 (not a main dealer though) Amber parking brake symbol comes on dashboard which I am told is the parking brake engagement switch (please advise if you know better) parking brake still works ok but I need to get warning light issue looked at. Battery went flat at fist frost last week as usual just as my wife and I were going off for a few days !!!! so as you can imagine I was nearly on the piston head for sale pages. However a quick look at the manual and I discovered the reserve battery can be used using the car key, all was welll and as someone mentioned in the previous blogs they have to be used even if its to the co-op. Minor service cost TBA, Insurance £340 for 4000 mls
Hope this was interesting.
p.s. if anyone can advise about upgrading my sat nave disc I would welcome the advise.
I dont usually do forums, however I want to update my Sat Nav disc on my Bentley GTC 2008 so thought perhaps I could offer my experiences with this and an Arnage model I once owned as well as asking about sat nav discs.
If I may briefly start with the Arnage - my first Bentley. This car was a 2006 model which I owned 3 years ago as a high days and holidays car, Muliner spec in a huge car, amazing performance for its size, massive presence, almost embarasing outside the local Co-op sticking half way across the road as I picked up some Cupa Soup for my daughter! but a delight to cruise in, sheer delight in fact. When I purchase this little treat I decided to make an allowance of £3000 into my bad day fund hopefully to cover any minor repairs and a minor service, that worked fine, a minor service worked out at about £1200. Faults that occured were a sticky seat belt switch in the drivers seat belt retaining catch, switch price £15, take the seat out and replace for access £480 ! WD 40 and a lot of motion on the fitting £25. Problem it seems was dust and sitting in the garage. Now, however not a good advert for a car that cost hundreds of thousands of pounds new and needs a seat belt switch repairs at 35000 mls.
Upwards and onwards Next weekend toy:- Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.
Great fun brilliant exhaust note (fuse out) every one loved it but very engaging to drive, not a long distance cruiser, after 4 hours you want to take the train, (Im not 35 anymore) did bring out the boy racer in me though and creates so many lines in your face you spend half your pension on skin treatment - laughter lines that is. 14000 mile minor service from Norwich specialist sports cars £795, insurance £320 year for 5000 miles. Gosh it nice getting older!
Next Steps:- Bentley GTC
Now I have read many of the fault reports here and hope they dont come to me as they read pretty bad, definately off putting but hey just now and again we have to let our heart rule our head. The GTC is fabulous to drive a real cruiser, the W12 is faster than the V8 Aston I feel (in a straight line that is) Its hunger for 98 octane when you drive it like a bat out of hell means you are inclind to respect speed limits more and offcourse this alows you to full embrace the symphonic music system in the car. My car regulary lies outside so first job was to have a professional valet and get some really good polish on to repell the rain. I used a company from Norwich who did a mechanical buff to the body work, deep cleaned the lambswool, cleaned the seats etc etc. all for £135 and they did a fabulous job, It took quite a few years of its age Im sure.
Faults yep I have had a few. Nearside rubber bush on anti roll bar (at 39000 mls ?) replacement part from "Flying spares" great service, about £15 for bush, my local garage fitted it in 1 hour for £60 (not a main dealer though) Amber parking brake symbol comes on dashboard which I am told is the parking brake engagement switch (please advise if you know better) parking brake still works ok but I need to get warning light issue looked at. Battery went flat at fist frost last week as usual just as my wife and I were going off for a few days !!!! so as you can imagine I was nearly on the piston head for sale pages. However a quick look at the manual and I discovered the reserve battery can be used using the car key, all was welll and as someone mentioned in the previous blogs they have to be used even if its to the co-op. Minor service cost TBA, Insurance £340 for 4000 mls
Hope this was interesting.
p.s. if anyone can advise about upgrading my sat nave disc I would welcome the advise.
Gassing Station | Bentley & Rolls Royce | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff