Aston to Bentley, should I, shouldn't I ?
Discussion
Good evening all, I am considering a possible move to a Bentley GT from an 05 Aston Martin DB9, I would be very interested to hear from any GT owners who have made a similar move and as to whether it was a good or bad move,any major regrets or have you kept the permagrin, and also if you wouldn't mind sharing reasons for moving in the first place. My main reason for the move is principally because the DB9 has now become a 2 seater for my boys and I and I can't stretch to a Rapide S for a while yet, I have always liked the Bentley GT and it was a toss up between that and the DB9 a few years ago, I figured at the time I needed to scratch the Aston itch whilst I could con the wife into thinking I could get 4 of us in whilst the boys were small enough, however that didn't last long before nobody could fit behind me and the wife had to stay at home as my boys and I enjoyed motoring days and events out. I have looked at a couple of GT's and been able to get my youngest son in behind me very comfortably and I really like the huge boot space compared to the pitiful DB9 boot, I have no problems driving and he has no problems relaxing, and it doesn't give him neck ache like the DB9.I have dug through a good few threads on here relating to the ups and downs of ownerships and realise that like the Astons they have issues,and of course costly repair bills, all hand built cars will do I guess, I plan to get it checked out by an expert independant before I purchase it's the sensible thing to do, my budget is probably only going to be around £40,000, maybe less if the wife gets wind of it, but I'm sure that should get me something decent...........will it ?
Last month changed from a 2007 manual DB9 with many 'Bamford Rose' enhancements with engine upgrade to 520bhp being one of them. I had it for 4 years and loved it including a round trip to Monaco and a week long blast around the Scottish highlands.
The only car that I would have changed it for was the Continental GT. After much research and to get the same 'Power Burst' I went for the 2010 GT Speed Coupe with over 600bhp. OK,,, It's a heavy car but the power delivery is the same if not better than the 'Standard' DB9. The 6 litre twin turbo is a powerful, smooth engine that responds really well.
Don't expect to throw it around (Track Days) like you could with the Aston but you certainly can drive it in a 'Spirited' manner.
The build finish is superior to my DB9 and the car certainly feels and looks more modern.
I have only had it a month but can say now that I have done the right thing. A good inspection is mandatory as is at least 1 years warranty. It doesn't have to be Bentley warranty which you will pay more for because of the name.
The same garage that I bought mine from were selling a 2008 GT Speed with 74,000 on the clock for £41,995 with a years warranty so there are some good cars out there.
As you are coming from a DB9 I would look for the 'Speed' version but the standard GT will still make you smile...
The only car that I would have changed it for was the Continental GT. After much research and to get the same 'Power Burst' I went for the 2010 GT Speed Coupe with over 600bhp. OK,,, It's a heavy car but the power delivery is the same if not better than the 'Standard' DB9. The 6 litre twin turbo is a powerful, smooth engine that responds really well.
Don't expect to throw it around (Track Days) like you could with the Aston but you certainly can drive it in a 'Spirited' manner.
The build finish is superior to my DB9 and the car certainly feels and looks more modern.
I have only had it a month but can say now that I have done the right thing. A good inspection is mandatory as is at least 1 years warranty. It doesn't have to be Bentley warranty which you will pay more for because of the name.
The same garage that I bought mine from were selling a 2008 GT Speed with 74,000 on the clock for £41,995 with a years warranty so there are some good cars out there.
As you are coming from a DB9 I would look for the 'Speed' version but the standard GT will still make you smile...
I would check the seating capacity if I were you. I have looked at the GT at the dealers and it looks to me as if you would have to be a legless midget to get in the back seat. I made this mistake about 30 years ago when I kidded my wife that a Lotus Excel was a four seater. The myth lasted about 4 weeks and I had to go out and buy a family saloon as well!!
Why not look at the Flying Spur, I have had two and they always brought a smile to my face, phenomenal performance for such a big car, seats 4 or 5 in luxury and well put together. Having said that, the 2nd iteration, 2013 onwards, are much better than the first, which I drove for +90,000 miles.
Four in a Bentley GT works as long as they don't have legs. Seriously, don't do it. As for regrets, the sheer lack of honor of the Bentley factory taking care of known major problems or even the slightest bit of help. Am surprised we have not grouped together for a Class Action lawsuit against Bentley.
Have you tried a Jaguar?
Have you tried a Jaguar?
Hi there chaps, thanks for your help. I know that it sounds like a squeeze 4 in a GT, and it is a little but acceptable enough for the length of journey for 4, however most of the time it's 3 just my 2 sons 6'1" and 5'10, I am 6'6, problem is we want to stick with the 2 door luxury sports coupe type whilst we can. I have looked at the Spur and really like them but maybe later, likewise with the Jaguar XJ/L , or even the Maserati Ghibli, the Maserati Grantourismo ticks a lot of the boxes and a possibility, the Jaguar XKR is no bigger than the DB9 so ruled out. I am sure that you can all understand that itch thing and how you keep going back to the one, well that's how I feel about the GT. I am interested in how you feel about your experience good or bad with the GT and what it's main/major flaws are, there have been enough sold out there so Bentley must have something right with the recipe.
I am 6ft 4ins and there is NO leg room behind me. My wife can sit very comfortably in the passenger seat and there is enough room behind her for another adult.
Get one for a test drive and try out the seat configurations. I had to 'Borrow' one to make sure it not only fitted in the garage but once in I was able to get out.
It is a bit wider and longer than the DB9 so I had some internal support walls taken out and replaced with a cross beam metal strut.
Before the DB9 I had an XKR and the rear seats in both of those were for shopping. There is much more room in the GT and the boot space is amazing.
Get one for a test drive and try out the seat configurations. I had to 'Borrow' one to make sure it not only fitted in the garage but once in I was able to get out.
It is a bit wider and longer than the DB9 so I had some internal support walls taken out and replaced with a cross beam metal strut.
Before the DB9 I had an XKR and the rear seats in both of those were for shopping. There is much more room in the GT and the boot space is amazing.
Hi Tony, We own a DB9, Smart and a GTV8S Concours Series. Compared to our other modes of transport, the GT definitely fills the 'Practical' slot as well as pandering to ones occasional 'need for speed' urges!
It has road presence, sounds fantastic with sports exhaust, comfortable, very reliable and for us, the main plus over the 9, is it's practicality. Huge boot, we've fitted two 6' plus in the rear with no probs, reasonable economy and 4x4 safety. Strangely enough, on the road I see it's competitors to not only be other Gt's but also other (with less imagination!) 4x4's, RR, Cayenne etc such is it's practicality and ability on dubious surfaces. It's not a seat of the pants, visceral, driving experience but it is a fantastic all rounder that's been regularly improved and got better looking over the years. Test drove the new DB11, which was amazing but wouldn't swap the Gt for it....which pretty much sums it up!
It has road presence, sounds fantastic with sports exhaust, comfortable, very reliable and for us, the main plus over the 9, is it's practicality. Huge boot, we've fitted two 6' plus in the rear with no probs, reasonable economy and 4x4 safety. Strangely enough, on the road I see it's competitors to not only be other Gt's but also other (with less imagination!) 4x4's, RR, Cayenne etc such is it's practicality and ability on dubious surfaces. It's not a seat of the pants, visceral, driving experience but it is a fantastic all rounder that's been regularly improved and got better looking over the years. Test drove the new DB11, which was amazing but wouldn't swap the Gt for it....which pretty much sums it up!
I agree with the above. I changed from a Ferrari California to the GTV8S. It is a lovely place to be, quick when you need it with the lovely sports exhaust noise. Plus the four wheel drive and boot make it a very practical car. I think these have evolved into a very nice car.
Evo ran one for e while and I think they like me were surprised by what a great all rounder it was, plus no slouch.
Evo ran one for e while and I think they like me were surprised by what a great all rounder it was, plus no slouch.
Good all round car, I have a 2013 V8 gtc which has been fantastic and no issues whatsoever in the 2.5 years and 7.5 k miles I have owned it including a trip to sorrento (Italy) which was simply epic in this car. Never had an urge for an Aston so couldn't compare.
Happy hunting and good luck, you will not be disappointed.
Happy hunting and good luck, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks for your replies, it always helps a great deal when people take time to post positive feedback,however I am not shy to hearing the horror stories too, I want to be aware of the good the bad and the ugly and have an informed idea on how to pick up a good one hopefully soon. I like every time I get into my car to feel special, an event, a want to find a longer route,or just feel special and proud sat there in traffic just like I get in my Aston Martin DB9 , and I am under the impression that the Bentley GT can do that.
TonyF said:
Good all round car, I have a 2013 V8 gtc which has been fantastic and no issues whatsoever in the 2.5 years and 7.5 k miles I have owned it including a trip to sorrento (Italy) which was simply epic in this car. Never had an urge for an Aston so couldn't compare.
Happy hunting and good luck, you will not be disappointed.
How did you find negotiating Sorrento in your Bentley? I took my Elise down in 2014 and was petrified of it getting damaged by the crazy driving of the locals!! Obviously an Elise is half the size of a Bentley hence the question!Happy hunting and good luck, you will not be disappointed.
Hi Tony, I have both the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner and the Aston Martin DB9 so can give you a pretty good comparison.
The Aston has a sense of occasion that you will be well familiar with. The Bentley cannot match this but gets as close as any non-Aston could do. In every other aspect it pains me to say the Bentley is the better car in every single way.
However, getting a 5'10" kid behind a 6'1" in the front is going to be very tight indeed and no one is going to be getting behind you at all. There is more space in the new models but not in your price bracket. My wife is 5'7" and my 11 year old daughter 5" and they can fit, but I know I won't have more than a couple of years before this will not be an option.
I would recommend you go to the nearest dealer with one and see if you can get everyone in before doing anything else. This will let you know if it practical and if so I would do it, but I think it might not be to be honest.
As I say, the Bentley is the better car - to such a degree I could face getting rid of mine when I bought the Aston, hence me having both.
You mentioned the Maserati Granturismo. I had one of these new when they first came out and I seriously urge you to look at them in more detail. They are fantastic cars and virtually the love child of a GT and a DB9 - taking some of the best from both!
However the rear seats are proper - as in as saloon. You could all get in their and travel comfortable around Europe! It is a stunningly beautiful car as well and the engine sound is awesome.
Hope this is of some help. All three cars are very special.
The Aston has a sense of occasion that you will be well familiar with. The Bentley cannot match this but gets as close as any non-Aston could do. In every other aspect it pains me to say the Bentley is the better car in every single way.
However, getting a 5'10" kid behind a 6'1" in the front is going to be very tight indeed and no one is going to be getting behind you at all. There is more space in the new models but not in your price bracket. My wife is 5'7" and my 11 year old daughter 5" and they can fit, but I know I won't have more than a couple of years before this will not be an option.
I would recommend you go to the nearest dealer with one and see if you can get everyone in before doing anything else. This will let you know if it practical and if so I would do it, but I think it might not be to be honest.
As I say, the Bentley is the better car - to such a degree I could face getting rid of mine when I bought the Aston, hence me having both.
You mentioned the Maserati Granturismo. I had one of these new when they first came out and I seriously urge you to look at them in more detail. They are fantastic cars and virtually the love child of a GT and a DB9 - taking some of the best from both!
However the rear seats are proper - as in as saloon. You could all get in their and travel comfortable around Europe! It is a stunningly beautiful car as well and the engine sound is awesome.
Hope this is of some help. All three cars are very special.
MJK 24 said:
How did you find negotiating Sorrento in your Bentley? I took my Elise down in 2014 and was petrified of it getting damaged by the crazy driving of the locals!! Obviously an Elise is half the size of a Bentley hence the question!
I must admit it was tight in places but found the locals ok to be honest.Really enjoyed the drive in this car with the roof off for most of the 3k miles we covered.
The villa we stayed in had a single track road to it which was lined with low stone walling and how I didn't scrape it I'll never know we literally had an inch either side I promise you !!
JulianPH said:
My wife is 5'7" and my 11 year old daughter 5"
I am sure she will grow eventually 
JulianPH said:
You mentioned the Maserati Granturismo. I had one of these new when they first came out and I seriously urge you to look at them in more detail. They are fantastic cars and virtually the love child of a GT and a DB9 - taking some of the best from both!
However the rear seats are proper - as in as saloon. You could all get in their and travel comfortable around Europe! It is a stunningly beautiful car as well and the engine sound is awesome.
Precisely why I bought one last year (in preference to a Rapide and a Conti GT). It fits the bill perfectly. My daughter (5'8") sat behind me (6'1") all the way back from Modena (we collected our car from the factory) without any problem. However the rear seats are proper - as in as saloon. You could all get in their and travel comfortable around Europe! It is a stunningly beautiful car as well and the engine sound is awesome.
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