How ruinous is an Arnage? Buyers guide?

[anonymous-user]

After completing around 1000 miles in my V8V and then 1500Km home in a C Class () I have come to the conclusion that I want / need a big comfy cruiser for touring.

So ... at the lower end of the Arnage spectrum (sub 25k) am I just buying trouble or?

I have read about the wear issues and then the potential BMW engine against the 'real' Bentley engine ...

I would prefer the 6.75, is it worth waiting for the facelift models to drop in price (in no rush to buy) or ...

Would be my first Bentley and would pair lovely with the V8V!

[jeyjey]

I'd want to have a 5 - 10k slush fund to run an Arnage. I wouldn't be that bothered about older vs. newer, because I'd be more likely to let some things slide on an older car that I'd want fixed on a newer one. Sure, head gasket replacement might set you back 5k on an older car, but you could easily spend that if your AC fans go out on a newer one.

But it also depends on how much risk/anxiety you're willing to deal with....

Cheers,
Jeff.

[Xtriple129]

Any elderly Bentley can be ruinous! I know this well... The 6.75 engine was massively re-worked for later inclusion in the Arnarge and does suffer head gasket woes, apparently it's a case of 'when' not 'if'. Other than that (which is not a cheap repair in itself) the cars are just generally expensive to repair - Bentley parts prices are in a world of their own! A lot of the electrics are German (BMW then VW) so probably more reliable than the good old British stuff (that could have been made anywhere).

Personally I don't particularly like the Arnarge 'cos to much foreign influence in them (buy British - go bankrupt in style!) but they are rather nice cars in themselves, the BMW V8 received a lot of criticism for being 'gutless' which it isn't really, but it has to be revved which is very much against the grain of earlier (and later) cars where they have instant torque from idle and just go, the BMW engine needs quite a few revolutions before it starts to show interest.

If you are going to buy one, buy from a GOOD dealer and get a solid, and I mean ROCK SOLID warranty though I doubt there are many companies that offer such for cars this old and if you can, get the car inspected by a good specialist, their report will shock you... as will the prices they quote! They are complex cars with lots of small run parts that are pricy in the extreme and as they are complex, they need a degree of knowledge to work on them.

If you are anywhere in the South West have a word with Specialist cars in Exeter, they have a lot of experience and are very good to deal with, they will steer you 'right' and possibly know of a car. Tell them Dave sent you... this is guaranteed to increase any price they quote you by 100%

[spyker138]

I've had a Red Label for twelve years and 'on average over time' it has cost about £1500 to keep in perfect running order. The head gaskets did go, and the tyres don't last more than 8-10000 miles, and a hydraulic service every 4 years or so has to be done... but otherwise it's common sense servicing that is not complicated and many indys do it fixed price.

Factor in the uniquely imperious drive and smile it gives you then it's a no brainer.

I had a Conti GT Speed too but sold that after 5 years - it had nothing on the Arnage and other than when it was snowing, I always preferred the older car.