2006 Flying Spur - risky?

[mark387mw]

I know there are plenty of horror stories with problems on these cars, but are they all bad?

What do I need to check to know if it’s a lemon or a good ‘un?

I’m in New Zealand so specialists are limited, and an AA report on such a car might be difficult if the inspector hasn’t a clue.

This is one I’m toying with. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bentley... VIN SCBBE53W36C034094
Buying isn’t the problem, just if it went wrong!

Any advice?

Is the Arnage a better bet? https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/bentley...

[jeyjey]

I have to say I'm partial to the Arnage (it's just more old-school, which I like), but the Flying Spur is probably safer unless you're willing to go to a 2007 or later Arnage (which had the head-gasket issues fixed).

(Or, if you can get the green one at the right money, just do the head-gaskets right off the bat. The current multi-layer-steel ones don't have the issue.)

Having a specialist look the car over would certainly be a big win. You could see if Paul Yorke (everythingrollsroyce.com) wants a down-under vacation.

[mark387mw]

I think the Arnage looks classier but has the Flying Spur got the ‘mod cons’?

What I’m really asking, as nobody has a crystal ball, can maintenance history or any early clues indicate the condition or likely failure of weak spots?

[WightGT]

There are plenty of reliability reports on the web for the Flying Spur. Start by looking at the service history. Has it been done on schedule by a Bentley agent, or by a non-accredited dealer? Has the false air tube been sorted? Do all the electronics work? Is the tyre pressure monitoring system working? Is it fitted with the correct wheels and tyres? Does the boot lit open when you press the B in the logo? Are all the fluids up to the right level? Does it pull left or right under braking? Generally, they are reliable cars that benefit from being used and serviced by somebody who knows what he or she is doing.

Of course, the Arnage is not without problems too. As already suggested, to avoid cylinder head problems, go for 2007 or newer. Make sure the full hydraulic service has already been done. Check that you like the seats. I found that the front drivers seat didn't offer much support behind the knee. The seat seems to be too short behind the thigh.

Which ever car you go for will be a delight, with the potential for the occasional asteroid bill - that's one that arrives rapidly, is unstoppable, and potentially ruinous!

[alabbasi]

It's risky in the sense that there is very little by way of parts and labor information associated with these cars. While parts will likely cross reference to other cars (BMW, VW, GM etc), the information is held closely by the dealer and specialist garages. The same applies for labor which makes it hard to gauge a job or plan it before getting into it.

[mark387mw]

The car has service history from Bentley Auckland. Whether that is standard annual service only or repairs and maintenance I’m unable to find out from the seller. Not sure if Bentley Auckland will pass on this information. I can only ask...

[mark387mw]

The Bentley has had a price drop of NZD5,000 and the dealer is following up trying to flog it to me but I have reservations although could be unfounded.

The dealer principal tells me it’s his personal car and everything is good!
However the tyre pressure monitoring system is not working - the new parts are there but he says a waste of time fitting as the batteries keep going.
Also, the bonnet struts don’t hold the bonnet up.
I do wonder what else is not right. I’m not getting much info re service history except it’s all there which is probably rountine servicing. I’m told Bentley Auckland won’t divulge maintenance history to me.

Are these alarm bells or little things on a good car?

[alabbasi]

Do they have a carfax in new zealand? most dealers and independents here in the US are now reporting any work done to a car on Carfax. It makes managing service history much easier.

[mark387mw]

alabbasi said:

Do they have a carfax in new zealand? most dealers and independents here in the US are now reporting any work done to a car on Carfax. It makes managing service history much easier.

Not a comprehensive Carfax like the US, just basics like finance, owner numbers and theft etc.

[ruhall]

mark387mw said:

The Bentley has had a price drop of NZD5,000 and the dealer is following up trying to flog it to me but I have reservations although could be unfounded.

The dealer principal tells me it’s his personal car and everything is good!
However the tyre pressure monitoring system is not working - the new parts are there but he says a waste of time fitting as the batteries keep going.
Also, the bonnet struts don’t hold the bonnet up.
I do wonder what else is not right. I’m not getting much info re service history except it’s all there which is probably rountine servicing. I’m told Bentley Auckland won’t divulge maintenance history to me.

Are these alarm bells or little things on a good car?

That would ring alarm bells for me. You'd expect a 'dealer principal's ' car to have been maintained with no expense spared; after all, they have access to the trade, trade rates etc.. In fact, I'd ideally be looking for that approach to any Bentley as there are too many around where image is more important than anything else, eg I really don't understand owners who run this sort of car and then put the cheapest tyres they can find to save a few pounds. The issue for me is that that mentality then applies to other work, so no preventative maintenance is done and things are fixed, if in fact they are fixed, when they break, not before.

Having said that, it might be a genuine car with a comprehensive service history and the TPMS and bonnet struts are nothing of any consequence. A properly maintained car won't guarantee a fault-free ownership but will probably reduce the risk. I've no idea how that car sits, price-wise, compared with others where you are.

If I was contemplating it, I'd just approach it with eyes open and be thorough in checking everything works.

[mark387mw]

ruhall said:

The issue for me is that that mentality then applies to other work, so no preventative maintenance is done and things are fixed, if in fact they are fixed, when they break, not before.

That’s what I’d expect so no future surprises because weak spots have been checked.

Also I always consider the exit strategy so if I needs to sell, can I sell as it is with no history?
With these cars I’d consider we’re custodians and the whole car with history becomes a package. The car was the “chairman’s car” from big companies before going into private ownership. The annual servicing I’m sure was done but anything else??

I guess I’ve answered my own questions and this is a dealbreaker so I should buy with my head and look elsewhere.