Which Continental GTC - Buying Advice Please

[Mulsanne-Speed]

We're moving from Yorkshire back to the South East of England - With much improved weather on the horizon, we've decided to get my wife a Continental GTC and wondered if some of you would be kind enough to share your advice on the model.

It'll be a sunny day car only, so doesn't need to be bang up to date, budget is between £40k - £75k (although I only want to go to the higher end if I'm told later models are a massively improved car). I know there've been several cosmetic updates over the last few years, initially I thought something like a Mulliner D/S 2009 / 2010 model would be a good compromise between old and new, then I think I heard that this year saw a new chassis and firmer suspension...... Or is that the later 2012 "Speed" model?

In short, I'm not bothered about the latest "Tech", so wouldn't dismiss earlier low milage cars, just whichever model will give a comfortable ride (both seats and suspension).

Any help and advice on the different model years would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Monday 28th January 19:04

[Rob F]

The second generation models are from 2012 onward I believe. These have a refreshed interior and the sharper/updated exterior look that has been in place until the new 2018/19 car that has just come out.

I am not sure mechanically what the differences were as fundamentally it is basically the same platform, but I am sure there are multiple incremental improvements as with any new model that mean that the more recent 2012 onward cars are more reliable / better quality etc.

I would have thought that you could get one for the mid 60s if you haggle.

As ever, interior and exterior spec seems to be a driver of desirability and price - black interior with Mulliner spec is most in demand for resale.

I'd recommend being firm on price - having spoken to an official dealer just the other day I gather that the market is currently "awash" with used stock due to the new car (and new convertible) now on the way to customers. So it sounds like the time is right to get a deal as the older cars are not selling quickly.

Hope that helps.

[hdiam1950]

Yes it is true that the 2012 onward facelift cars are a little sharper looking but they now have 8 speed gearboxes and the W12 does not sound as good..with the previous 6 speed box there is a lovely burble noise around 1800 rpm on a light throttle..this is one of the main reasons that i have kept mine for 8 years..sort of thinking of upgrading but 30-40k to swap for not that much difference..however am doing up a new property so i might sell..2009, special colour Anthracite grey, cream and Beluga interior, complete main dealer history, extra wood dark walnut,woodrim wheel, Mulliner spec inc.alloys,../ never damaged or painted, 54000 miles..far above average. hard to find a better car..let me know..Harry.

[Mulsanne-Speed]

Thank you Rob for providing some really good information there, on both the car and current market conditions. Thank you also to Harry for some more detailed information into the earlier model.

An earlier model is quite tempting, as I really couldn't care less about the latest tech - Touch screen for me just means sticky fingerprints on glass - Why would I want that! - And the latest Sat Nav is something which I have turned off probably 99% of driving time.

While I'm sure your car Harry is a well cared for example, I'm really looking for a specific colour scheme, that being Dark Sapphire / Magnolia / Burr Walnut. My recent 2016 Mulsanne Speed was Linen with Piano Black interior, I find this popular combination quite harsh / cold and now want to move to something more traditional.

Thank you once again to both Rob & Harry for sharing your thoughts, if anyone else has a low milage car that fits the bill, please let me know - Also, hearing any other opinions on the GTC model would be much appreciated, in order to help with my buying decision.

Many thanks once again

Allister

[Lockhouse]

It's not just the tech, the facelift is more economical on fuel by 15% or so, plus for me the instruments are much more easily visible. I've got a 2008 GT Speed Coupe in Dark Sapphire\Magnolia\Walnut - I love the car to bits but my biggest bugbear is that the dash instruments are set too deep in the dash for my driving position. I keep having to peer over the steering wheel to see the temperature etc. In the facelift the instrument display is much shallower. I'm keeping mine though - as previously mentioned an upgrade is around 40k and it's not worth the money at the moment to change.

[g18]

For an absolutely stunning and quite rare, classic combination, have you considered a Cumbrian metallic green with cream leather and extended burr walnut including steering wheel. I have a low mileage 1 previous owner 2012 facelift model that may be available soon with Bentley warranty etc she is stunning, Iam just in negotiations with the Bentley main agent I bought her from now for another car. Feel free send me a email for more info if required kind regards Richard

[ted 191]

Lockhouse said:

It's not just the tech, the facelift is more economical on fuel by 15% or so, plus for me the instruments are much more easily visible. I've got a 2008 GT Speed Coupe in Dark Sapphire\Magnolia\Walnut - I love the car to bits but my biggest bugbear is that the dash instruments are set too deep in the dash for my driving position. I keep having to peer over the steering wheel to see the temperature etc. In the facelift the instrument display is much shallower. I'm keeping mine though - as previously mentioned an upgrade is around 40k and it's not worth the money at the moment to change.

I would gladly upgrade my late GTC for a new model @£40k...........unfortunately I’m looking at £125k !
From memory the early W12 face lift cars didn’t get the 8 speed box, all V8’s have the 8speed and it does make a difference to the drive, saying that, it was more than a face lift mechanically, different suspension, different 4 wheel drive system etc.

[HdePelet]

I bought my wife an an early 2007 blue and magnolia gtc with walnut panels in the doors. We both love driving it and the original style (softer than the later ones) has grown on me. Reliability has been great in 20 k miles, now on 70 k miles, just an exhaust sensor to change. I think these cars offer great value for money and yes, the engine burble is distinctive and pleasant. Suspension set to the 2nd setting of 4 works well for everything. And yes the Sat nav is impossible to use and some people have problems with the boot opener
but everything else works fine. Recommended!

[WightGT]

Lucky wife! Why don't you take her out so that she can drive a few? The GTC boot is small if she intends to go shopping, and she may prefer a saloon for the sake of her hair. Also, she may prefer a V8 to a W12 since the handling is different. Just buy the best that you can afford, and make sure you have a decent service history, and if possible a guarantee.

[Mulsanne-Speed]

Firstly, thank you everyone for your comments - G18 your car sounds like a lovely spec, but my wife is pretty much set on the Dark Sapphire / Magnolia.

I'm interested in WightGT's comment about the V8 driving differently - I have wondered about this engine but heard that the suspension set up was different on this model, providing a firmer ride, with the V8 S also being lowered 10mm and fitted with stiffer springs. For us, a smooth quiet engine and soft ride for regular long weekend trips to the South of France and Italy are what is most important - Is the W12 best placed for this role, or is the difference between the W12 and the regular V8 not really noticeable?

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts

Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Tuesday 5th February 20:51

[Fiammetta]

We regularly use our W12 coupe for long trips to the Cote d Azur via Switzerland and over the passes sometimes to Italy .
It’s a GT and we drive it ( share the diving ) as such .
Find the ski hatch usefully in the winter and the big boot generally handy .
Umph is effortless and mpg av is 20 and seen 22-23 on a long autoroute run keeping within the national speed limits .
Sat nav you need the complete Bentley disc set ,comes in leather wallet the changer is in the glove box .This has a general map and more detailed of various countries that inc the U.K. .
I,ve sometimes thought about a V8 , but at £ 55/60 K , and in a snobby way having red badges etc and the twin 8 shaped pipes it’s will always feel the poverty spec of the range .
W12 is the way to go .

I have driven a cab but feel you are asking for trouble re micro switch hassle and wind noise and security. If the hoods gonna be up 95 % of the time may as well get a coupe , esp for big continental trips .

[WightGT]

I had the loan of a V8 Flying Spur for a week end a short time ago. Compared to the W12, I thought it was gutless. For effortless cruising it's the W12 all the time. Having said that, I've just bought an Arnage T Mulliner, so have a V8 anyway! Anybody want a well cared for W12?

[g18]

[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/kpWcAwEx[/url]

Hi yes the Cumbrian Green looks stunning especially with the optional green roof. My car will be around £62000 still under Bentley warranty, the Bentley main agent will be retailing mine for about £70000. She would be an great opportunity for someone after a great spec, low mileage, facelift, W12 GTC. Ill get more pics up of the interior later :-)

[g18]

Just found this link of my car whilst at Bentley Main agent , worth a look :-)
https://video.citnow.com/vpBHk-pB4Zk

[So]

[redacted]

[g18]

I think as long as you can buy a good well cared for example that’s been looked after at Bentley and comes with the remainder of a Bentley warranty with the option to extend etc your okay. This is my third GT and have never had any issues tbf. A good relationship with a recommended specialist such as GT services in Crewe is also good. They have done jobs on my previous cars and I found them very reasonable and very helpful. Hope this helps Richard

Edited by g18 on Friday 8th February 17:11

[So]

[redacted]

[g18]

I’ve always aimed for the first of the latest shape probably over three years old but with a nice low mileage that had all or most of its depreciation.

[So]

[redacted]

[escort 1983]

Personally I would go for a 2012 Onwards if budget allows. The main reason is that the infortainment unit was changed at this point. It makes the car more user friendly. Navigation is massively improved. Also with this unit the connectivity for the telephone and devices that will pair are vastly improved. Also imo the looks and lines of the car are better looking compared to 2004-2011.
Hope this helps