Owning a 15 year old Continental GT
Discussion
A Conti GT has been on my bucket list for a long time.
With prices dipping well under £20k now for 15 year old cars, I am getting more and more tempted!
I've read a bit about some of the pitfalls (vac pipe, 3rd brake light, carbon disks etc) but I'd be interested to hear anyone's experiences of actually running one that's 10-15 years old.
From what I've read, an 2007 car should be free of some of the original design issues.
I'd also be interested in hearing about anyone who's run one from say 100k miles to 200k.
Cheers!
With prices dipping well under £20k now for 15 year old cars, I am getting more and more tempted!
I've read a bit about some of the pitfalls (vac pipe, 3rd brake light, carbon disks etc) but I'd be interested to hear anyone's experiences of actually running one that's 10-15 years old.
From what I've read, an 2007 car should be free of some of the original design issues.
I'd also be interested in hearing about anyone who's run one from say 100k miles to 200k.
Cheers!
I've got an '04 which has just hit 100,000 miles. Bought for £16000 4 years ago and has cost at least the same to get it to a fault free state (for the moment). I should have saved a little more and bought a later model. Although I will never get back the amount I've spent on it is such a fun car to drive it's worth it.
I think I've been hit with all the common problems, engine out twice (my fault for using a none Bentley specialist first time). Continual suspension arm changes as they start to rattle. Recently the 3rd brake light. Front end respray, back end rear quarter repainted (my fault). Rear ARB clamp and bushes. Air conditioning compressor and condenser. When I have more time I'll post the list of all things replaced over 4 years.
I think I've been hit with all the common problems, engine out twice (my fault for using a none Bentley specialist first time). Continual suspension arm changes as they start to rattle. Recently the 3rd brake light. Front end respray, back end rear quarter repainted (my fault). Rear ARB clamp and bushes. Air conditioning compressor and condenser. When I have more time I'll post the list of all things replaced over 4 years.
lowest said:
I've got an '04 which has just hit 100,000 miles. Bought for £16000 4 years ago and has cost at least the same to get it to a fault free state (for the moment). I should have saved a little more and bought a later model. Although I will never get back the amount I've spent on it is such a fun car to drive it's worth it.
I think I've been hit with all the common problems, engine out twice (my fault for using a none Bentley specialist first time). Continual suspension arm changes as they start to rattle. Recently the 3rd brake light. Front end respray, back end rear quarter repainted (my fault). Rear ARB clamp and bushes. Air conditioning compressor and condenser. When I have more time I'll post the list of all things replaced over 4 years.
Thanks for posting and being honest!I think I've been hit with all the common problems, engine out twice (my fault for using a none Bentley specialist first time). Continual suspension arm changes as they start to rattle. Recently the 3rd brake light. Front end respray, back end rear quarter repainted (my fault). Rear ARB clamp and bushes. Air conditioning compressor and condenser. When I have more time I'll post the list of all things replaced over 4 years.
How many miles did it have on it when you got it?
I have seen one or two really ropey looking cars for £10-£16k... £20-£25k seems to get an 07 with modest miles on, but prices are all over the place. People are hoping to catch people who haven't done the research by asking £25k for a 100k 07 car when you can get one with half the miles on for the same price!
There's an 08 GT Speed with 85k on for £25k on autotrader, if you can stomach the interior... (blue with pale wood)
And a horrific red/black 05 with 62k for £14k.
So I am thinking if you pay under £20k you'll need £10k of parts in the first year of ownership!
Would be very interested to see your breakdown of parts costs (excuse the pun)
I ran an 04 gt from 2009 to 2019. The rear screen and high level brake light were replaced soon after I bought it. I paid the first 500 quid and Bentley paid the rest. Also did front wheel bearing. Water leaked into the left hand foot well but that was cured by regular drain hole blow throughs and garaging the car. No problems with air conditioning, suspension or body.
In the early days the engine would cut out without warning. Took BM 3 weeks to identify faulty thermocouple in the exhaust manifold and rectify at no cost to me. Sold the car privately for 16K last autumn with 96,000 on the odometer. The car was serviced throughout by Bentley Hampshire.
As ever - read the car history and don't rush in!
In the early days the engine would cut out without warning. Took BM 3 weeks to identify faulty thermocouple in the exhaust manifold and rectify at no cost to me. Sold the car privately for 16K last autumn with 96,000 on the odometer. The car was serviced throughout by Bentley Hampshire.
As ever - read the car history and don't rush in!
WightGT said:
I ran an 04 gt from 2009 to 2019. The rear screen and high level brake light were replaced soon after I bought it. I paid the first 500 quid and Bentley paid the rest. Also did front wheel bearing. Water leaked into the left hand foot well but that was cured by regular drain hole blow throughs and garaging the car. No problems with air conditioning, suspension or body.
In the early days the engine would cut out without warning. Took BM 3 weeks to identify faulty thermocouple in the exhaust manifold and rectify at no cost to me. Sold the car privately for 16K last autumn with 96,000 on the odometer. The car was serviced throughout by Bentley Hampshire.
As ever - read the car history and don't rush in!
10 years ownership and not too many dramas... In the early days the engine would cut out without warning. Took BM 3 weeks to identify faulty thermocouple in the exhaust manifold and rectify at no cost to me. Sold the car privately for 16K last autumn with 96,000 on the odometer. The car was serviced throughout by Bentley Hampshire.
As ever - read the car history and don't rush in!
How many miles did you cover?
richard at home said:
Thanks for posting and being honest!
How many miles did it have on it when you got it?
I have seen one or two really ropey looking cars for £10-£16k... £20-£25k seems to get an 07 with modest miles on, but prices are all over the place. People are hoping to catch people who haven't done the research by asking £25k for a 100k 07 car when you can get one with half the miles on for the same price!
There's an 08 GT Speed with 85k on for £25k on autotrader, if you can stomach the interior... (blue with pale wood)
And a horrific red/black 05 with 62k for £14k.
So I am thinking if you pay under £20k you'll need £10k of parts in the first year of ownership!
Would be very interested to see your breakdown of parts costs (excuse the pun)
It had around 82,000 when I bought it so I've done a good 20,000 in it and still love it. I wanted a black car with black leather as not keen on some of the "interesting" interior colours. In hindsight I should have waited and spent more on a later car but despite the costs I'll either keep this one or pass it on and get another.How many miles did it have on it when you got it?
I have seen one or two really ropey looking cars for £10-£16k... £20-£25k seems to get an 07 with modest miles on, but prices are all over the place. People are hoping to catch people who haven't done the research by asking £25k for a 100k 07 car when you can get one with half the miles on for the same price!
There's an 08 GT Speed with 85k on for £25k on autotrader, if you can stomach the interior... (blue with pale wood)
And a horrific red/black 05 with 62k for £14k.
So I am thinking if you pay under £20k you'll need £10k of parts in the first year of ownership!
Would be very interested to see your breakdown of parts costs (excuse the pun)
I bought a 04 with 62 K three years ago . Paid only £22 k then .
It’s never let me down .It serviced at a Indy B specialist .
Spent about -£8 K .
I do a bit of DIY and preventative work keeping the scuttle drains , air con drains , rear spoiler drains and fuel filler drains patent .Its a must indoor storage and trickle charger .
A heater water valve packed up , a exhaust lamba sensor , a lower front control arm .Rear pads .
Recently a big £5 k go through @ 85 K miles .
Front end off for new radiator , poly belt , idler pully , alternator leak repair , all 3 PS pipes , all upper control arms and alignment check .New track from ends , new drive shaft gaiters , oil + filter
Not phased as it’s used abroad a lot .
It needs a banger- economics mentality .
Here’s the list of stuff that will need doing at some point or has been done .Its a merry go round and you just jump on .....thing is you don’t exactly know which point and what bills are heading your way ...l
At around 10 year + old so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper .
Power steering pipes corrode there are three , two fairly easy one may need heat .If that fails a new rack .Track rod ends .Geometry ....absolutely important the difference between correct set up and a little off is huge in terms of steering feed back and overall feel of the car. Alloy radiator in a salted road environment has a life it will corrode and leak .Poly bent is life d for 10 years .Its tensioners too ought to be replaced at the same time ....this is a front end + rad off job .Alternator coolant pipes £2 gasket perishes at about 10 + years onwards ....leaks and kills it - another front end “ off “ job .
Exhaust gas temp sensors - actually it’s the wiring that heat degrades .
Scuttle drains blockage = complete engine ECU destruction.
Aircon drip tray drains blockage = wet relay box under the front passenger foot well and damp key less go relays = burnt out starter motor ( amongst other things ) .New starter motor requires engine out @ £5 k + mostly labour .
Blocked rear boot lid or loose drain tubes = boot fills up with water = knackered suspension air pump = dropped wheels making recovery v difficult.
Various aircon HVAC micro motors control flaps not working = poor temp control.Rear spoiler wires in the umbilical fracturing = rear spoiler packing up .
Front hood latch miss alignment = broken micro switch in the sensors .
Chartwells body shop has a steady steam of repairs to the A pillar when bonets fly up inadvertently.
Inner front disk corrosion as the inner pistons cease and don’t press hard enough = mot hassles.Head light washer inoperable due to coagulation of dissimilar fluids restricting the pipe diameter and insufficient pressure to operate.
A host of check engine lights due to low voltage “ house battery “ and stuff like widows dropping when ECU s run low on volts .
EPB hassle like any other VAG car —- Mostly a water ingress issue.
Seat back locked micro switches fracturing , Front hood closed micro switch failure .
Some historic stuff ( as most will have had it repaired by now ) 3 rd brake light water ingress = fails .Headlining drops glue deteriorated.I guess all older inc 04 /05 will be on @ least the 2nd set of vac pipes .The replacement part is same plastic ......so a 12/14 plater is maturing nicely waiting to start leaking .
Apart from ^^^^^ . They are great .
Keep it undercover and on a trickle charger .
Oh mileage .....irrelevant as the W12 is bomb proof ...it’s the rest of the car so buy on history ....a deep detailed history .
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
It’s never let me down .It serviced at a Indy B specialist .
Spent about -£8 K .
I do a bit of DIY and preventative work keeping the scuttle drains , air con drains , rear spoiler drains and fuel filler drains patent .Its a must indoor storage and trickle charger .
A heater water valve packed up , a exhaust lamba sensor , a lower front control arm .Rear pads .
Recently a big £5 k go through @ 85 K miles .
Front end off for new radiator , poly belt , idler pully , alternator leak repair , all 3 PS pipes , all upper control arms and alignment check .New track from ends , new drive shaft gaiters , oil + filter
Not phased as it’s used abroad a lot .
It needs a banger- economics mentality .
Here’s the list of stuff that will need doing at some point or has been done .Its a merry go round and you just jump on .....thing is you don’t exactly know which point and what bills are heading your way ...l
At around 10 year + old so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper .
Power steering pipes corrode there are three , two fairly easy one may need heat .If that fails a new rack .Track rod ends .Geometry ....absolutely important the difference between correct set up and a little off is huge in terms of steering feed back and overall feel of the car. Alloy radiator in a salted road environment has a life it will corrode and leak .Poly bent is life d for 10 years .Its tensioners too ought to be replaced at the same time ....this is a front end + rad off job .Alternator coolant pipes £2 gasket perishes at about 10 + years onwards ....leaks and kills it - another front end “ off “ job .
Exhaust gas temp sensors - actually it’s the wiring that heat degrades .
Scuttle drains blockage = complete engine ECU destruction.
Aircon drip tray drains blockage = wet relay box under the front passenger foot well and damp key less go relays = burnt out starter motor ( amongst other things ) .New starter motor requires engine out @ £5 k + mostly labour .
Blocked rear boot lid or loose drain tubes = boot fills up with water = knackered suspension air pump = dropped wheels making recovery v difficult.
Various aircon HVAC micro motors control flaps not working = poor temp control.Rear spoiler wires in the umbilical fracturing = rear spoiler packing up .
Front hood latch miss alignment = broken micro switch in the sensors .
Chartwells body shop has a steady steam of repairs to the A pillar when bonets fly up inadvertently.
Inner front disk corrosion as the inner pistons cease and don’t press hard enough = mot hassles.Head light washer inoperable due to coagulation of dissimilar fluids restricting the pipe diameter and insufficient pressure to operate.
A host of check engine lights due to low voltage “ house battery “ and stuff like widows dropping when ECU s run low on volts .
EPB hassle like any other VAG car —- Mostly a water ingress issue.
Seat back locked micro switches fracturing , Front hood closed micro switch failure .
Some historic stuff ( as most will have had it repaired by now ) 3 rd brake light water ingress = fails .Headlining drops glue deteriorated.I guess all older inc 04 /05 will be on @ least the 2nd set of vac pipes .The replacement part is same plastic ......so a 12/14 plater is maturing nicely waiting to start leaking .
Apart from ^^^^^ . They are great .
Keep it undercover and on a trickle charger .
Oh mileage .....irrelevant as the W12 is bomb proof ...it’s the rest of the car so buy on history ....a deep detailed history .
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
Banger economics.The mentality
I bought a new Range Rover once as the family hack , In fact 1 y old at a discount from a RR dealer with 8 K on the clock .Ran it up to 95 K miles over 5 years .Got rid .
Totted up the running cost inc the depreciation and it worked out £800 / pcm .
Then bought a 7 y old Cayenne S for £14 K It’s bill of sale was £75 K every option box ticked .Came with 62 K on the clock .Never let me down ....German engineering etc etc .
Ran that up to 155 K miles ., over 5 years .Costs £2 K for new set of water pipes in the V , and £1 K for new brakes discs / pads , one air stuck sensor only .Diff rebuild £1K + regular oil changes .
Got £4 1/2 k at part ex on a 2 year old Audi .
Did the maths even with £4 K of repairs over 5 years was cheaper than new due to the often missed hideous depreciation on new .£2K Pa as opposed to over £10 K for the RR .No finance charges on either all cash purchases btw .
So I have walked into a BGT with a similar mentality, done the research .
A lot of the issues ( well known ) are recurring with folks due to water ingress from not keeping on top of the drain maintenance.Also they are very voltage sensitive not a particularly Bentley issue , as most high end cars are power hungry and throw lights if the volts drop .
Basically they are hands on not park and forget ......they need trickle charging and garage storing .
I bought a new Range Rover once as the family hack , In fact 1 y old at a discount from a RR dealer with 8 K on the clock .Ran it up to 95 K miles over 5 years .Got rid .
Totted up the running cost inc the depreciation and it worked out £800 / pcm .
Then bought a 7 y old Cayenne S for £14 K It’s bill of sale was £75 K every option box ticked .Came with 62 K on the clock .Never let me down ....German engineering etc etc .
Ran that up to 155 K miles ., over 5 years .Costs £2 K for new set of water pipes in the V , and £1 K for new brakes discs / pads , one air stuck sensor only .Diff rebuild £1K + regular oil changes .
Got £4 1/2 k at part ex on a 2 year old Audi .
Did the maths even with £4 K of repairs over 5 years was cheaper than new due to the often missed hideous depreciation on new .£2K Pa as opposed to over £10 K for the RR .No finance charges on either all cash purchases btw .
So I have walked into a BGT with a similar mentality, done the research .
A lot of the issues ( well known ) are recurring with folks due to water ingress from not keeping on top of the drain maintenance.Also they are very voltage sensitive not a particularly Bentley issue , as most high end cars are power hungry and throw lights if the volts drop .
Basically they are hands on not park and forget ......they need trickle charging and garage storing .
GTC 07, I think it's pretty well covered by the posts above , my particular problems were a sensor underneath the brake pedal which caused utter havoc with the engine ,gearbox and cruise control, ran massively rich for 20 miles then went into safe mode. Memory seats were utterly useless and hell to set, needed a specific sequence, had to be reset constantly, the maf airflow sensors went wonky , the right rear suspension collapsed and then replaced for £900, Suspension set up is utterly critical to a smooth ride. The Pirelli tyres recommended are noisy and are rubbish , go for the latest Dunlop Sport Maxx, super quiet and more grip especially when cold. Gearbox can be a problem jerky changes, just prey that the vac tubes have been done, or get a smoke test prior to purchase as that's an engine out jobby. When working ... utterly majestic mode of transport . Budget £3-4k a year in maintenance, you won't be too far from the mark.
Fiammetta said:
I bought a 04 with 62 K three years ago . Paid only £22 k then .
It’s never let me down .It serviced at a Indy B specialist .
Spent about -£8 K .
I do a bit of DIY and preventative work keeping the scuttle drains , air con drains , rear spoiler drains and fuel filler drains patent .Its a must indoor storage and trickle charger .
A heater water valve packed up , a exhaust lamba sensor , a lower front control arm .Rear pads .
Recently a big £5 k go through @ 85 K miles .
Front end off for new radiator , poly belt , idler pully , alternator leak repair , all 3 PS pipes , all upper control arms and alignment check .New track from ends , new drive shaft gaiters , oil + filter
Not phased as it’s used abroad a lot .
It needs a banger- economics mentality .
Here’s the list of stuff that will need doing at some point or has been done .Its a merry go round and you just jump on .....thing is you don’t exactly know which point and what bills are heading your way ...l
?At around 10 year + old so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper .?
?Power steering pipes corrode there are three , two fairly easy one may need heat .If that fails a new rack .Track rod ends .Geometry ....absolutely important the difference between correct set up and a little off is huge in terms of steering feed back and overall feel of the car. Alloy radiator in a salted road environment has a life it will corrode and leak .Poly bent is life d for 10 years .Its tensioners too ought to be replaced at the same time ....this is a front end + rad off job .Alternator coolant pipes £2 gasket perishes at about 10 + years onwards ....leaks and kills it - another front end “ off “ job .?
?Exhaust gas temp sensors - actually it’s the wiring that heat degrades .?
?Scuttle drains blockage = complete engine ECU destruction.?
?Aircon drip tray drains blockage = wet relay box under the front passenger foot well and damp key less go relays = burnt out starter motor ( amongst other things ) .New starter motor requires engine out @ £5 k + mostly labour .?
?Blocked rear boot lid or loose drain tubes = boot fills up with water = knackered suspension air pump = dropped wheels making recovery v difficult.?
?Various aircon HVAC micro motors control flaps not working = poor temp control.Rear spoiler wires in the umbilical fracturing = rear spoiler packing up .?
?Front hood latch miss alignment = broken micro switch in the sensors .?
?Chartwells body shop has a steady steam of repairs to the A pillar when bonets fly up inadvertently.?
?Inner front disk corrosion as the inner pistons cease and don’t press hard enough = mot hassles.Head light washer inoperable due to coagulation of dissimilar fluids restricting the pipe diameter and insufficient pressure to operate.?
?A host of check engine lights due to low voltage “ house battery “ and stuff like widows dropping when ECU s run low on volts .?
?EPB hassle like any other VAG car —- Mostly a water ingress issue.?
?Seat back locked micro switches fracturing , Front hood closed micro switch failure .?
Some historic stuff ( as most will have had it repaired by now ) 3 rd brake light water ingress = fails .Headlining drops glue deteriorated.I guess all older inc 04 /05 will be on @ least the 2nd set of vac pipes .The replacement part is same plastic ......so a 12/14 plater is maturing nicely waiting to start leaking .
?Apart from ^^^^^ . They are great .?
?Keep it undercover and on a trickle charger .?
?Oh mileage .....irrelevant as the W12 is bomb proof ...it’s the rest of the car so buy on history ....a deep detailed history .?
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
Many thanks for this information! It's extremely useful and I thank you for taking the time to write it! Seriously!It’s never let me down .It serviced at a Indy B specialist .
Spent about -£8 K .
I do a bit of DIY and preventative work keeping the scuttle drains , air con drains , rear spoiler drains and fuel filler drains patent .Its a must indoor storage and trickle charger .
A heater water valve packed up , a exhaust lamba sensor , a lower front control arm .Rear pads .
Recently a big £5 k go through @ 85 K miles .
Front end off for new radiator , poly belt , idler pully , alternator leak repair , all 3 PS pipes , all upper control arms and alignment check .New track from ends , new drive shaft gaiters , oil + filter
Not phased as it’s used abroad a lot .
It needs a banger- economics mentality .
Here’s the list of stuff that will need doing at some point or has been done .Its a merry go round and you just jump on .....thing is you don’t exactly know which point and what bills are heading your way ...l
?At around 10 year + old so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper .?
?Power steering pipes corrode there are three , two fairly easy one may need heat .If that fails a new rack .Track rod ends .Geometry ....absolutely important the difference between correct set up and a little off is huge in terms of steering feed back and overall feel of the car. Alloy radiator in a salted road environment has a life it will corrode and leak .Poly bent is life d for 10 years .Its tensioners too ought to be replaced at the same time ....this is a front end + rad off job .Alternator coolant pipes £2 gasket perishes at about 10 + years onwards ....leaks and kills it - another front end “ off “ job .?
?Exhaust gas temp sensors - actually it’s the wiring that heat degrades .?
?Scuttle drains blockage = complete engine ECU destruction.?
?Aircon drip tray drains blockage = wet relay box under the front passenger foot well and damp key less go relays = burnt out starter motor ( amongst other things ) .New starter motor requires engine out @ £5 k + mostly labour .?
?Blocked rear boot lid or loose drain tubes = boot fills up with water = knackered suspension air pump = dropped wheels making recovery v difficult.?
?Various aircon HVAC micro motors control flaps not working = poor temp control.Rear spoiler wires in the umbilical fracturing = rear spoiler packing up .?
?Front hood latch miss alignment = broken micro switch in the sensors .?
?Chartwells body shop has a steady steam of repairs to the A pillar when bonets fly up inadvertently.?
?Inner front disk corrosion as the inner pistons cease and don’t press hard enough = mot hassles.Head light washer inoperable due to coagulation of dissimilar fluids restricting the pipe diameter and insufficient pressure to operate.?
?A host of check engine lights due to low voltage “ house battery “ and stuff like widows dropping when ECU s run low on volts .?
?EPB hassle like any other VAG car —- Mostly a water ingress issue.?
?Seat back locked micro switches fracturing , Front hood closed micro switch failure .?
Some historic stuff ( as most will have had it repaired by now ) 3 rd brake light water ingress = fails .Headlining drops glue deteriorated.I guess all older inc 04 /05 will be on @ least the 2nd set of vac pipes .The replacement part is same plastic ......so a 12/14 plater is maturing nicely waiting to start leaking .
?Apart from ^^^^^ . They are great .?
?Keep it undercover and on a trickle charger .?
?Oh mileage .....irrelevant as the W12 is bomb proof ...it’s the rest of the car so buy on history ....a deep detailed history .?
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
There are a few thing on there I had heard of and many I have not.
Cheers!
Still trying to get my head around prices for these cars.
There are 04 cars for as much as £28k down to £13k, but you can get a 2011 for £38k, with under 70k on the clock, which has updated cabin and infotainment.
07's are £30-£20k
There's a wide age range in the £25-£35k bracket, with a lot of overlaps (older cars for more money).
There are 04 cars for as much as £28k down to £13k, but you can get a 2011 for £38k, with under 70k on the clock, which has updated cabin and infotainment.
07's are £30-£20k
There's a wide age range in the £25-£35k bracket, with a lot of overlaps (older cars for more money).
Fiammetta said:
Oh mileage .....irrelevant as the W12 is bomb proof ...it’s the rest of the car so buy on history ....a deep detailed history .
Agreed. I bought a 12 year old Continental at 35k miles with fsh and still had a full inspection by H R Owen. Their report showed suspension issues which cost £2k to fix, after than the only thing that's cropped up is a tyre pressure sensor. The long list of things that can and do go wrong doesn't mean they all will, but be prepared. It's a great car, no regrets.
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