Anyone running an older Continental GT?
Discussion
It's the old scenario. You might pick the car up for pennies but it's still a £60k+ car to run.
I'm feeling the same with my 7 series (f01), I got it for decent money but the repair costs are obviously still having the old "luxury Barge" tas added,
If you're savvy you can buy parts that share platforms with more run of the mill cars. Does the gently share the phaeton / A6 platform? Not that they are exactly cheap to buy bits for mind you.
I'm feeling the same with my 7 series (f01), I got it for decent money but the repair costs are obviously still having the old "luxury Barge" tas added,
If you're savvy you can buy parts that share platforms with more run of the mill cars. Does the gently share the phaeton / A6 platform? Not that they are exactly cheap to buy bits for mind you.
Friend of mine in Dubai runs an older one and, yes, he has reported some rather eye watering running costs. And he self-spanners most of the work wherever he can (plus he is a tight Scotsman and is good with tracking down the original parts manufacturer etc rather than paying for a Bentley stamped part..).
Following with a great interest.
On the way to work every morning in about the same place at the same time I see a flying spur and think what a vehicle. Similar money to the conti but would suit me so much better.
But probably like OP have heard all the ruinous stories of engine out to do lambda sensors, and engine out again to do an alternator etc etc.
But I often wonder are these tales put out there by the same people who take engine out to do a mondeo alternator.
Look forward to what input others have.
On the way to work every morning in about the same place at the same time I see a flying spur and think what a vehicle. Similar money to the conti but would suit me so much better.
But probably like OP have heard all the ruinous stories of engine out to do lambda sensors, and engine out again to do an alternator etc etc.
But I often wonder are these tales put out there by the same people who take engine out to do a mondeo alternator.
Look forward to what input others have.
Shnozz said:
Friend of mine in Dubai runs an older one and, yes, he has reported some rather eye watering running costs. And he self-spanners most of the work wherever he can (plus he is a tight Scotsman and is good with tracking down the original parts manufacturer etc rather than paying for a Bentley stamped part..).
I'd be interested in hearing some costs of you can drag them out of him.He posts on here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?me...
Will send him a link but on DXB time so won't see it til tomorrow.
Will send him a link but on DXB time so won't see it til tomorrow.
Yeah, I appreciate they were very expensive cars with very expensive Bill's that go with them, but if we assume most have spent they're life being repaired at main dealers or specialists these type of cars will attract big Bill's. If you area bentley main dealer or a Bentley specialist I doubt you will do anything for less than a grand.
Reality might be it's a £150 alternator from euro car parts and the bumper comes off similar to a a6/a8 and realistically it's something you "could" do on the drive on a sunday.
Not saying I'm right as never had anything to do with one but hopefully you can see my point?
Reality might be it's a £150 alternator from euro car parts and the bumper comes off similar to a a6/a8 and realistically it's something you "could" do on the drive on a sunday.
Not saying I'm right as never had anything to do with one but hopefully you can see my point?
This looks like it could be a good buy:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
They're great cars. I can't believe they're down so low
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
They're great cars. I can't believe they're down so low
hi court said:
Yeah, I appreciate they were very expensive cars with very expensive Bill's that go with them, but if we assume most have spent they're life being repaired at main dealers or specialists these type of cars will attract big Bill's. If you area bentley main dealer or a Bentley specialist I doubt you will do anything for less than a grand.
Reality might be it's a £150 alternator from euro car parts and the bumper comes off similar to a a6/a8 and realistically it's something you "could" do on the drive on a sunday.
Not saying I'm right as never had anything to do with one but hopefully you can see my point?
There are some really serious issues with serviceability (the CHMSL L.E.D.s need the rear window removed - and replaced to change for instance) as other people have said a lot of items require the engine to be taken out - have a look at the engine bay - it's amazingly tight. Most importantly, this was a 200mph £125k car new and it was over-engineered with unique components in lots of areas. There are components shared with Phaeton but a huge number are bespoke although looking the same. There are some corners to be cut I'm sure but don't expect that anything big that will break is "Eurocarparts substitutable". If you buy one requiring anything major it will be ruinous compared to the buying price. That is the bottom line. Reality might be it's a £150 alternator from euro car parts and the bumper comes off similar to a a6/a8 and realistically it's something you "could" do on the drive on a sunday.
Not saying I'm right as never had anything to do with one but hopefully you can see my point?
Engine only needs to come out for the starter motor , exhaust solinoid s and some valves in the trans .
All the other stuff is doable and very similar to bigger Audi’s , Mercs etc .
The front stuff like the alternator is a bumper off and rad moved to “ service position “ .
Flip side the suspension is Audi A8 / Pheaton. .
Yes Eurocar parts do lower front control arms for circa £105 - vat , uppers £135 pretty ball park .
There are some nuances re water drains and I wouldn’t recommend permanently parking outside .
Additionally they are power hungry power / volts wise ........as many other high end cars .
So a trickle charger ( comes as std kit n the rear arm rest btw ) is advisable .
Front disks @410 mm dia and 36 mm thick are biggest on any production car .Std VAG com fitment system so a 30 min job for a spanner man to change ......it’s just OEM are £500 each , pattern £300 each with pads @£250 .
Rears are £100 ....more normal each .
So new brakes by a garage ( any inc Quick fit as nothing special ) = £2k +
CCB ,s like any other £5 -7 K with the super sports .
They are built in a different league , double glazing loadsa leather + wood + metal + very thick paint .Quick from zero to 196 mph
As any old car think , 10 y 911 , Ferrari , Maser , S 500 , M5 ....stuff is gonna go bang .
BTW the rear 3 rd brake light can be done with the glass in situ .Not many theses days as the newer part is waterproof......ref to my advice of not leaving out doors.
These myths pop up often about the BGT I have this saved in “ notes “
Bentley issues
Heavy cars with a lot of weight up front + age so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper , have short lives compared to “ normal “
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 .Turbo waste gates solenoids.
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 .To see where you are , get on so to speak - on the perpetual merry go round of replace / repair .
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
All the other stuff is doable and very similar to bigger Audi’s , Mercs etc .
The front stuff like the alternator is a bumper off and rad moved to “ service position “ .
Flip side the suspension is Audi A8 / Pheaton. .
Yes Eurocar parts do lower front control arms for circa £105 - vat , uppers £135 pretty ball park .
There are some nuances re water drains and I wouldn’t recommend permanently parking outside .
Additionally they are power hungry power / volts wise ........as many other high end cars .
So a trickle charger ( comes as std kit n the rear arm rest btw ) is advisable .
Front disks @410 mm dia and 36 mm thick are biggest on any production car .Std VAG com fitment system so a 30 min job for a spanner man to change ......it’s just OEM are £500 each , pattern £300 each with pads @£250 .
Rears are £100 ....more normal each .
So new brakes by a garage ( any inc Quick fit as nothing special ) = £2k +
CCB ,s like any other £5 -7 K with the super sports .
They are built in a different league , double glazing loadsa leather + wood + metal + very thick paint .Quick from zero to 196 mph
As any old car think , 10 y 911 , Ferrari , Maser , S 500 , M5 ....stuff is gonna go bang .
BTW the rear 3 rd brake light can be done with the glass in situ .Not many theses days as the newer part is waterproof......ref to my advice of not leaving out doors.
These myths pop up often about the BGT I have this saved in “ notes “
Bentley issues
Heavy cars with a lot of weight up front + age so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper , have short lives compared to “ normal “
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 .Turbo waste gates solenoids.
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 .To see where you are , get on so to speak - on the perpetual merry go round of replace / repair .
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
My CGT is up for sale in the classifieds only because I managed to get a Spyder allocation. I bought from a good friend in Nov 19 he had it 2.5 yrs.
Apart from normal things a 15 yr old car would need it’s been fantastic and not scary to run price wiser you have a trusted specialist. As long as the important works been done and the history is flawless then as long as you remember it’s a genuine 200mph car then you will not be disappointed. A quick google picks up consistent weak spots. I’m a genuine enthusiast and more than happy to share my opinion if you contact me through the advert. It’s the emerald black one in Aberdeen.
Apart from normal things a 15 yr old car would need it’s been fantastic and not scary to run price wiser you have a trusted specialist. As long as the important works been done and the history is flawless then as long as you remember it’s a genuine 200mph car then you will not be disappointed. A quick google picks up consistent weak spots. I’m a genuine enthusiast and more than happy to share my opinion if you contact me through the advert. It’s the emerald black one in Aberdeen.
Fiammetta said:
Engine only needs to come out for the starter motor , exhaust solinoid s and some valves in the trans .
All the other stuff is doable and very similar to bigger Audi’s , Mercs etc .
The front stuff like the alternator is a bumper off and rad moved to “ service position “ .
Flip side the suspension is Audi A8 / Pheaton. .
Yes Eurocar parts do lower front control arms for circa £105 - vat , uppers £135 pretty ball park .
There are some nuances re water drains and I wouldn’t recommend permanently parking outside .
Additionally they are power hungry power / volts wise ........as many other high end cars .
So a trickle charger ( comes as std kit n the rear arm rest btw ) is advisable .
Front disks @410 mm dia and 36 mm thick are biggest on any production car .Std VAG com fitment system so a 30 min job for a spanner man to change ......it’s just OEM are £500 each , pattern £300 each with pads @£250 .
Rears are £100 ....more normal each .
So new brakes by a garage ( any inc Quick fit as nothing special ) = £2k +
CCB ,s like any other £5 -7 K with the super sports .
They are built in a different league , double glazing loadsa leather + wood + metal + very thick paint .Quick from zero to 196 mph
As any old car think , 10 y 911 , Ferrari , Maser , S 500 , M5 ....stuff is gonna go bang .
BTW the rear 3 rd brake light can be done with the glass in situ .Not many theses days as the newer part is waterproof......ref to my advice of not leaving out doors.
These myths pop up often about the BGT I have this saved in “ notes “
Bentley issues
?Heavy cars with a lot of weight up front + age so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper , have short lives compared to “ normal “ ?
?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 .Turbo waste gates solenoids. ?
?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 .To see where you are , get on so to speak - on the perpetual merry go round of replace / repair .?
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
I've had two of these cars. One was 2006 and one was 2008. Both good service history, both Mulliner with lowish mileages.All the other stuff is doable and very similar to bigger Audi’s , Mercs etc .
The front stuff like the alternator is a bumper off and rad moved to “ service position “ .
Flip side the suspension is Audi A8 / Pheaton. .
Yes Eurocar parts do lower front control arms for circa £105 - vat , uppers £135 pretty ball park .
There are some nuances re water drains and I wouldn’t recommend permanently parking outside .
Additionally they are power hungry power / volts wise ........as many other high end cars .
So a trickle charger ( comes as std kit n the rear arm rest btw ) is advisable .
Front disks @410 mm dia and 36 mm thick are biggest on any production car .Std VAG com fitment system so a 30 min job for a spanner man to change ......it’s just OEM are £500 each , pattern £300 each with pads @£250 .
Rears are £100 ....more normal each .
So new brakes by a garage ( any inc Quick fit as nothing special ) = £2k +
CCB ,s like any other £5 -7 K with the super sports .
They are built in a different league , double glazing loadsa leather + wood + metal + very thick paint .Quick from zero to 196 mph
As any old car think , 10 y 911 , Ferrari , Maser , S 500 , M5 ....stuff is gonna go bang .
BTW the rear 3 rd brake light can be done with the glass in situ .Not many theses days as the newer part is waterproof......ref to my advice of not leaving out doors.
These myths pop up often about the BGT I have this saved in “ notes “
Bentley issues
?Heavy cars with a lot of weight up front + age so figure most of this ....Suspension bushes , lower arm and both upper , have short lives compared to “ normal “ ?
?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 .Turbo waste gates solenoids. ?
?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 .To see where you are , get on so to speak - on the perpetual merry go round of replace / repair .?
https://differentcarreview.com/2019/02/11/bentley-...
Agree with everything said above.
Still brilliant cars to own and drive but you are always going to get at least one big bill each year for something.
As has been said, if you have to ask, you probably can't afford. Harsh but true.
sandysinclair said:
Well I had a mixed experience , comparative cost per mile, it was more expensive to run than my Murci . So that give you an idea as to the world of pain you could be letting yourself in for, my GTC had a full main dealer service history from new. Great car . When it works.
That's surprising. What age did you buy and what kinda damage? so do you regret buying the Bentley?do I regret it.. no ironically i don't, as when it's working , it is genuinely one of the most feel good cars there is , the quality of the craftsmanship and the paintwork and interior is incredible and I'm glad to have owned it for a couple of years , I think it's just the random stuff that would come out of the blue , that was annoying , but hey I enjoyed it , drove it really hard everywhere so I had a lot of fun in it . No it was a Bentley Approved car FSH low miles 26,000 - 07 year , no damage, I paid £46000 which was an ok deal for the time, I think my maintenance / service bills over 6,000 miles were £4200
Mine is now 15 years old with 65k miles and I have had no problems with it.
With a Range Rover for winter and having just bought a Ferrari for summer I have been thinking of letting it go, but for the money I would get for it, which would be ridiculous.
Obviously I know its history and also know that nothing has been neglected (apart from the battery over the last 2 months since the Ferrari arrived and I forgot to put the Bentley on trickle charge!
) and all work has been done regardless of cost.
My advice would be to look at the maintenance bills, this will show whether it has been looked after properly or just to the bare minimum on a budget that such a car cannot really withstand.
I really do recommend them though, they are fantastic to drive, have a great sense of occasion and (in my experience) are not problematic to run. Others may have had different experiences.
Do get a Mullier though!
With a Range Rover for winter and having just bought a Ferrari for summer I have been thinking of letting it go, but for the money I would get for it, which would be ridiculous.
Obviously I know its history and also know that nothing has been neglected (apart from the battery over the last 2 months since the Ferrari arrived and I forgot to put the Bentley on trickle charge!
) and all work has been done regardless of cost.My advice would be to look at the maintenance bills, this will show whether it has been looked after properly or just to the bare minimum on a budget that such a car cannot really withstand.
I really do recommend them though, they are fantastic to drive, have a great sense of occasion and (in my experience) are not problematic to run. Others may have had different experiences.
Do get a Mullier though!
JulianPH said:
Mine is now 15 years old with 65k miles and I have had no problems with it. I have been thinking of letting it go, but for the money I would get for it, which would be ridiculous.
Hi Julian, Does that mean you are not selling it now? If I was in the market for one I would jump at yours, its immaculate with no expense spared...Speculatore said:
JulianPH said:
Mine is now 15 years old with 65k miles and I have had no problems with it. I have been thinking of letting it go, but for the money I would get for it, which would be ridiculous.
Hi Julian, Does that mean you are not selling it now? If I was in the market for one I would jump at yours, its immaculate with no expense spared...I thnik I will put in the classifieds next week mate.
Year, the leather is a million times better that some cars I looked at that were much newer!
Be sad to see her go, but like you I have gone from Aston Martin to Bentley to Ferrari.
Cheers mate!
Julian
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