Talk me out of a nearly new W12 Conti GT (gen 3)
Discussion
In a fortunate position where recent acquisition of a business would allow me to buy a Conti GT, W12, series 3.
Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
I would really look at a V8S GT, I am delighted with mine. Previously had an Aston Martin Rapide V12, and the Bentley is so refined and not short on power, averaging 25mpg over the first 1400 miles.
I didn’t try a W12, as I knew 521bhpwas enough and found a car with exactly the spec I was looking for.
Are you UK based?
I didn’t try a W12, as I knew 521bhpwas enough and found a car with exactly the spec I was looking for.
Are you UK based?
No one can say whether you are mad. You have the liquidity event so are free to splurge fun vouchers.
Biggest line item will be depreciation: so I tend to check Autotrader to see what similar cars 5 years down the line would retail at, then deduct a chunk for dealer margin. Add a bit for servicing, tyres, borkage etc, and that is your cost.
If you can afford and stomach the cost, then crack on and enjoy.
Biggest line item will be depreciation: so I tend to check Autotrader to see what similar cars 5 years down the line would retail at, then deduct a chunk for dealer margin. Add a bit for servicing, tyres, borkage etc, and that is your cost.
If you can afford and stomach the cost, then crack on and enjoy.
I'd look at the v8 if you enjoy sharper driving.
I've just bought a new V8 GTC and it is much less nose heavy than the W12 but slightly less powerful, of course. The power differential is noticeable but the v8 is more enjoyable to chuck about. It really is surprising how well it drives for such a tank.
Don't rule the baby engine out
I've just bought a new V8 GTC and it is much less nose heavy than the W12 but slightly less powerful, of course. The power differential is noticeable but the v8 is more enjoyable to chuck about. It really is surprising how well it drives for such a tank.
Don't rule the baby engine out
As a 5 yr proposal go for the W12 .
It’s a proven reliable unit.
The V 8 is well blown up VAG parts bin engine , and punches ( quite admirably agreed by ^^^ ) above its weight .
Inherently the back words induction and exhaust configuration over a longer term ownership proposal should not be overlooked in terms of reliability and durability.
Different attitude of course to a 36 M lease whereby it’s warranted and you toss it back after the term .
It’s a proven reliable unit.
The V 8 is well blown up VAG parts bin engine , and punches ( quite admirably agreed by ^^^ ) above its weight .
Inherently the back words induction and exhaust configuration over a longer term ownership proposal should not be overlooked in terms of reliability and durability.
Different attitude of course to a 36 M lease whereby it’s warranted and you toss it back after the term .
Grateful for this forum and the insights!
I hadn’t considered the V8 properly, and for no good reason really (there seems to be a few W12s coming on to market at the moment, and fewer V8s with the spec I wanted, from what I saw).
One thing that’s tempting about the V8 is range per tank. I regularly do trips from the south coast to Newcastle and would be lovely to do it comfortably, plus some detours, on one tank.
Will have another look to see if any V8s pop up, again grateful for the insights. For me it’s hard to look past this vehicle - the combination of cabin finish, GT packaging and ride, and style .. it’s peerless at present.
I hadn’t considered the V8 properly, and for no good reason really (there seems to be a few W12s coming on to market at the moment, and fewer V8s with the spec I wanted, from what I saw).
One thing that’s tempting about the V8 is range per tank. I regularly do trips from the south coast to Newcastle and would be lovely to do it comfortably, plus some detours, on one tank.
Will have another look to see if any V8s pop up, again grateful for the insights. For me it’s hard to look past this vehicle - the combination of cabin finish, GT packaging and ride, and style .. it’s peerless at present.
Fiammetta said:
As a 5 yr proposal go for the W12 .
It’s a proven reliable unit.
The V 8 is well blown up VAG parts bin engine , and punches ( quite admirably agreed by ^^^ ) above its weight .
Inherently the back words induction and exhaust configuration over a longer term ownership proposal should not be overlooked in terms of reliability and durability.
Different attitude of course to a 36 M lease whereby it’s warranted and you toss it back after the term .
This is interesting! It’s definitely going to be a “long termer” for me so will factor that in. It’s a proven reliable unit.
The V 8 is well blown up VAG parts bin engine , and punches ( quite admirably agreed by ^^^ ) above its weight .
Inherently the back words induction and exhaust configuration over a longer term ownership proposal should not be overlooked in terms of reliability and durability.
Different attitude of course to a 36 M lease whereby it’s warranted and you toss it back after the term .
Had a v8 gtc and loved it, very capable car.
Then bought the current model w12 and still have it now.
Wouldn’t go back to a v8 after the w12 as it’s a much nicer car to drive and if driven sensibly I’ve seen between 31- 33 mpg.
The new model is a much better car than my 2014 V8 was.
Just my opinion.
Good luck with your search though..
Then bought the current model w12 and still have it now.
Wouldn’t go back to a v8 after the w12 as it’s a much nicer car to drive and if driven sensibly I’ve seen between 31- 33 mpg.
The new model is a much better car than my 2014 V8 was.
Just my opinion.
Good luck with your search though..
TonyF said:
Had a v8 gtc and loved it, very capable car.
Then bought the current model w12 and still have it now.
Wouldn’t go back to a v8 after the w12 as it’s a much nicer car to drive and if driven sensibly I’ve seen between 31- 33 mpg.
The new model is a much better car than my 2014 V8 was.
Just my opinion.
Good luck with your search though..
you aren't really comparing apples with apples though; a new Bentley is always going to be a better car than an old one.Then bought the current model w12 and still have it now.
Wouldn’t go back to a v8 after the w12 as it’s a much nicer car to drive and if driven sensibly I’ve seen between 31- 33 mpg.
The new model is a much better car than my 2014 V8 was.
Just my opinion.
Good luck with your search though..
k:
I've owned two Bentleys - One was a 2016 Mulsanne Speed and the other a 2020 Continental GTC W12. I bought them both new.
I lost £51,000 in 16 months and 10k miles on the Mulsanne (even after it was reduced by more than £100k) - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £163,000 in 16 months!!
The Continental GTC W12 lost £32,000 in 3 months and I drove it less than 100 miles!! - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £52,000 in 3 months!!
You will obviously reduce this loss slightly by buying a used example with 10-20k miles, but expect to get shafted when you come to sell, especially if you're like me and don't stick with the expected term, in your case 5 years.
Personally, I would only ever buy another Bentley if the previous owners have already taken somewhere in the region of 70% of its depreciation.
I'll probably look to pick up another low mileage Continental GTC W12 at around £70,000 - I don't think I'll have to wait too long......
Myself and many others on here will tell you, they've never lost as much money on a car, as they have on a Bentley!!
I lost £51,000 in 16 months and 10k miles on the Mulsanne (even after it was reduced by more than £100k) - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £163,000 in 16 months!!
The Continental GTC W12 lost £32,000 in 3 months and I drove it less than 100 miles!! - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £52,000 in 3 months!!
You will obviously reduce this loss slightly by buying a used example with 10-20k miles, but expect to get shafted when you come to sell, especially if you're like me and don't stick with the expected term, in your case 5 years.
Personally, I would only ever buy another Bentley if the previous owners have already taken somewhere in the region of 70% of its depreciation.
I'll probably look to pick up another low mileage Continental GTC W12 at around £70,000 - I don't think I'll have to wait too long......
Myself and many others on here will tell you, they've never lost as much money on a car, as they have on a Bentley!!
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Tuesday 15th June 21:14
Mulsanne-Speed said:
I've owned two Bentleys - One was a 2016 Mulsanne Speed and the other a 2020 Continental GTC W12. I bought them both new.
I lost £51,000 in 16 months and 10k miles on the Mulsanne (even after it was reduced by more than £100k) - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £163,000 in 16 months!!
The Continental GTC W12 lost £32,000 in 3 months and I drove it less than 100 miles!! - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £52,000 in 3 months!!
You will obviously reduce this loss slightly by buying a used example with 10-20k miles, but expect to get shafted when you come to sell, especially if you're like me and don't stick with the expected term, in your case 5 years.
Personally, I would only ever buy another Bentley if the previous owners have already taken somewhere in the region of 70% of its depreciation.
I'll probably look to pick up another low mileage Continental GTC W12 at around £70,000 - I don't think I'll have to wait too long......
Myself and many others on here will tell you, they've never lost as much money on a car, as they have on a Bentley!!
I feel ya. I've just bought my second new Bentley in 2 years. I swore I'd never do it again after the deprecation of the first one.I lost £51,000 in 16 months and 10k miles on the Mulsanne (even after it was reduced by more than £100k) - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £163,000 in 16 months!!
The Continental GTC W12 lost £32,000 in 3 months and I drove it less than 100 miles!! - Real loss if I'd paid RRP would have been £52,000 in 3 months!!
You will obviously reduce this loss slightly by buying a used example with 10-20k miles, but expect to get shafted when you come to sell, especially if you're like me and don't stick with the expected term, in your case 5 years.
Personally, I would only ever buy another Bentley if the previous owners have already taken somewhere in the region of 70% of its depreciation.
I'll probably look to pick up another low mileage Continental GTC W12 at around £70,000 - I don't think I'll have to wait too long......
Myself and many others on here will tell you, they've never lost as much money on a car, as they have on a Bentley!!
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Tuesday 15th June 21:14
Problem is...there's nothing else quite like them. I have no idea what else to buy!
Saweep said:
I feel ya. I've just bought my second new Bentley in 2 years. I swore I'd never do it again after the deprecation of the first one.
Problem is...there's nothing else quite like them. I have no idea what else to buy!
I can't deny that the workmanship on the leatherwork (in particular the Mulliner spec) is exquisite - Even better than current Rolls-Royce!!Problem is...there's nothing else quite like them. I have no idea what else to buy!
However, for me, much of the Bentley switchgear and current build quality is simply not at the standard it was, or should be for the price Bentley are asking.
The Mulsanne Speed I previously owned, in my opinion, was the last of the true Bentley greats and built to an extremely high standard - It was all beautifully crafted and brought with it that special sense of occasion.
While I suspect many will disagree with me, I feel what's left of Bentley, (with the exception of the leather work) largely feels like a "volume product".
But then to be fair to Bentley, what doesn't....... In my opinion, even Rolls-Royce are heading down this same road.
Sadly, I fear the days of a beautifully handcrafted car, which delivers a true sense of occasion are pretty much over.
Mercutio said:
In a fortunate position where recent acquisition of a business would allow me to buy a Conti GT, W12, series 3.
Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
I was in the same position 2 months ago, having longed for one since their release, Bramshaws kindly gave me a 48hr test drive and i returned it 24hrs later very disappointed.Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
The S63 or S65 is such a better car but if your heart desires that badge then i doubt anything else will do, and they certainly dont let you forget that your driving a Bentley, badges and projections everywhere, i found it quite tacky tbh, driving it i forgot i was meant to be driving something special, which shouldnt be the case.
Collect the S65 next week.
Dont drive an S63 coupe or cabriolet if you want to like the Bentley (badge aside of course)
Edited by LeroyLoser on Wednesday 16th June 21:34
jeyjey said:
I don't drive any car for the badge. I'm too old for that.
And while I've got a soft spot for the S-Class (having owned 4 or 5 of them), they don't in any way instil the same feeling in me as my Arnage.
I've never owned a Conti though, so I can't comment on them.
I’d agree with that, that’s really my point, the gen 3 has list that old Bentley feeling, I’d have the older style in a heart beat were it not for the lack of tech and (possibly) reliability, not actual been in a late RR but they do seem to be holding onto their older ways better than Bentley.And while I've got a soft spot for the S-Class (having owned 4 or 5 of them), they don't in any way instil the same feeling in me as my Arnage.
I've never owned a Conti though, so I can't comment on them.
Mercutio said:
This is interesting! It’s definitely going to be a “long termer” for me so will factor that in.
My advice would be to try to get more insight into real world servicing costs. I have a few cars, including 2x Astons and 1x GTC, and out of all of them the Bentley costs the most to run (its 3 year service and mot was almost exactly what it cost for the pair of Astons combined!) and has spent more time than the others laid up/in the workshop. Not blown away by the dealer experience either. As a car it has a strange combination of solidity and fragility and being 4x4 and auto also means that when it does throw its toys out of the pram it’s hard to shift (and surprisingly when it does get immobilised the dealer’s reaction is to suggest calling the AA/RAC to get it recovered to them!).
I have a high tolerance for vehicle quirks and expenditure but am reaching the point where I think it’ll get fixed (again) and sold... overall it just hasn’t provided the ownership experience expected.
LooneyTunes said:
Mercutio said:
This is interesting! It’s definitely going to be a “long termer” for me so will factor that in.
My advice would be to try to get more insight into real world servicing costs. I have a few cars, including 2x Astons and 1x GTC, and out of all of them the Bentley costs the most to run (its 3 year service and mot was almost exactly what it cost for the pair of Astons combined!) and has spent more time than the others laid up/in the workshop. Not blown away by the dealer experience either. As a car it has a strange combination of solidity and fragility and being 4x4 and auto also means that when it does throw its toys out of the pram it’s hard to shift (and surprisingly when it does get immobilised the dealer’s reaction is to suggest calling the AA/RAC to get it recovered to them!).
I have a high tolerance for vehicle quirks and expenditure but am reaching the point where I think it’ll get fixed (again) and sold... overall it just hasn’t provided the ownership experience expected.
Bramshaws service at trying to get me into a car were exemplary mind, but then thats a given i guess, dont know what their after sales would be like
Mercutio said:
In a fortunate position where recent acquisition of a business would allow me to buy a Conti GT, W12, series 3.
Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
The W12 cars divide opinion. Undoubtedly less nimble than the V8, but they sound glorious and have effortless power. There is also the sense that they are the full experience and not the budget version.Am looking at ones with 10-20k in mileage on them, around £125-£140k in price.
I want to keep it for 5 years or so - it’ll be my one car, daily driver, maybe 8-10k in mileage a year.
My question is - am I mad? Will the depreciation be something like £15-£20k a year? Am I going to take a huge bath just to own my dream?
Personally, I like the Speed versions of the W12 but the Gen 3 car won’t fit your brief, even if you can buy one.
As you have an eye on depreciation, have you considered a Gen 2? The time to have bought one was last year ideally, but there are still virtually unused examples out there for a lot less money than Gen 3 cars. Bentley Tunbridge Wells has two Gen 2 Speeds for sale with under 1k miles from new.
All of which said, Bentleys at any age and price point are not cheap to run. You can buy something that will do most of the same stuff and pay a lot less. But there is a sense of occasion with a Bentley that you don’t get with most other marques.
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