2020ish Continental GT - educate me please!

[AB]

First venture in to these parts so go easy please.

Coming up to the big four-oh and I've been looking around for a present to myself, went through a phase of Huracan/488/720s but my head got turned yesterday by a 21 plate Continental GT in what to my eyes looked like British Racing Green. Similar colour and car to one I've seen a picture of belonging to InsuranceJon (thanks for sorting the home insurance by the way).

V8S vs W12? Real world? Sound? Worth the premium?

When did models change, what are the differences? I've got a budget of circa £150k give or take and although I wanted a convertible in one of the above supercars, not so important in the GT I don't think, and the coupe looks better IMO.

I watched a review that said you might not get mobile phone signal in the car? Does that sound right?

Carplay? Kind of a big deal for me moving between cars. Is it wired only? Assume an adapter can remedy that?

It'd be a daily once the Taycan goes in a way the other 3 wouldn't have been, I'm assuming that's what they're made for and there shouldn't be too many issues?

Whilst servicing and maintenance isn't a huge consideration, how expensive is expensive?

Basically, its a marque I've never looked at before or considered and I'm totally new to them, but I find myself drawn to them, must be my age. I'd be looking to buy in the next 4/5 months so assume there'll be some depreciation over what they're at now with the new one hitting the roads?

Thanks!

[Saweep]

I've had both the W12 and V8.

The w12 feels more masculine somehow; it has relentless shove. Very nose heavy though and not much of a fun drive.

The V8 I never gelled with; not enough power...I describe it as an highly powered Golf. Not enough power to ever get the chassis out of shape although it was easy enough to point and feels much lighter on its feet than the W12.

I just found them a bit boring for different reasons and went back to a Bentayga.

Never had any issues with car play or mobile signal etc. Nothing ever went wrong with either. Cabins are sumptuous of course.

W12 has ridiculously bad fuel consumption; v8 just bad. I often saw 7/8mpg when cruising about the city in the w12.

I've never driven the pre facelift Speed but youd probably get one very soon with 150.

[AB]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17910679

Having a day on the classifieds looking at various options...

This looks to be a bit of a bargain?

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17541920

This even more so, but why? Mileage?

[Saweep]

I was offered a GTC almost identical to that black one, from the same dealer, a year ago for 129 so the W12 cabs seem to be bottoming out at around that price.

[AB]

That's good to hear. Causing me many sleepless nights as I decide if I want to continue with 2 cars or consolidate to one "do it all" such as this, meaning kids will still fit.

As I type this, the Conti is winning the battle inside my head I think.

[Saweep]

AB said:

That's good to hear. Causing me many sleepless nights as I decide if I want to continue with 2 cars or consolidate to one "do it all" such as this, meaning kids will still fit.

As I type this, the Conti is winning the battle inside my head I think.

I was about the same age as you when I gave up on supercars and switched to Bentleys. I've never once seriously considered going back.

They're brilliant cars and do exactly what they're supposed to exceptionally well.

[AB]

It's going totally against what my friends and family are saying, apparently I'm too young.

My view is I want a comfortable, reliable car I can use every day that is still at least a bit fun when the mood takes me. I also can't be arsed with the foibles I'm bound to encounter with something like a McLaren, and can I be bothered having 2 cars? Probably not anymore.

[Saweep]

AB said:

It's going totally against what my friends and family are saying, apparently I'm too young.

My view is I want a comfortable, reliable car I can use every day that is still at least a bit fun when the mood takes me. I also can't be arsed with the foibles I'm bound to encounter with something like a McLaren, and can I be bothered having 2 cars? Probably not anymore.

You are me 5 years ago.

Who cares what anyone else thinks.

[AB]

Yep. coming around to that way of thinking, but also accepting that if I'm not stupid now (i.e. 720s) then I probably never will be.

Doing more research today, there are so many optional extras available in terms of packs.

I think I want Naim, heated steering wheel, motorised screen, ventilated massage seats and no chrome. Prices also vary SO much.

[Saweep]

AB said:

Yep. coming around to that way of thinking, but also accepting that if I'm not stupid now (i.e. 720s) then I probably never will be.

Doing more research today, there are so many optional extras available in terms of packs.

I think I want Naim, heated steering wheel, motorised screen, ventilated massage seats and no chrome. Prices also vary SO much.

I'd recommend the city and touring packs too.

The radar cruise control on touring pack is absolutely brilliant; makes long motorway journeys a breeze.

CIty pack is just useful for the cameras and stuff for parking.

I had rotating display on my GT but not on my GTC and tbh never missed it.

The massage seats are the best of any car I've tried.

[Sunnysidebb]

I think, if Im not mistaken, maintenance is much easier than on the Gen 1&2.
Im not sure if the turbos can be removed on a gen 3 W12 with the engine still in but with the V8 they can.
With both W12 and V8 the starter can be removed without removing the engine.
For an enthusiast thats a big issue.

[AB]

I'm not at all able to carry out even the most basic maintenance aside from checking oil and filling the washer bottle but my brother is a mechanic who specialises in BMW and VW so I'm hoping that might come in useful over say a Ferrari/McLaren.

The more I look and the more research/watching videos the more certain I am that the Bentley is for me.

I'm not 40 until December so plenty of time to look and I'm wondering whether I'll get a 2021/22 W12 GTC Speed with a decent spec close to £150k at that point.

What I've been looking at recently have been 2019 W12 First Edition so well spec'd but a little older.

Black Pack
Seating Comfort
Touring Pack
City Pack
Naim
Mood Lighting
Rotating Screen

All the things I really want. So plenty of time to wait it out.

[Sunnysidebb]

If I may offer my 2 pence worth.?
I have 2 continental GT's ,a standard one and a Speed. In both cases I have the Cream Interior. IMO Tripple Black is just too dark. You loose a lot of interior detail in the shadows. This is My speed, its a gen 1 I know but imo its a similar feeling for the Gen 3. Im actively looking for a Gen 3 atm. The colour choice especially interior is everything.

Edited by Sunnysidebb on Wednesday 19th February 10:56

[AB]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411146...

This is the sort of colour combo that gets me excited. Lighter interior and not too dark exterior.

Black pack a must though as I'm not keen on the chrome.

[Sunnysidebb]

Its got to be said, that's one very nice Continental.

[AB]

Where are all the fun colours hiding out? Seems to be none for sale in the colours I keep watching reviews on.

Greens/purples/oranges