I have a 57 plate Continental GT. It's everything that's described in this video, and makes me feel special every time I drive it. But to anyone thinking of buying one: beware. Buy in haste and repent at leisure. I paid £30,000 for mine 3 years ago with 63,000 miles on the clock, but I didn't do my research. The most important thing is to get one with a good service history. People buy these cars when they can't afford the maintenance. Mine had one problem after another. Within the first two years I spent about £13,000 on repairs. It's great now, but basically I have paid for all the repairs and servicing that the previous owners didn't do!
Mine was a 2008 with 8,000 miles on the clock, full history. However, the dealer pointed out that a starter motor change required the engine out and probably a £6k plus bill. Therefore when the warranty expired it was gone. I would have a v8 though.
I have a 2008 and you are pretty much good on everything. Not all Bentley coming with ceramic brakes so the regular ones cost not more than an Mercedes S-Class brakes. The mileage constant 75 mph on a interstate takes me to 18 in town 10-12 I never raced it no 5 for me. I drove mine 18000 miles in 2 years having 70000 miles on the clock and had in all that time just oil changes and filter done. My advice don't park it ,drive it because that's what they are made for . If I look at online auction and see these garage queens and the repairs they had its unreal,also to have an independent mechanic helps you to avoid the $ 800 for an oil service at the Bentley dealer
I assume your in America so your gallon is 3.78 the Imperial Gallon is 4.545 so that's right around 21.... 22 Imperial mpg your getting and that's realy good In Britain right now 2024 you can get a 60.000 mile 2012 from about 28000 £ and a 2013 with 40.000 miles from about 33.000£ Amazing value and honestly in 2024 the Bentley parts are audi mercedes money ... 2000£ for an audi a7 headlight is probably Bentley money and a guy did a video saying Bentley main dealer was charging 150£ an hour . If I took my a6 to audi they charge 140 £ + VAT 😅😅
Hey Mate saw this a while ago and just wanted to say thanks for the inspration. I ended up going out and buying my own Gen 1 Continental Gt and even started the world's only dedicated channel on running and fixing my own Bentley. I've had to learn a ton of stuff like filming, editing and how to use You Tube along the way but it's been so much fun and I'm getting great support from so many other owners. Just watching this I can see how far your skills have come, and how far mine need to go before I can feel happy with what I churn out but like you, I hope to always keep it fun. Thanks very much 😀😀
I am on my 3rd Bentley currently a 2009 GT Speed same year, I had a Gen 2 Onyx Bentley V8 700 BHP sold it to pay off my mortgage and previous GT speed Gen. Fell in love with the Continental when my mate let me drive his. So because I retired can afford to use it just for pleasure and nice runs out. They are beautiful cars but expensive to maintain, but that's the trade off
I’m getting a 2016!GT Speed V8 20,000 miles one owner and serviced every year at Bentley and two year warranty from Bentley? Anything I should be concerned about ?
@@shelloiluk No as long as you look after them and have them serviced regular they are great cars to own which your does, V8 better on fuel but because I don't drive mine daily I have the W12. Just check the MOT history to see if any fails or advisories have come up in the past if all green and nothing stands out you know you have a good one, enjoy.. plus you have the Bentley warranty for peace of mind ..
I won an identical one on DCG, a car raffle that had been tuned to 750bhp it was an animal!!..loved it but was so thirsty! Moved to a C63 which was marginally less thirsty but doesn't give half the feeling of being so special..tuned black on black it was monster in a 3 piece suit ❤
In 2017 I hired a GTC convertible in Jersey for a very reasonable £700 for 5 days . The car was so lovely to drive. Never got out of 4th gear because of the 40 MPH speed limit
The Bentley you hired I did too a year later in Jersey I bet it was black ..and it was the only Bentley on the island for hire ..I had it for 10 mins ..drove it from the airport to the surf shack st ones ..for breakfast..a Romanian guy pulled out in front of me ..not looking and turned right with no indicator ..bang .front left wing tyre .rim and internals .18k worth of damage ..glad I paid full collision waiver..I even made the Jersey Post. My replacement car ..a fiesta ..stayed at the Atlantic Hotel..Nice .told a guy and his wife of our eventful day in the restaurant..he flew over from the mainland to his house on Jersey..felt sorry for Me and fiance ..and then offered me his Bentley..free .what a guy . And what a story ..
That's the one ..the police attended the accident but there was a problem as the vin number didn't match the reg plates ..apparently..I never did find out the outcome
Oh no not again ! Every time I watch a video like this , I start looking through the classifieds . It gets even more dangerous if alcohol 🥃 is involved 😵 Holy shit , mpg doesn’t bother me , as it’s a weekend car but those figures are terrifying. I thought about 18-22 mpg
I’ve had my Continental gt speed 09 for 5 years and it’s a terrific car virtually the same as the one in the video. Other than service and routine costs each year from an independent Bentley specialist I’ve had no issues and mechanically it’s spot on. It’s done 76,000 miles now and I do around 2500 miles a year in it as an occasional weekend user.
Interesting video thanks! When we bought our Spur in 2018, so many people said to avoid the W12. We heard horror stories about some service items that required the removal of the engine (gulp) so we went for the V8S. Barely any slower, plus over 100kg lighter and all in the nose. Another benefit is the fact that that engine is shared with multiple Audi/VW/Porsche models, so the spares and consumables tend to be a lot cheaper. Then the fuel consumption - at 110 km/h (around 70 mph) I have achieved a personal best average (according to the trip computer admittedly) of 7.9 litres/100km. This is around 35 mpg UK which is pretty amazing, I think. Lastly, I think the V8 sounds way better than the W12. who doesn't love the burble of a V8?
The W12 is quite a chunk quicker than the V8, the W12 is the only engine i've owned or would ever known, the V8 is crass and not a patch on the 6.0 W12. As the saying goes, if you can't afford a W12, don't bother at all.
Limited production runs. No time/money to test every custom part out as the Japanese do. Most who buy new can afford to have it properly serviced and they just get another model after a few years. And Bently knows they can get away with charging a lot for the parts, it's a part how they make profits. The cars would have to be even more expensive otherwise!
I have a 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur . Bought last year with 19,000 miles for $65,000 in san Diego at near perfect condition. Interior is brand new and paint is in excellent condition. Currently has 28,000 miles. Maintenance has been spark plugs and an oil change. Other then acknowledging the maintenance will cost as time goes on it has been one of my favorite cars i have purchased and driven.
As a Bentley Continental R owner I am obviously interested in all things Bentley. There's no doubting the Speed in a nice vehicle but for me the older (1998) Continental R has the edge. When I first got it I worried about almost everything but nowadays we just jump in it an drive, in fact we toured the Continent with it this year racking up 3,000 trouble free miles. The car sits in my garage right next door to a 1988 Mini. The contrast between these 2 x cars is amazing. The Mini is less than half the size but I love them both. As to fuel then I don't care. Cars like this no longer do the daily drive, they are there to admire and take out when the right occasion presents itself, that said we averaged 21mpg over those 3,000 miles which is fairly reasonable for a 2.5 ton vehicle. Thanks for the video and the research you put into it, I watched it to the end.
About every 5,000 miles. It's a big engine with lots of oil so it doesn't get mashed up like a small high revving units. I never take it out much in the rain, it's not that sort of car. There are much better handling cars out there so if spirited driving is your thing then look elsewhere, the Continental R is for cruising. 🙂
Great review Damian of a true British GT bargain, My brother & I drove his 2004 GT to Hungary via France Germany and Austria in 2019. It was truly magnificent and when driven gently on the Autoroutes got into the low 20's. The obligatory high speed test on the Autobahn was the calmest 150MPH that I've ever experienced due to the unstressed engine and great noise suppression. Maintenance with a Bentley specialist is a must.
As with all old cars it's the electrics that will drive you nuts.Even though it uses VW and Audi electrical components you will be charged a premium for the same part because it has Bentley stamp on it. If a rear light goes out, they last about fifteen years. It will cost you £2200 before fitting. The battery ( they have two to start the car, one to run everything)needs to be on trickle charge if you don't use it everyday. I've had 3 now. They are brilliant until the dash warning lights start to pop up. Which they will.
Engine mounts go weak and when its kicked down the exhaust manifold hits the chassis leg, The fuel pipes used to blow off the pump on the tank, and there were stories the seat belt anchorage on the front seats used to snap off just when you needed it not to.
Not a lot to say about this 15 year old car with such low mileage it would be hard to find one in this condition. The chief deterrent would be cost of maintenance which the current owner has yet to experience 😮
Best and most realistic comment in this whole comment section !. Myself own and run a classic Bentley Brooklands. Lovely to drive, but so expensive to keep on the road, in top condition......
i am currently considering getting a ruinous car. I really want a Lotus Elise but my 65 year old carcass CANNOT ingress or egress easily and without pain. So looking at AMG Mercs, Lotus Evora, Porsche Panamera etc etc. Watching loads of Videos care of You Tube and many extol the joys of such cars. Sadly many many more highlight the raggidy road to ruin of such cars. But the Continental is such a complete car that it is a serious contender. So really enjoyed the Video and will now venture forth to Auto Trader with a cup of tea and a cake.
I too feel the need for a money-sucking car but thankfully I have an intelligent wife who knows exactly how I think. I'll enjoy my retirement 2022 Veloster N DCT until it dies or we win the lottery.
I have 56 reg GT 35k on the clock full Bentley history started to go limp mode turned out to be a common fault plastic pipe that runs across the back of the engine they tend to crack cost about £200 the only problem got to drop the engine witch l had done at a specialist the bill came to £3500 also if the starter fails or alternater or turbo same applies engine out
Owned a GT speed 8 years ago , it was the best car I had driven to that point in time . Drove the latest GT continental and owned a Bentayga 2 years ago and they didn’t drive any better. For 30k it’s a bargain if you find a good one
Getting a 2016 speed v8 s one owner 20,000 miles serviced every year at Leeds Bentley with two year Bentley warranty. Any issues I should be aware of ?
Oohh.. never mind the car. That wrist piece is my choice. As always, a great review. What a bargain car. As long as you just keep it in the garage to look at and sit in. 😂
Love the Bentley now owned by VW. I would have thought BMW was a better fit for Bentley and VW/Audi for Rolls Royce. Either way the cars are still amazing if you are well heeled to keep them going. The EV situation has changed the equation totally.
This video is relatively objective. Of course, running a Bentley will be quite expensive - a long time ago I had one and it was costly. But against that, I have owned a Bentley. If you are going to make comments like that, let us all see the particulars of your experience. I assume you bought a Bentley for £30,000, spent another £30,000 on it and when you sold it, it had no residual value? You don’t seem to me to have done very well with those choices….
Bentley were kind enough to invite me to the launch of the GT Speed here in southern Spain and were even kinder to lend me one for a whole day to drive around the mountains in the province of Cadiz. I can't remember if it had the Mulliner spec (which this one apparently has from the diamond stitching on the seats) but it was without doubt the most wonderful experience you could have with your clothes on. Fortunately, I did not have to worry about the MPG as Bentley were kind enough to arrange convenient pit-stops, but I did not find the car difficult to drive either in the mountains or on the motorway on the way back to base camp. I was also driven round the Monteblanco race circuit in the Supersport version when that was launched and that was a thrilling experience too. Definitely my all-time favourite GT.
Another beautifully produced video! Looked at these for years and that was the most thorough review on the Gen 1 I have seen anywhere. A 5 and 7 year old in the back on the school run…ULEZ compatible….Bentley specialist 20 mins away……. The man maths will be worked on today! Keep up the fantastic reviews 👍
Thank you for the really helpful review to dreamers like me who’d love one of these cars. One other extra cost to bear in mind is the tax and insurance, both also high. Running costs would be at least £6-7K a year depending on how much one drove it.
I considered a Brooklands or Arnage, and ended up with a classic '79 450sel for not much more money. Fast, effortless cruising, magnificent workmanship no plastic levers or latches, and bulletproof reliability. The car in this video also seems to be considerably noisier inside than the serene 450, not impressive for 30 additional years of "progress".
The Bentley might be built on a VW platform and utilise VW parts, but they are all Bentley specific and with the consequential Bentley increased price structure.
That was really well done 👍 Conversation with a friend about their new purchase 😊 Glad you were realistic about fuel economy, cost savings on VW parts, engineering/repair flaws
I bought one of the first Bentley W-12 Continental GT’s in 2005. That particular model had not been made since 1952 and I wanted to get one of the first ones. I’ve really taken care of the car serviced it ,everything you would want in one of these cars. It just turned 20,000 miles and handles and drives like it’s new and actually looks like new . I could probably sell it for $2000 and a ham sandwich because 99% of the people that want them better not ever buy one.. If you really feel like you should buy a used Bentley ,I would reconsider, because of it’s maintenance costs, I would suggest something cheaper like adopting triplets.
Agree. I seen some Bentleys a while back on Ebay and other listers for about $70K with only around 30K miles. Not bad, but you can get a V6 Camry for half the price. Granted, the Bentley is a different car but the fact that Toyotas don't break very often....hmmm. I think will choose the boring Camry. Only 300HP, but still enough ummmphh to give a decent ride in 65 MPH roads.
Sold mine, couldn’t leave it anywhere without coming back to damage. This was before any cost of living crisis or Brexit. It must be an even greater nightmare now.
12:37 I have the same feelings when I get in any Lexus from the noughties. The interior quality is always very good on those cars, but they just look so drab and dated which really detracts from the whole experience.
Theres a reason you can buy a £150k car for 30k after a dozen years. And just like Range Rover buyers find....its not the purchase price its the maintenance, and replacement parts cost. If you want to own a £150k car, you need deep pockets because nothing, not even an oil change, is cheap.
@@TheCarGuysTV I watched the entire video...same with the Phaeton which shares the chassis and you owned. You may get lucky. But when things break, wait for the big bills. And thats why old prestige cars get neglected. Look at the ceramic brakes you mention. Ouch...and after 14 years.....is it more or less likely to need maintenance? You need deep pockets.
I could buy one, but I couldn't afford one. However, if I could afford to own and run a brand new Bentley, I would save myself the depreciation and get the older model.
👌🏻So another example, for when the drivers watch is worth more, than the car… 😅 and the weight is a lot too.. platinum Daytona 🙏🏻😀 Because of the weight balance at the steering wheel: turning left will be much easier than turning right 😂😂😂
If u accidentally take the valet key for a drive and your luggage in the boot, u just open it manually by pulling the manual release under the rear seat. No problem.
Polished Wood... with a car's interior, the polished wood look can go two ways. When done right it can look amazing and give the car a really 'rich' feel but too often it makes the car interior look cheap because it looks like plastic...cheap plastic. You really need to pick a nice pattern and color or it just looks like cheap plastic.
I have a 2007 one of these in the rare st james red. I believe the 0 to 60 is 4.3 seconds. Recently had two turbo sensors fitted, they cost around £60 each. With the engine out and the replacement of all the corroded auxiliaries I was handed a bill just short of 11k.
No doubt it will have piss poor range and be worth Cluck all in a few years times I knew that Harry was in trouble when he drove off with Megan in an electric E-Type Jag that was absolute sacrilege looking like Ken and freaking Barbie😂
Well, with this Bentley which is 4.8 m long and 1.9 m wide I am wordering what is its height? I am in good company with my current car wich is a Renault Laguna Estate III (K91) 2.0 dCi 150ch (year 2009) Initiale, 6-gear mechanical transmission, whcih is also 4.8 m long, but only 1.8 m wide and 1.45 m in height. The quintessial question in view of all these wonderful body shapes of these Bentleys is the following: which of these models most perfectly accentuates the iconical British understatement of Sir Jacob William Rees-Mogg PC MP? This popping out of the Bentley logo is a clever gimmick, as Mercedes stars never 'popped' out of no matter what. That this beautiful 12-cyl. engine has also been used for the VW Phaeton was new to me. One question remains: what is the use of driving a 202 miles per hour car on these small British roads? You need an Autobahn to test this car at that speed. I also noticed one the fuel gauge drop when I was driving a mercedes 280SE from Munich back to Zurich. Thanks to this very informative and well presented 'tour d'horizon' of the Bentley universe which is much more enjoyable than the presentations of Doug DeMuro and his doubful attribution of 'Doug points'.
Your pulling off solo very well THE CAR GUYS 😮 like a 90s voucher band .. successful one mind Thanks for your continued efforts.. Expensive cars cost full stop Posh for pennies mind.. 😎
Those are the types of cars that are cheap and tug the heartstrings but then end up with 7+ owners as the intiial shine wears off and the bills become offputting. I like the car but it seems to not be ideally suited for what it is suited for, which is long distance touring, due to the poor fuel economy meaning you will be forever stopping at garages. For a GT the visiability is not great either. I'd be looking at a diesel Merc for that role.
In the Bugatti Veyron (related to W12 engine) in order to go the fastest SPEED you need to put the key into a separate keyhole to lock the spoiler DOWN
You should try my 700bhp GTC V8s - best car I’ve own and owned (including numerous Porsches and Ferrari’s) - unparalleled luxury (bar RR possibly) smooth quiet cruiser or an animal with pops and bangs (a little un Bentley like - on OEM sports exhaust) best of both worlds and with V8 engine even handle pretty well. Proper Bentley before they all went chintzy and drives better imho (maybe latest V8s is better, albeit slower and heavier and over c.£120k more 🤔)
The related AUDI A8L W12 6.O is £ better proposition In 2010 I got A8L W12 , cost me £23K 450hp O-6O=5.Osecs I managed up to 35mpg on motorways with a steady 50mph cruise It averaged in mixed driving around 15mpg In 2017 I got AUDI S8 PLUS, cost me £63K 6OOhp 750Nm O-6O=3.5 Just sold it for £40K Now I drive LEXUS RX450HL hybrid SUV Much more comfortable
tastefully done, nice, an thanks pleased you included continental history, keef had his 63 'blue lena' right looking fit Damon, we've all aged, still, yr wearing it well
I'm sort of sad they didnt put that W12 without turbos into some crazy sports car... like a production Nardo Concept or like a new Porsche 917 or something. I dont know lol
I have a 57 plate Continental GT. It's everything that's described in this video, and makes me feel special every time I drive it. But to anyone thinking of buying one: beware. Buy in haste and repent at leisure. I paid £30,000 for mine 3 years ago with 63,000 miles on the clock, but I didn't do my research. The most important thing is to get one with a good service history. People buy these cars when they can't afford the maintenance. Mine had one problem after another. Within the first two years I spent about £13,000 on repairs. It's great now, but basically I have paid for all the repairs and servicing that the previous owners didn't do!
Sage advice, Chris
What the hell is a 57 plate?
A 2007 model. @@iLoveBoysandBerries
@iLoveBoysandBerries why are you watching car videos? Bell end
Mine was a 2008 with 8,000 miles on the clock, full history. However, the dealer pointed out that a starter motor change required the engine out and probably a £6k plus bill. Therefore when the warranty expired it was gone. I would have a v8 though.
I have a 2008 and you are pretty much good on everything.
Not all Bentley coming with ceramic brakes so the regular ones cost not more than an Mercedes S-Class brakes.
The mileage constant 75 mph on a interstate takes me to 18 in town 10-12 I never raced it no 5 for me.
I drove mine 18000 miles in 2 years having 70000 miles on the clock and had in all that time just oil changes and filter done.
My advice don't park it ,drive it because that's what they are made for .
If I look at online auction and see these garage queens and the repairs they had its unreal,also to have an independent mechanic helps you to avoid the $ 800 for an oil service at the Bentley dealer
I assume your in America so your gallon is 3.78 the Imperial Gallon is 4.545 so that's right around 21.... 22 Imperial mpg your getting and that's realy good
In Britain right now 2024 you can get a 60.000 mile 2012 from about 28000 £ and a 2013 with 40.000 miles from about 33.000£
Amazing value and honestly in 2024 the Bentley parts are audi mercedes money ... 2000£ for an audi a7 headlight is probably Bentley money and a guy did a video saying Bentley main dealer was charging 150£ an hour .
If I took my a6 to audi they charge 140 £ + VAT 😅😅
Hey Mate saw this a while ago and just wanted to say thanks for the inspration. I ended up going out and buying my own Gen 1 Continental Gt and even started the world's only dedicated channel on running and fixing my own Bentley. I've had to learn a ton of stuff like filming, editing and how to use You Tube along the way but it's been so much fun and I'm getting great support from so many other owners. Just watching this I can see how far your skills have come, and how far mine need to go before I can feel happy with what I churn out but like you, I hope to always keep it fun. Thanks very much 😀😀
I am on my 3rd Bentley currently a 2009 GT Speed same year, I had a Gen 2 Onyx Bentley V8 700 BHP sold it to pay off my mortgage and previous GT speed Gen. Fell in love with the Continental when my mate let me drive his. So because I retired can afford to use it just for pleasure and nice runs out. They are beautiful cars but expensive to maintain, but that's the trade off
I’m getting a 2016!GT Speed V8 20,000 miles one owner and serviced every year at Bentley and two year warranty from Bentley? Anything I should be concerned about ?
@@shelloiluk No as long as you look after them and have them serviced regular they are great cars to own which your does, V8 better on fuel but because I don't drive mine daily I have the W12. Just check the MOT history to see if any fails or advisories have come up in the past if all green and nothing stands out you know you have a good one, enjoy.. plus you have the Bentley warranty for peace of mind ..
I won an identical one on DCG, a car raffle that had been tuned to 750bhp it was an animal!!..loved it but was so thirsty! Moved to a C63 which was marginally less thirsty but doesn't give half the feeling of being so special..tuned black on black it was monster in a 3 piece suit ❤
Luckyyyyy
In 2017 I hired a GTC convertible in Jersey for a very reasonable £700 for 5 days . The car was so lovely to drive. Never got out of 4th gear because of the 40 MPH speed limit
The Bentley you hired I did too a year later in Jersey I bet it was black ..and it was the only Bentley on the island for hire ..I had it for 10 mins ..drove it from the airport to the surf shack st ones ..for breakfast..a Romanian guy pulled out in front of me ..not looking and turned right with no indicator ..bang .front left wing tyre .rim and internals .18k worth of damage ..glad I paid full collision waiver..I even made the Jersey Post. My replacement car ..a fiesta ..stayed at the Atlantic Hotel..Nice .told a guy and his wife of our eventful day in the restaurant..he flew over from the mainland to his house on Jersey..felt sorry for Me and fiance ..and then offered me his Bentley..free .what a guy . And what a story ..
@@timwright5466 yes it was black with a sort of yellow leather interior
That's the one ..the police attended the accident but there was a problem as the vin number didn't match the reg plates ..apparently..I never did find out the outcome
What a story. Any update on this?
Oh no not again !
Every time I watch a video like this , I start looking through the classifieds .
It gets even more dangerous if alcohol 🥃 is involved 😵
Holy shit , mpg doesn’t bother me , as it’s a weekend car but those figures are terrifying.
I thought about 18-22 mpg
Lolol
I’ve had my Continental gt speed 09 for 5 years and it’s a terrific car virtually the same as the one in the video. Other than service and routine costs each year from an independent Bentley specialist I’ve had no issues and mechanically it’s spot on. It’s done 76,000 miles now and I do around 2500 miles a year in it as an occasional weekend user.
Interesting video thanks! When we bought our Spur in 2018, so many people said to avoid the W12. We heard horror stories about some service items that required the removal of the engine (gulp) so we went for the V8S. Barely any slower, plus over 100kg lighter and all in the nose. Another benefit is the fact that that engine is shared with multiple Audi/VW/Porsche models, so the spares and consumables tend to be a lot cheaper. Then the fuel consumption - at 110 km/h (around 70 mph) I have achieved a personal best average (according to the trip computer admittedly) of 7.9 litres/100km. This is around 35 mpg UK which is pretty amazing, I think. Lastly, I think the V8 sounds way better than the W12. who doesn't love the burble of a V8?
The W12 is quite a chunk quicker than the V8, the W12 is the only engine i've owned or would ever known, the V8 is crass and not a patch on the 6.0 W12. As the saying goes, if you can't afford a W12, don't bother at all.
Best admired from a distance. Like Range Rover and others, I can’t understand why such expensive cars have such poor dependability, and running costs.
Limited production runs. No time/money to test every custom part out as the Japanese do. Most who buy new can afford to have it properly serviced and they just get another model after a few years. And Bently knows they can get away with charging a lot for the parts, it's a part how they make profits. The cars would have to be even more expensive otherwise!
I have a 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur . Bought last year with 19,000 miles for $65,000 in san Diego at near perfect condition. Interior is brand new and paint is in excellent condition. Currently has 28,000 miles. Maintenance has been spark plugs and an oil change. Other then acknowledging the maintenance will cost as time goes on it has been one of my favorite cars i have purchased and driven.
Love the bentley Brookland,saw one at a car show lined up along side other Bentleys and it looked so much more of a statement 😊
As a Bentley Continental R owner I am obviously interested in all things Bentley. There's no doubting the Speed in a nice vehicle but for me the older (1998) Continental R has the edge. When I first got it I worried about almost everything but nowadays we just jump in it an drive, in fact we toured the Continent with it this year racking up 3,000 trouble free miles. The car sits in my garage right next door to a 1988 Mini. The contrast between these 2 x cars is amazing. The Mini is less than half the size but I love them both. As to fuel then I don't care. Cars like this no longer do the daily drive, they are there to admire and take out when the right occasion presents itself, that said we averaged 21mpg over those 3,000 miles which is fairly reasonable for a 2.5 ton vehicle. Thanks for the video and the research you put into it, I watched it to the end.
How often do you change your oil , how wd you describe the grip on raining days ?. thank you
About every 5,000 miles. It's a big engine with lots of oil so it doesn't get mashed up like a small high revving units. I never take it out much in the rain, it's not that sort of car. There are much better handling cars out there so if spirited driving is your thing then look elsewhere, the Continental R is for cruising. 🙂
Great review Damian of a true British GT bargain,
My brother & I drove his 2004 GT to Hungary via France Germany and Austria in 2019. It was truly magnificent and when driven gently on the Autoroutes got into the low 20's.
The obligatory high speed test on the Autobahn was the calmest 150MPH that I've ever experienced due to the unstressed engine and great noise suppression.
Maintenance with a Bentley specialist is a must.
👍🏻👍🏻
As with all old cars it's the electrics that will drive you nuts.Even though it uses VW and Audi electrical components you will be charged a premium for the same part because it has Bentley stamp on it. If a rear light goes out, they last about fifteen years. It will cost you £2200 before fitting. The battery ( they have two to start the car, one to run everything)needs to be on trickle charge if you don't use it everyday. I've had 3 now. They are brilliant until the dash warning lights start to pop up. Which they will.
Engine mounts go weak and when its kicked down the exhaust manifold hits the chassis leg, The fuel pipes used to blow off the pump on the tank, and there were stories the seat belt anchorage on the front seats used to snap off just when you needed it not to.
I have a 2016 GTC. V8. It’s really heaven on wheels. Never had a single issue. Never selling.
Not a lot to say about this 15 year old car with such low mileage it would be hard to find one in this condition. The chief deterrent would be cost of maintenance which the current owner has yet to experience 😮
Hence the entire reason for this video
Best and most realistic comment in this whole comment section !. Myself own and run a classic Bentley Brooklands. Lovely to drive, but so expensive to keep on the road, in top condition......
Classy, very classy Damian! Just put off by the terrifying MPG and service costs. But a lovely machine indeed. 👍🏻
Wonderful video Damian. Always struck me how well these cars had their paint finished from the factory.
Glad you enjoyed it
i am currently considering getting a ruinous car. I really want a Lotus Elise but my 65 year old carcass CANNOT ingress or egress easily and without pain. So looking at AMG Mercs, Lotus Evora, Porsche Panamera etc etc. Watching loads of Videos care of You Tube and many extol the joys of such cars. Sadly many many more highlight the raggidy road to ruin of such cars. But the Continental is such a complete car that it is a serious contender.
So really enjoyed the Video and will now venture forth to Auto Trader with a cup of tea and a cake.
Glad you enjoyed, it, David
I too feel the need for a money-sucking car but thankfully I have an intelligent wife who knows exactly how I think. I'll enjoy my retirement 2022 Veloster N DCT until it dies or we win the lottery.
Cheap to buy, super expensive to fix! I heard of lots of issues with the early models… buy with caution!
Thank you! This is the best review of the Speed you can find on the net! 🙏🏻
Appreciate that
The servicing bills are horrific and puts me off buying one. Might be cheap but £3k a service and tyres makes this a non starter
Service actually £1,200.
White gold Daytona + black Bentley interior = 😍
It's a winner
😅Should affect the steering because of the sheer weight of that watch! Turning left is much easier than turning right 😂😂😂
I have 56 reg GT 35k on the clock full Bentley history started to go limp mode turned out to be a common fault plastic pipe that runs across the back of the engine they tend to crack cost about £200 the only problem got to drop the engine witch l had done at a specialist the bill came to £3500 also if the starter fails or alternater or turbo same applies engine out
Owned a GT speed 8 years ago , it was the best car I had driven to that point in time . Drove the latest GT continental and owned a Bentayga 2 years ago and they didn’t drive any better. For 30k it’s a bargain if you find a good one
Getting a 2016 speed v8 s one owner 20,000 miles serviced every year at Leeds Bentley with two year Bentley warranty. Any issues I should be aware of ?
Oohh.. never mind the car. That wrist piece is my choice. As always, a great review. What a bargain car. As long as you just keep it in the garage to look at and sit in. 😂
Love the Bentley now owned by VW. I would have thought BMW was a better fit for Bentley and VW/Audi for Rolls Royce. Either way the cars are still amazing if you are well heeled to keep them going. The EV situation has changed the equation totally.
The best way to lose 60k is to buy a 30k Bentley
This video is relatively objective. Of course, running a Bentley will be quite expensive - a long time ago I had one and it was costly. But against that, I have owned a Bentley.
If you are going to make comments like that, let us all see the particulars of your experience. I assume you bought a Bentley for £30,000, spent another £30,000 on it and when you sold it, it had no residual value?
You don’t seem to me to have done very well with those choices….
Best way to lose 130.000 is to buy a new Bentley.......
So a 30k for a Mk2 2013 v8 Bentley continental gt is very reasonable
@0:21 Affordable and luxury are words that don't compute, especially when it comes to Bentleys.
I beg to differ
Bentley were kind enough to invite me to the launch of the GT Speed here in southern Spain and were even kinder to lend me one for a whole day to drive around the mountains in the province of Cadiz. I can't remember if it had the Mulliner spec (which this one apparently has from the diamond stitching on the seats) but it was without doubt the most wonderful experience you could have with your clothes on. Fortunately, I did not have to worry about the MPG as Bentley were kind enough to arrange convenient pit-stops, but I did not find the car difficult to drive either in the mountains or on the motorway on the way back to base camp. I was also driven round the Monteblanco race circuit in the Supersport version when that was launched and that was a thrilling experience too. Definitely my all-time favourite GT.
Wow - what an experience
I worked at crewe, f1 and mulliner units where we made things that dont exist beautiful cars best years of my life 😀
We owe you a debt, sir
Another beautifully produced video! Looked at these for years and that was the most thorough review on the Gen 1 I have seen anywhere. A 5 and 7 year old in the back on the school run…ULEZ compatible….Bentley specialist 20 mins away……. The man maths will be worked on today! Keep up the fantastic reviews 👍
Thank you so much, Keith
Thank you for the really helpful review to dreamers like me who’d love one of these cars. One other extra cost to bear in mind is the tax and insurance, both also high. Running costs would be at least £6-7K a year depending on how much one drove it.
Bentley has always made the very best interiors of any car made. They are great cars and the SUV is awesome! ❤
I have the same car in red. Mine also has 33k miles and I love it. If it doesn't have full service history, walk away 33:42 33:42
Great review, would love to own one, maybe even rent one for a few weeks. What a machine.
Love these things, just too scared (or poor) to take the plunge
🤔 Then befriend someone who already owns one .And they will let you drive theirs !.P.S. only if you share the petrol ⛽ cost !.........
I considered a Brooklands or Arnage, and ended up with a classic '79 450sel for not much more money. Fast, effortless cruising, magnificent workmanship no plastic levers or latches, and bulletproof reliability. The car in this video also seems to be considerably noisier inside than the serene 450, not impressive for 30 additional years of "progress".
The Bentley might be built on a VW platform and utilise VW parts, but they are all Bentley specific and with the consequential Bentley increased price structure.
That was really well done 👍
Conversation with a friend about their new purchase 😊
Glad you were realistic about fuel economy, cost savings on VW parts, engineering/repair flaws
Thank you, Chris - much appreciated
I've watched a lot of car reviews and I have to say big fan of your approach and style. Fan of the intro as well. Definitely following.
Thank you very much
This would be the perfect antidote to my company EV. I notice Silver Lady have an 04 one for £20k, time for some man maths. 👍
I bought one of the first Bentley W-12 Continental GT’s in 2005. That particular model had not been made since 1952 and I wanted to get one of the first ones. I’ve really taken care of the car serviced it ,everything you would want in one of these cars. It just turned 20,000 miles and handles and drives like it’s new and actually looks like new . I could probably sell it for $2000 and a ham sandwich because 99% of the people that want them better not ever buy one.. If you really feel like you should buy a used Bentley ,I would reconsider, because of it’s maintenance costs, I would suggest something cheaper like adopting triplets.
Agree. I seen some Bentleys a while back on Ebay and other listers for about $70K with only around 30K miles. Not bad, but you can get a V6 Camry for half the price. Granted, the Bentley is a different car but the fact that Toyotas don't break very often....hmmm. I think will choose the boring Camry. Only 300HP, but still enough ummmphh to give a decent ride in 65 MPH roads.
Had a GT Speed. Found it boring. Got a 456M GT instead. Love it and will never sell.
Good choice
Sold mine, couldn’t leave it anywhere without coming back to damage. This was before any cost of living crisis or Brexit. It must be an even greater nightmare now.
Looking at these on Autotrader last night 😂
There was no elephant in the room, fuel consumption requires a separate account and a bat in the boot to fend off stop oil activists 😂
Great video Damian. The opulence so rich, I could almost whiff the leather and hear the burble of the W12 all the way from Sydney.
Glad you enjoyed it, my friend
12:37 I have the same feelings when I get in any Lexus from the noughties. The interior quality is always very good on those cars, but they just look so drab and dated which really detracts from the whole experience.
I simply love the original Continental GT, the maintenance is a headache though. I'll take the Supersports version.
Sounds good to me
How ironic I saw one these today! Another great video from TheCarGuys! Some of the best car reviews you will find on RUclips,
Cool, thanks!
Lovely video! I feel the flying spur is often overlooked and can be had for even cheaper for the equivalent age/condition
Very true!
What an awesome cruiser, always liked this car 👌🏻 big fan of the Daytona as well Damian.. tip of the hat, sir .
Thanks 👍
Theres a reason you can buy a £150k car for 30k after a dozen years. And just like Range Rover buyers find....its not the purchase price its the maintenance, and replacement parts cost. If you want to own a £150k car, you need deep pockets because nothing, not even an oil change, is cheap.
It’s like you didn’t even watch it before commenting…
@@TheCarGuysTV I watched the entire video...same with the Phaeton which shares the chassis and you owned. You may get lucky. But when things break, wait for the big bills. And thats why old prestige cars get neglected. Look at the ceramic brakes you mention. Ouch...and after 14 years.....is it more or less likely to need maintenance? You need deep pockets.
I bought a 54 plate w12 after an r8 and found it very boring to drive . Nice car but just to smooth and no drama .
It's not meant to have drama
I could buy one, but I couldn't afford one.
However, if I could afford to own and run a brand new Bentley, I would save myself the depreciation and get the older model.
I would love my current car to have a CD player rather than Bluetooth, but then I am 58!
🤔 Me ✌ too. This is part of the reason, I only buy Bentleys from the 1990s !.
Ahhh ahhh I want a 8 track 😊
Beautiful car, shame about the fuel economy
🤔 If you have to ask about the fuel ⛽ economy. Then you really can not afford one !..
@@alancrisp1582 i didnt ask about fuel economy.
👌🏻So another example, for when the drivers watch is worth more, than the car… 😅 and the weight is a lot too.. platinum Daytona 🙏🏻😀 Because of the weight balance at the steering wheel: turning left will be much easier than turning right 😂😂😂
If u accidentally take the valet key for a drive and your luggage in the boot, u just open it manually by pulling the manual release under the rear seat.
No problem.
Polished Wood...
with a car's interior, the polished wood look can go two ways. When done right it can look amazing and give the car a really 'rich' feel but too often it makes the car interior look cheap because it looks like plastic...cheap plastic. You really need to pick a nice pattern and color or it just looks like cheap plastic.
I worked at Bentley in 2003 I remember cleaning them when new !😊
Like a lot of older affordable high performance cars I can almost guarantee a lot of owners will be tempted to save on tyre quality, a crazy decision
Did anyone mention road tax /duty??? That's the killer
Dress shoes !! Never thought I’d see an auto journalist not wearing tennis shoes ever again in 2023. Congrats !
I like the smooth overall shape.
I have a 2007 one of these in the rare st james red. I believe the
0 to 60 is 4.3 seconds.
Recently had two turbo sensors fitted, they cost around £60 each.
With the engine out and the replacement of all the corroded auxiliaries I was handed a bill just short of 11k.
OMG 😂😂😂
Excellent review again Damian. indeed a special cup of Bentley. :)
Thank you very much
I don’t understand why Rolls Royce and Bentley have not brought out electric vehicles . Quiet, fast and refined .
Rolls-Royce has
No doubt it will have piss poor range and be worth Cluck all in a few years times I knew that Harry was in trouble when he drove off with Megan in an electric E-Type Jag that was absolute sacrilege looking like Ken and freaking Barbie😂
‘Nice action’ nice AP, Tandy reference 👌🏻👍🏻
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
WTF, ..Very good video mate, I'm already looking through the "Bentley for sale " Ads !!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Same!!
the definition of brave pill
What a brilliant review!
Thanks Mate!!
Glad you liked it!
Looking in good shape. That's you not the car. Strength and solidity are the foundations of longevity. The car now suits you
Fantastic stuff as always Damian. Cheers!
Well, with this Bentley which is 4.8 m long and 1.9 m wide I am wordering what is its height? I am in good company with my current car wich is a Renault Laguna Estate III (K91) 2.0 dCi 150ch (year 2009) Initiale, 6-gear mechanical transmission, whcih is also 4.8 m long, but only 1.8 m wide and 1.45 m in height. The quintessial question in view of all these wonderful body shapes of these Bentleys is the following: which of these models most perfectly accentuates the iconical British understatement of Sir Jacob William Rees-Mogg PC MP? This popping out of the Bentley logo is a clever gimmick, as Mercedes stars never 'popped' out of no matter what. That this beautiful 12-cyl. engine has also been used for the VW Phaeton was new to me. One question remains: what is the use of driving a 202 miles per hour car on these small British roads? You need an Autobahn to test this car at that speed. I also noticed one the fuel gauge drop when I was driving a mercedes 280SE from Munich back to Zurich. Thanks to this very informative and well presented 'tour d'horizon' of the Bentley universe which is much more enjoyable than the presentations of Doug DeMuro and his doubful attribution of 'Doug points'.
Yes it’s affordable but a money pit to pit >
😂 No kidding Columbo. Yes I already know from experience !.................😮
P.S. you have to really, really want one !.......
Excellente presentation : gives a great historical info about Bentley …is more than the usual presentation about a car , thank youn… subscribed
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your pulling off solo very well THE CAR GUYS 😮 like a 90s voucher band .. successful one mind
Thanks for your continued efforts..
Expensive cars cost full stop
Posh for pennies mind..
😎
Glad you enjoyed it
The window up/down buttons on the Bentley look near-identical to our 2014 TDI Touareg parking brake, not surprised. Cool car, nice video.
Those are the types of cars that are cheap and tug the heartstrings but then end up with 7+ owners as the intiial shine wears off and the bills become offputting.
I like the car but it seems to not be ideally suited for what it is suited for, which is long distance touring, due to the poor fuel economy meaning you will be forever stopping at garages. For a GT the visiability is not great either. I'd be looking at a diesel Merc for that role.
Good shout
In the Bugatti Veyron (related to W12 engine) in order to go the fastest SPEED you need to put the key into a separate keyhole to lock the spoiler DOWN
I do love this car, but always think about the service & parts prices£££ before buying one !!
You should try my 700bhp GTC V8s - best car I’ve own and owned (including numerous Porsches and Ferrari’s) - unparalleled luxury (bar RR possibly) smooth quiet cruiser or an animal with pops and bangs (a little un Bentley like - on OEM sports exhaust) best of both worlds and with V8 engine even handle pretty well. Proper Bentley before they all went chintzy and drives better imho (maybe latest V8s is better, albeit slower and heavier and over c.£120k more 🤔)
Great video, test drove one at Bentley Knutsford a few years ago but bottled it lol should of pulled the trigger
Before buying one, get a offer for new engine mounts and at that money on the buy price.
At the risk of being rude
You are looking, errr,well, ' fitter' than ever Damian.
Either a lifestyle change or hitting the gym👍
Supremely comprehensive! Subbed
Awesome, thank you!
It will be like the ex wife. Cheap to buy….. expensive to run and you are relieved to get rid off.
That's a lot of trouble for the money
😂😂
This is one of your best videos. Can you do more of these Older Land Yacht videos. How about a bit of Ronin S8
Of course I can
Stunning, I want one now.
The related AUDI A8L W12 6.O is £ better proposition
In 2010 I got A8L W12 , cost me £23K
450hp O-6O=5.Osecs
I managed up to 35mpg on motorways with a steady 50mph cruise
It averaged in mixed driving around 15mpg
In 2017 I got AUDI S8 PLUS, cost me £63K
6OOhp 750Nm O-6O=3.5
Just sold it for £40K
Now I drive LEXUS RX450HL hybrid SUV
Much more comfortable
tastefully done, nice, an thanks pleased you included continental history, keef had his 63 'blue lena' right
looking fit Damon, we've all aged, still, yr wearing it well
Glad you enjoyed it
I'm sort of sad they didnt put that W12 without turbos into some crazy sports car... like a production Nardo Concept or like a new Porsche 917 or something. I dont know lol
I wish they made one without the turbos. :(
Love it. Always thought this was the next step up after M3s and Boxster life. And as a third car in the garage with an SUV and a hot hatch?
I see where you are going with that
One of my lovely body shapes of all time ❤
Guess I'll be buying a GT then.
If I could avoid ever laying eyes on another VW ever again...