Bentley Continental Flying Spur

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robinbarke
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Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by robinbarke »

Time has come to change the Audi A6 and looking at a one year old Jaguar XF at around 25k. For the same money I have been offered a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, 2007. I would be so pleased to hear from anyone who has experience of owning this car as it looks incredibly attractive although 9 mpg around town takes a bit of thinking about. Only do about 5000 miles a year these days so could be on if annual maintenance is reasonable.
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by scooter »

Sorry that I can't offer any hands on experience Robin but I'm sure that it would be a wonderful car to own.

The only downside that I can conceive would be service costs but I'm sure that you have looked into those.

Good luck with whatever you decide upon.

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by robinbarke »

Thanks Scooter. I can always sell my Scooter Blue if the going gets tough!

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by Richard D »

I too have little experience of a Bentley but a neighbour of mine has. He swears by the comfort and superb engineering. I’ve a gas guzzler too, V8 5.7ltr which I have serviced by a local independent garage. I’m sure if you do your research you will find a willing garage that will take on the servicing at a fair price. My biggest expense to date has been tyres. Whatever car you choose I wish you happy safe motoring.
Richard


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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by robinbarke »

Thanks Richard. I was slightly unerverved at the offer of a two year warranty for £3000 but with the prospect of low mileage I may be ok. The one on offer is sapphire blue with cream leather interior 40,000 miles and one owner. How can I resist? Help!
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by nbg »

Even if you only keep it for a couple of years, it will still be a fun experience. :)

Expensive motoring? Probably, but you can’t take it with you.

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by Mikkei4 »

It's 1 of those questions that could go either way, if it turns out to be reliable then what an opportunity to own such a car even if it's just for a short while. If it turns out to be un-reliable then it'll be a money pit.

If you're going to get a car with a V12 engine then I would imagine a VW V12 is likely to be 1 of the most reliable, plus the 4WD is a well known Torsen drive. Has it had any major parts replaced - if so were they true Bentley parts? What's the service record like - documented? all at authorised Bentley service agents? The rest of the history record - MOTs to prove mileage, service receipts?

What's your thoughts about re-sale ? Are you in a position not to be worried about any substantial drop and what opportunities for re-sale when/if you want to sell it.

Blue with cream leather - Lovely colour paint and interior.

If you do buy it I wish you luck and enjoyment.
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by Bahnstormer_vRS »

Where is the car For Sale?

Franchise dealer, independent or privately?

Warranty is pricey, but think of the repair bill if something goes wrong. Does it cover electric items?

Ultimately, pays your money and take your choice.

Good luck.

Guy

PS> personally, I'd take the Jaguar. Still got two years manufacturer's warranty, cheaper to run etc.

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by BobMunro »

Robin

Firstly the purchase price seems about right. Check the service history to make sure all the stamps are there.

Based on 5,000 a year the service costs over two years (one major and one intermediate) will cost around £1,600 - RFL will be around £1,000! and the warranty at £3,000 (although shop around for that). Fuel on top of course but your low mileage will mitigate that. Insurance assuming you have good NCB will not be prohibitive.

Add it all up and you could have the car for two years and overall cost of ownership would be less or certainly no more than the Jag, taking into account all running costs and depreciation. Your decision of course but ask yourself the question "Which one is going to put the biggest smile on my face?" :D
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by robinbarke »

Thank you all for some very helpful comments and advice. I will ponder awhile and post a picture of the final outcome.

Robin
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by RichM »

It's a nice decision to have! Here's a completely opposing thought though...

None of those cars esp. the Bentley aren't designed for 5k miles a year and town/city driving. They are beasts to soak up the miles on long fast runs where they can really..erm.. get up to speed.

Save yer money and get an electric/hybrid/city car and have the bragging rights about saving the environment with an extra 15,000GBP in your back pocket.

See - an opposite view!

Enjoy your motor whatever you decide.

Rich
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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by robinbarke »

Nice idea Rich but would not satisfy my motoring aspirations. I just love large, quiet, comfortable limos, a throwback, no doubt to my earlier experience of a new 1963 minivan to replace my 1947 Series E Morris. Maybe your memory does not extend that far back!

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by scooter »

Robin

Having passed my driving test in 1972, my first car purchase was a 1960 Mini Van.

Whilst the least luxurious car I have ever owned it is the one that I have most fondness for.

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by RichM »

robinbarke wrote:Nice idea Rich but would not satisfy my motoring aspirations. I just love large, quiet, comfortable limos, a throwback, no doubt to my earlier experience of a new 1963 minivan to replace my 1947 Series E Morris. Maybe your memory does not extend that far back!

Robin
Haha - great answer and then the Bentley it must be! Well deserved and nothing's more aspirational than a Bentley in motoring. Enjoy!

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Re: Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Post by Thegreyman »

^^^sounds like you've already justified the Bentley to yourself so I'd go for that. Of course you should get one of the Breitling Bentley edition watches to wear whilst driving it!
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