Just wondering what major differences, cosmetically between the older model and the newer ones. If someone can point me in the right direction?

 

i don't think the 1st and 2nd gen share much in common.

all the electronics have been updated. 2nd gen has touchscreen nav and BT.

engine is improved over the years. 2nd gen will have a v8 version i heard coming in a year or two.

the prices on 04 and 05 is around 75k. best bargains on used luxury car around.

the only things i don't like about the 1st gen CGT is the outdated electronics and soft suspension (even at hardest settings). The car is a rocket otherwise.

 

excuse me. 2004 to 2010. My mistake

 

Basically the same as what djantlive said, though in 2006 Bentley 'added' a better Bluetooth system over the 2004/05. The 2010 has some electrical/mechanical refinements, which is normal over time as compared to the original 2004.

IMHO the 2006 is the sweet spot (~$85k) provided you don't mind the 'manual' GPS, whilst the Bluetooth system can be upgraded (if your phone's Bluetooth does not work with the 'older' system). Updated 2011 GPS CD maps for the 2006 is only $200, so the data is very new. If you want more power, though the output is virtually the same from 2004 to 2010, GIAC and others offer chip flashing and that will make the standard 2006 CGT produce more power (~640HP/~610TQ) than the 2010 model via higher usage/mapping of the turbos.

Must also agree with djantlive in that the older models are perhaps best bargains on used luxury car around. The Aston Martin is nowhere near as well built are far more costly to maintain while the Mercedes CL65AMG is far worse to maintain [costs nearly that of a Ferrari when problems occur(!)]. Don't even think of a Maserati (seriously, just don't and please don't ask why).

 

Thank you. What about a 2005. Seeing many for under 80k.

 

I would stick to the 2nd generation unless price is the only concern.

 

2004 and 2005 are essentially unchanged.

Prices of used ones have bottomed out since late 2009. Prices are holding in the last 1.5 years. Many are getting bought from US and shipped overseas. Same with Gallardos.

 

Shipped to China or ???

 

all over, europe, south america, mid east, asia.

when it comes to car prices, USA is one of the lowest priced places.

we are just lucky it's so affordable here to get into an exotic / ultra luxury car.

 

Ahh ok. Yeah, Ferrari and Aston Martin cars are a 'dime a dozen' nowadays, yet getting them serviced in the USA will cost you $1 so... This is where getting a Bentley is smart money.

 

per China's most up to date import law, you can no longer import used luxury cars even if you pay 100% tax on top of it. Only brand new cars that have less than 100 miles or something.

 

The UAE makes sure to not oppress their people with laws such as this

 

If you think China's import fees are bad, try Singapore(!).

Saw this on the web and it looks about right:
Every car in Singapore is taxed by an import (Customs) duty, registration fee, an additional registration fee, and road tax. The import duty is 31% of the import value of the car, on top of that, a $1000 Registration Fee is charged for private cars ($5000 for company cars) and on top of that, an Additional Registration Fee (ARF) is charged. The (ARF) is 140% of the Open Market Value (OMV) of the vehicle.