Well sorry about all these questions, just need to learn somethings before making a big purchase and I feel like a lot of the salesman are not super knowledgable, nice, and inviting as they used to be. Ok well, let's get to the point. Why did you buy a bentley? What where some of the things you has speculations about before you bought yours? What would you have done different (if anything). And what has your overall experience been so far. Plus would you buy a used 09 continental gt mulliner or wait and buy a new one when the v8 version comes out. I don need a W12 for daily driving. Thankyou

 

I beg to differ.. I think you owe it to yourself to have a W12 for a daily driver..

I love it.. v8's are for wussies..

I bought the bentley for something different. In my neck of the woods there just arnt that many..

 

I agree. Just look at the number of posts on the forum main page for bentley vs others. It's a rare breed. I wouldn't have considered one if I hadn't been exposed to the brand by a friend. Bentley sounds stuffy. But quite the contrary. It does comfort, pinage (sp), speed, and luxury all extremely well balanced. And nearly 200mph, legit. I did 186 with 5 adults in a flying spur, smooth as 70mph. They're fast no doubt. And sexy as hell.

I'm from south Texas too, but live in NC and can say the rarity is nice. As soon as anyone rides in it, the pretense seems to vanish from their minds.

 

To put in simply:

1) The Best Interior Around
2) W12 TT Engine (I am getting Ready for a Tune and Exhaust )
3) Reliable
4) Its a Bentley

The only thing that sucks in the Pre 2012 GT is the gadgetry. 2009s and above were improved, but the 2012s have touch screen, better audio, bluetooth, top of the line ipod integration, much better nav and much better interface.

Since performance isn't a huge issue for you and if there isn't much difference in price between an 09 CGT and a 2012 V8, go for 2012 and spec yourself what is arguably the nicest interior in the world, the exact way you want it.

 

Excellent questions.

1. Build quality
2. Reliability
3. Service (includes how they treat you plus total cost of ownership)
4. Visual styling and overall ability (HP/TQ, handling, ride comfort, etc)
4a. All-wheel drive, as we get snow by the meter/yard here.
5. Sound quality of audio system (am tired of installing high-end system in EVERY ONE of my cars)
6. Grace, elegance, and maturity (the Bentley brings in people of quality and substance both as owners and car enthusiasts/onlookers)

Would i have done anything different in hindsight? No. The more she is driven the more i have come to truly appreciate not just the Big Picture, yet also the small things that make up the whole. It is the 'gestalt' of the entire driving/grand touring experience. As an example, yesterday was a day where i chose to drive to nowhere. Literally, just hop in the car and drive for hours with no destination and not even a clue where i was going per se. Once i was at a psudo half-way to three-quarter point, the GPS took me home as had no idea where i was per se. It was a wonderful drive through the countryside. In two to three weeks when the leaves are at peak changing it will be a 3+ hour drive to 'nowhere', then find a Bed & Breakfast to sleep, then home via GPS the next day from wherever the car has taken me (read: another no destination in specific drive). Hmm... maybe include a picnic lunch in the middle on an open grass field, perhaps horses by someone's barn, etc. Interesting as when you are by someone's private property enjoying a picnic and they see the Bentley, they seem more appreciative in letting you use their open field for a romantic picnic with that special lady.

 

Just don't forget the mustard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmannAYiwh0

 

Racerx... ROFL!!!!!!!!

But then again that is for Rolls guys, where being chauffeured is the appropriate thing to do. Bentley guys are DRIVERS

Racerx, the Bentley draws far better.... than the Ferrari EVER did.

 

Don't buy a V8, no matter how attractive/cheap it will be.

When I had a Merc SL600 V12, you could option the identically exteriored SL350 unbadged... that's how embarrassing it was to own a low power version. Of course, everyone always knew by the absence of the badge.

Real men (and maybe Paris Hilton and a few straggling hiphoppers) always go for the top shelf Bentleys

 

There are alot of Bentley's around for one , I would say the breed pf guys don't tend to sit around on forums , a few of my friends own them and iv driven one for a few months , the best DD around if you have the money , that's what most buy them for , they have their weekend lambo/Ferrari and there work car the bentley falls in that category

Good luck

 

Yes, but the ones who do are enthusiasts, and that's the best form of guidance in these matters!

 

I concur...

 

No V8 for me. Why buy a supercar and dumb it down???????????? I think it is a mistake for Bentley to even make the car with a less than motor. I hate to see premium brands cater to lower markets just to sell a few more models that compromise the brand.

Mercedes and Lexus have gone slumming with some of their models.

The Bentley Continental Series are super luxury, sporty cars with a fit and finish above most manufactures. After driving the GTC most others appeared cheap. The ride is very tight but not harsh with no unpleasant noises on the road.

Now that I have a Bentley where can a man go from here? A newer model?

 

Excellent question and after over a year of driving the CGT in the sun, heavy rain showers, deep snow... so far no other car has been 'on my radar'... other than as you have said "A newer model". We car guys go through automobiles like some go through clothing, yet the CGT is like your fave pair of jeans that look and fit just right year after year after year.

 

I have read your testimonies about this car in the snow and that makes me terrified. I do not know if I have the ***** to drive this in slick road conditions. I have a 4-wheel drive truck that can do that duty. In East TN we have hilly roads and it's not the going that I fear it's the stopping.

 

I read in a magazine recently that Bentley has decided not to do the V8 model. I don't remember the reasons. Who knows if this is accurate, we'll know when several sources repeat this information or Bentley says it directly.
For the record, I don't think it was the right thing to do anyway. It's a big and heavy premium car. It needs every bit of power to remain the star performer it has become.