Thanks for allowing me in this group! I'm very close to purchasing a 2006 Flying Spur with 30,000 miles. Cars appears to be in beautiful condition. How reliable are these cars if I'm looking for a nice weekend Cruiser, overall? Anything I should be on the lookout for prior to signing?

I've read on some places that the starter is a common thing to go on these cars. Car seems to start totally fine now. However, is this something that I can count on failing in the future? As this appears to require engine and transmission removal, what would a new starter cost if it were to fail?

I'm about 90 minutes from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I've owned many high-end cars in the past, but never a super exotic like a Bentley. I guess I'm just a bit nervous because I would be purchasing this car completely out of warranty, obviously. Any tips or suggestions would be much appreciated. Likewise, any strong independent shops near Allentown, Pennsylvania would be good for me to know.

 

I bought a 2005 GT and I have some insight.

1. If you don't mind having the "check engine" light on, or other warning lights, the car will run forever
2. If you're like me and hate any warning light or indicator, the car will probably drive you nuts


I've put a ton of money into mine, but it was almost 100% to make things perfect and to get rid of the check engine light. For example, my third brakelight was out...$1,800 because I hated the light on the dash. My wing module quit: $800 because I didn't like the wing light (not that I ever deploy the wing...ever).

I had a check engine light for a solenoid on a wastegate, but turbo seemed to be absolutely fine. I had the engine pulled to get rid of the...you guessed it...check engine light.

It's reliable and runs great, but that damn light comes on and I take it back to the shop.

If someone were to pull the fuse on the check engine light, I'd save the gross national product of Ecuador in repairs.

So ask yourself: can you live with it?

I bet lots of cars on this forum drive around with the light on. The engine is so computerized with so many modules that throw codes, it would be smart to only deal with serious ones.

 

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm sitting here laughing at your post simply because it reminds me of myself. I, too, am a bit OCD when it comes to these things.

I've read about both the starter going as well as the vaccum hose leak as two common problems that would require the engine/tranny being pulled. Obviously a bad starter would leave you stranded. However, is the vacuum hose leak an issue that would impact the drivability of the car?

What shop do you use? An independent shop? What is the cost on jobs where engine and tranny need to come out?