I wanted some opinions as I feel this is a big purchase and I want to make sure I知 doing the right thing.

I currently drive a bmw 750 and a Maserati ghibli. I want to get rid of both cars and get a 16 GT Speed that is certified pre owned.

I was wondering if anyone drives their car as a daily, and if you do, do you sometimes get embarrassed driving it?

I can only imagine the looks people give you when you are in a Bentley and I知 not keen on the attention, I知 just an admirer of the car.

I also would plan on putting about 10k miles a year on it. I live in the northeast and also wanted to know what summer and snow tires you folks have on your cars.

Thanks

 

Can't help with snow tires (what are those?..LOL).

On the embarrassment Q, this came up on another forum in which I participate. Someone who just bought his first MB (the most expensive used car he'd ever owned) felt like people were giving him negative looks at stoplights, etc. This is a similar Q. I believe it makes a tiny difference based on where you are domiciled, the rest is all a personal issue.

Here in Scottsdale, AZ, when I drive my AMG GT around, there is hardly any notice even with the special platform. That's BC most everyone on the road is staring at the Aventadors, 458s, the Chirons and Occasional MC20 that pulls up next to you at any given time of the day. Where I live, there are more MBs and BMWs on the roads than Chevys or Fords.

Even when I drive my Bentley GT, it is hardly noticeable BC half the time another Bentley pulls up next to me at the stoplight. What's embarrassing to me is the Bentley driver doesn't even look over and acknowledge me....as if I am driving a Ford.

 

I purchased a ‘16 GT Speed about a year ago and love it. It’s not our daily driver, but has been very reliable so far.
My advice would be to buy the lowest-mileage, best condition GT Speed you can.
Check the number of prior owners, service history, etc. and find a good independent shop to work on it. Dealers are insanely expensive for service.

Jim

 

I personally would not use a bentley as a daily drivers unless your trips are very short, nor would I use it as a winter car. Both for the same reason, parts and repairs are very, very expensive - far higher than BMW.

With Regard to the "looks" I have an interesting comparison for you. Our Bentley is a 20 Conti GT. We have a house in Northern Westchester NY and one in Jupiter FL. We spend 6 months at each and the car goes back and forth (trailered) with us. While driving the car around ijn the Yorktown NY area, it attracts more attention than any car I've ever owned, including our Viper, which is super rare. In Jupiter (South Florida / Palm Beach area, it doesnt get a second glance as there are a great deal of Bentleys, Porsches, Ferraris, Lanbos ect on the road every day.

 

I have a 16 GT Speed, and it does get alot of attention. I think the color also has alot to do with it. I think black or gray ones can blend in better, but my apple green one stands out a bit.

As for maintenance, I have the CPO extended warranty that I renew every year. It may seem pricey at around 5 grand per year, but if you ever have an issue, you will be glad its covered. You might want to inquire about adding it to whatever GT you end up buying. The only issue is that if the car you buy is already out of warranty (which is likely the case if you are looking at 2016 models), then you have to pay $800 bucks for a warranty inspection, and fix any issues before you can add the warranty.

But for 5 grand a year, its great insurance against a surprise $30k or $40k repair bill........

 

I use my Bentley for a daily driver (mine's a lot older, but still looks brand-new). I don't know where you live, but where I am, there are bad neighborhoods, I absolutely hate driving/parking the Bentley in a sketchy neighborhood. This is a rapper car that draws attention. But, aside from that, the Bentley is pretty understated and people know it's "nice" but it's not embarrassing. Mostly people sort of look at it like, "Wonder what that is?"

Amusing story, we have a business in a low-income neighborhood, I never ever drive the Bentley there but once I absolutely had to for some reason. I parked way down the block, really far away. One of the customers walked up to me, "Hey, is that your Bentley out there?"

I did the "Shhh" motion, like "Don't tell anyone,"

He laughed and laughed and laughed at how funny I was being, acting like it was really my car and I wanted him to be quiet about it.

Even though it was my car and I wanted him to be quiet about it

Buy the Bentley. It is a work of art. Especially after the Maserati with sticky buttons.

 

The car is a 16 gt speed with 30k miles. They are asking 126 for it. That includes one year cpo warranty with it.
They are giving me 33k for my 16 750 with 63k miles on it.
Will likely pull the trigger this Saturday.

 

I have to say, that's one pretty car. Everyone has their favorite color. Mine is Black, Black, Black. This would definitely be my choice.

 

So get this, after a month and a half of waiting for the car to be certified ready, I finally go to the dealer ready to sign for the car. I ask to test drive it once more before purchasing.
The car drivers amazing.
But then I notice multiple scratches on the windshield that were not there when I first test drove it.
I tell the dealership the window has scratches on it, and they Inform me a few minutes later that the windshield needs to be replaced. They are unwilling to foot the bill and tell me it costs 6k for the windshield and they want me to pay for half.
I am beyond stunned and angry.

 

I can validate - $6K. I thought about replacing mine, thought it was just a matter of walking into a safelite. Turns out the Swedish Company that made the glass is no longer doing so. Safelite couldn't find any source for it. It is a dealer only item...can't imagine where they get them. My dealer in Scottsdale wants $6K

 

The price is understandable for the car. The 3 grand they want me to pay doesn稚 bother me, but it痴 the principle.

I am now looking at a 16 flying spur at another dealership

 

If you aren't opposed to green, I am putting mine in the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction. The car will cross the block on Saturday April 9, estimated around mid-late afternoon. My 2022 Speed that I ordered is "supposed" to arrive around June or July. I didn't really want to part with my 16 until the new one actually lands, but in order for a new owner to be able to renew the CPO coverage for one final year if they so desire, I have to sell it by May 2 to allow enough time for renewal before the current coverage lapses. So away she goes....... :-(

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...D-COUPE-256893