It Has Problems But Does My £18K Bentley Drive Like A Luxury Car ? 2005 Bentley GT 

I’m into my 3rd week of ownership of my 05 Continental GT, uncannily like this one in the video - dark blue, Mulliner spec (it’s a must have) and with after-market infotainment head unit (known as BENHUR). Major difference is mine has Portland stone leather seats, so much lighter interior ambience. I’m thoroughly enjoying ownership so far. It’s incredibly comfortable, stupidly quick when you want it to be, and the 4 wheel drive gives it reassuringly good grip in all conditions. I’ve got a local Bentley specialist for servicing (~ £500 to £700 per year) and the road tax is £360 for the year, not the higher amounts that some folks are quoting. I have a multi-car policy with Privilege so insurance isn’t too scary either, especially as this is an addition to my existing collection (Audi A8, Boxster and a concours Frogeye Sprite classic) I’m finding the aftermarket BENHUR unit a big bonus tbh - it’s not as visually ‘elegant’ as the original kit, but it’s got DAB and Android Auto which gives me incredibly easy satnav and Bluetooth phone etc. The fuel consumption is certainly not for the faint hearted or parsimonious punter, especially if you use all the torque and BHP regularly. But I’ll enjoy the pleasure of this before we’re all forced into EVs and all the anxiety and false economies they entail. I’m a realist, so I know my Bentley ‘bubble’ will burst at some point when an electrical gremlin or two pops up, but that’s why I’ve already started building a relationship with my local Bentley specialist. Until then, I’ll enjoy occasional sunny day and high-day use and the smiles that this phenomenal car gives me, and at a stupidly affordable price

I very nearly bought one of these but the prospective running costs meant my mind did eventually overrule my heart. It's good to see youtubers living the nightmare instead. For what you outlay even with some repairs you have to admit it is an awful lot of car. You can't even buy a new VW Polo for this anymore!

Hi Jack, if u need spare parts, it's worth to find out the OE number and check if the parts are available for a VW as well. It saves a lot of money.

That bit of curvy road being known as “Harry’s Road” made me smile. I’ve seen a few RU-vidrs on it but that’s the first time I’ve ever seen it called out like that. Says a lot about his reach and deservedly so. Working my way through your back catalogue Jack and enjoying doing so. Particularly your Alfa 147 vids. Very tempted although they are thin on the ground here in Canada. Cheers

The lag in the throttle is an easy $150 fix. The controller made for the 3.6 vw motor is a two minute plug-in on the pedal,👍

If I was able to buy cars like this at their elevated prices and running costs I would expect perfection in reliability, build quality and after sales service. I had a S class which was magnificent now in retirement I have a Dacia Duster which has also been magnificent. Great review keep them coming.

I'm 3 years owner of a 2004 GT, and you see that smile, that's why I bought mine, "every mile, a smile", so long as you get a good one, there's no risk, had a mid service, £800, also 2 heat sensors on the exhaust, £600, that's it, in 3 years, 20 mog Derbyshire to Cornwall, £228 insurance for the year, it's a no brainer, absolutely stunning cat that turns heads and gets compliments all the time

Love your showing how good these car's can be. I have 12 year old SuperSport..... and love it.... 650 bhp and 0-60 .... in 3.6 seconds.... 🙂

As a bass player, loving low sounds, I love the sound of the W12. Drove one for a couple of days and I loved it.

Hey Jack, saw this playlist a while ago and just wanted to say thanks for the inspration to make videos better. I ended up going out and buying my own Gen 1 Continental Gt and even started the world's only dedicated channel on running and fixing my own Bentley. I've had to learn a ton of stuff like filming, editing and how to use You Tube along the way but it's been so much fun and I'm getting great support from so many other owners. Just watching this I can see how far your skills have come, and how far mine need to go before I can feel happy with what I churn out but like you, I hope to always keep it fun. Thanks very much

Thanks Jack, glad you're enjoying it despite the weather, will be good to see how the latest cars have improved (or not)! Don't forget to wear your lucky PJ's on service day! 🙏🙏

I've owned two old Bentleys. A 1975 T1 replaced with a 1988 TurboR. They were hobby cars that I did the occasional wedding with in the hope they would help with the upkeep (they didn’t). When I had the T1 I was lucky enough to be invited to tour the Crewe factory in August 2005. VW had spent a billion Euros upgrading the place and it really showed. The Continental line was just like you imagine a car plant. Bodies coming in via a monorail and married to the chassis. They were turning them out in increasing numbers. Quality was preeminent. I talked to a woman stitching the leather on a steering wheel which she said on average took four hours. It required one continuous thread. If it broke she had to start again no matter how far she'd got. The Arnage line was old school. A dedicated team in a separate area, hand building each bespoke car. I'd love another Bentley but I'm retired now and have to make do with my trusty 21 year old Nissan X Trail. Ho hum, Ill keep doing the lottery.

Another great video! Harry and Jack's road would be more precise and yes, those two centre line pot holes in the essess are now beginning to worry me...

Rule of thumb. If you couldn’t afford to buy it new you probably can’t afford to run it second hand. But with a car like that it’s smiles per gallon, not miles per gallon. I used to own an XKR-S (4.2L). Loved it to bits. Eventually sold it just before I retired. Downsides- ride was just a little too firm and there was a fair amount of road noise in the cab. Maybe it’s an age thing but I bought an Evoque and enjoy the comfort and softer ride.

Hi for your throttle problem , get a Sprint Booster that plugs in between the pedal and the loom, you can change the settings to how you like it, as it has a remote switch with display , i use one on my volvo s60 D5 as i did not like the long travel,it will also make a good video, Dave

I had one for 6 yrs put on 60 K .A bit heavy up front , needs fresh geo to tighten up the steering .The VW / Audi A8 cross parts ( details from forums ) pretty easy to DIY .Reliable too .My favourite bit was the double glazing = quiet inside .

A Bentley for a cruisy Sunday lunch in the country, A Ferrari for a spirited drive in the country, A Lotus for track days and a hot hatch for daily driving. Sounds like you have close to the perfect balance in your garage and good coverage across genres for RU-vid content!! Love this car, its interior looks beautiful and look forward to continued content on this beauty.

This reminds me of a MK1 Ford Capri I owned in the 70s. It only had a 1.3 litre engine but could also really move.

I think the Bentley is a fantastic car especially on the used car market.... But Im definitely not brave enough to buy one..... I don't fancy going bankrupt and top of ww3 looming 😅 Cracking stuff as always Jack buddy.

Bought a rolls Royce shadow 11 many years ago from Hanwells Uxbridge what a car 6750 cc14 mpg 18 months full warrantee it was fun no bills fab but scary sold it but a dream for3 years 1972 £13000

Yes, weight helps to smooth the ride. As Jay Leno says "ground hugging weight" :)

Nice, quick, fun little video. With really good review notes on this road coach. I am going to look into this more. Thanks!

Great review Jack, as always, these cars are fabulous for the money but the downside is the upkeep IF anything goes wrong and they can surprise you! Electrics can be a headache and other niggly bits and pieces BUT if you can handle all that, look after the underside and you have a car for life!

This car is the ultimate GT for me. I wouldn't want to go cross country with it though, gas money would break me going half way. 😂

Despite everything, that is an insanely low amount of money for that level of performance, luxury and build quality. And yours looks in fabulous condition. Yes, it’s gonna cost a bit to run… but, every trip is an experience, and if you enjoy cars then it’s worth it… in my humble opinion. I know folk’s that would blow £18k on a luxury family holiday for 10 days… it’s just what you are ‘in to’ in life. I love it.

Love the luxury, but not the running costs or the look from some angles to be honest. Happy that it has the same steering wheel as my first generation Touareg had though.

Hi Jack You and Harry both do great reviews. Different audiences but I enjoy you both! PLEASE get those potholes fixed on THAT s-bend. Some pudding coming the other way is going to wipe you out.

It’s a lovely piece of engineering. Looks-wise it’s a well proportioned car and the interior is fabulous, but I’m not sure about those headlights. You see how the clock is slightly recessed into the dash? That’s how the headlights should have been.

Awesome car. Nice video. Looking forward to more videos from this new series. Keep up the good work.

I test drove the VW Phaeton W12 when it came out. Stunning, outrageously good for the marque and the money. A colleague bought the Audi A8L W12 and was well pleased - I never drove it but it was a very pleasant car to be chauffeured in. Our secretary bought the Bentley Continental GT W12 and seemed happy - blasted past me on the motorway one day 🤣 Basically a very impressive platform from VAG when it came out.

Always tempted when I see one for sale

So glad you got your hands on one now. Look forward to seeing more 🎉

Love it! That aftermarket head unit is driving me nuts though - please return to STANDARD!!!!!

I presume it's straight OBD2 like other VAG cars so you should be able to dump the codes off it and reset the TPS warning if appropriate. The antithesis of a drivers car for me, fast but I'd prefer a car half the size/weight even if it meant half the power.

Doesnt do it for me on a few fronts, rather have another XJS even though the build was poor. If Bentley would either the old V8 2 doors or the latest ones.

I wonder if the discussed throttle response couldn’t be ironed out with a bit of ‘chip tuning’ of the engine management system

Got rid off mine - always breaking down. Reliability 5/10. High maintenance. 10 mpg. Looks good on drive away.

I drove this car nine years and I drive the new one three years. The new one is a fantastic car and so much more refined as the old one.

The 1st Gen Continental is a fantastic car for second hand money... but I'd be curious to see how the market goes for the 2nd Gen Continental considering it's so much more improved and miles ahead of the original, especially considering it is based on the 2nd Gen Porsche Panamera platform.

No-one can fault your courage Jack and after all this is now your job however £630 per annum RFL and 17 mpg isn't what would scare me about the car. A friend of mine has a 2008 GTC with only 35000 on the clock but anything that needs fixing costs an absolute fortune and it will be interesting to hear about your service in due course; wait until you need some replacement discs and pads!

It’s a lovely looking car. I would recommend getting in contact with a good independent mechanic who has the appropriate diagnostics equipment vs. depending on the dealer service department in the future. These cars from the VW group during this time were notorious for electronics issues. I hope your dealer visit goes largely uneventful.

I think you need to do a comparison test with other £18k cars. Put aside what it originally cost. It’s what you paid for it.

I'm really looking forward to how you make out with this car. It's more in line with how most of us would buy one.

Jack, I can see you have no wax on this car. If you use Harly Wax on your Bentley the rain will bead off and the dirt won't stick. You will then only need cold water to wash it and the shine will be amazing!

The GT really is a nice thing. I’m not sure they are going to be super fun as a classic to work on due to how tightly stuff is packed in. I don’t for example, fancy dropping the engine and gearbox to get to the leaky plastic vacuum lines😢.

You mic set up is excellent. One of the best in car voice recordings Ive heard. (dodgy wipers aside) :)

It's lovely see you out and about enjoying this beautiful GT, even in this gloomy weather! Your transparent feedback is always appreciated Sir Jack! 👍 Keep the great content coming our way✌

Hi, great video, liked and subscribed, be nice to see regular updates of the car, enjoyment, any issues etc. I'm seriously considering buying one, heart is winning the fight with the mind at the moment... ha. John

Really interesting review Jack. To my eye that still looks beautiful, and it seems to drive more than well enough.

Cool car Jack. I’ll keep an eye out for it, saw the 306 a while back, amazing colour 👍

Great video Jack! I admire your bravery taking on this beast of a car. It is always the unknown gremlins that put people off buying “ cheap” expensive cars. Going to be fascinating to see how you fare! Good luck!

Most certainly a car like this is the ultimate performance and sure footedness . This Bentley 2005 is fantastic for family cat money!!!

Nice ! I think for a lot of us it's a bucket list car from back in the day. The thing that would really scare me is the (I think) replacement of the plastic water pipe that goes the length of the engine. And I think there were some hoses that go up and over the transmission and they eventually need replacing. I think are engine + transmission out jobs, and I imagine that would get your much cnange for 3k+. *gulp*

I absolutely love the looks of this car -- both interior and exterior. It is a very heavy car. The only thing I'd change is reduce the weight and put smaller engine. Mk 2 looks just as stunning, but they didn't make it any lighter... 😆😆

I bought a low mileage Lincoln Town Car L Cartier from a chap in Calgary who had the Bentley. He told me the oil change cost him $455canadian dollars. Tempting to buy one as they’re so cheap, but the maintenance is incredible. The Town Car was amazing BTW. fell in love with it despite buying it originally just for the novelty experience of driving a traditional American barge.

As a weekend toy, cars like this make sense and are very affordable and great fun.

Absolutely love the car by the way just looked at a 2004 with 66k on it for 23k there's a 2007 in Lytham with under 18k on it beautiful cars only driven a 4 door version but it was an amazing drive

Great video Jack (as always) though not sure if you answered the question "Is it a real Bentley" (my memory?!)? In my eyes, no it isn't. I'm a bit old fashioned when it comes to things like that and Rolls's and Bentleys (Aston Martins too) etc etc were all hand built, including the engine (hand-built no less for all those I just listed). You could argue the engine, being the heart of the car, was what made it a Rolls, Bentley or Aston etc. Furthermore, correct me if I'm wrong (just thought about it), but those cars were literally *entirely* hand-built, and I particularly loved and admired that they had things like lead-loaded bodywork (ie where's the join?). See that's the dead giveaway (or eye-sore for me) with these modern Bentley's (Rolls and Astons) - you can see the joins everywhere! Furthermore to put a VW engine in a Bentley, well, if you're doing that, then to me, you can only call it a Bentley in name alone. Nevertheless, enjoy it, for what it is, a 7-9mpg monster! Look forwards to the next one (as I always do!).

Just in case anyone sees this: FIRST, join the club, THEN start looking for a car. Chances are good that several members in the club will give you expert advice for free. Here, we even have a few shops specializing in RR and Bentley... Have an expert check the car BEFORE you buy it (great ones are usually at market price too)... schedule a budget for known maintenance items. I have had great experiences with all of mine.

For me this was always the realisation of Concept Java - a cheaper car built in larger numbers appealing to a broader audience. I like the way they carried the dash design shape from Java. Rolls always wanted to build such a car, they just lacked the huge investment needed to launch it.

Filmed on all the roads I used to drive and cycle on. I nearly bought such an early Bentley. It was more vibrant than I expected. I remain hugely disappointed by the use of plastic on the engine, compromising the vacuum system, requiring engine removal to replace:- The early Bentley Continental GT models (2003-2011) did have some reported issues with plastic components in the engine vacuum system. In particular, there were problems with the plastic intake manifold that could lead to vacuum leaks and engine performance issues. Some owners also reported issues with the plastic coolant pipes, which could crack and leak. Bentley eventually addressed these issues by redesigning the plastic components and replacing them with metal parts in later models. However, it's worth noting that not all early Continental GTs experienced these issues, and proper maintenance and regular inspections can help prevent or address them.

I would feel a bit of a Wally driving round in one, because it just looks like I can’t afford a newer car. Whereas there’s other formally expensive metal that doesn’t seem to have that problem.

Thanks Jack i now want one! Great video of a stunning car mate and they are great value for money.

For the TPMS, try and put 1 or 2 PSI more than the recommended in all 4 tyres and see if that resets it after a short drive. Just an idea as it works for a lot of cars I believe

One of these days both you and Harry are going to be testing on that road at the same time. Be funny if you two did a video collaboration. Nice cars Bentley’s but I really like the older ones with Rolls type grilles.

Genuinely i think it’s one of the most beautifully styled vehicles EVER! I would be utterly happy with a v8 version. But not with totally black interior that doesn’t do it any favours in my opinion.

Another interesting video. Don't forget that although you say most people call it Harry's Road it does incorporate 'Jack's Bend' which is where your video started 😉 If I lived nearer I'd put a sign up 🤣. Always loved this car and hope you get lots of enjoyment out of it. Best regards, Bob M. South Wales

One of the many cars I always have a little look at after a few dark rums 😂, not pulled the trigger yet but it's highly possible in the future 🙈

Bentley has to really do something about the gargantuan weight of their cars, over 2 metric tons is just crazy, As if they have not yet heard of modern light-weight materials like Aluminum, Titanium, Magnesium, Carbon Fiber and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymers)...

I'd imagine that on a big heavy car like that the tyres will have some affect on comfort and handling though I presume the previous owner won't have cheaped out on those.

I honestly don't think that any of the tiny niggles you brought up are legitimately just. For the price you paid, it is a veritable bargain of a lifetime for most drivers. Noise? I hardly heard anything other than your narration. So, given the nature of the beast, upkeep and fuel consumption comes with the territory. If look after it properly, I doubt it will give you any more problems than many comparable exotic car. All in all, I would say that it is a gorgeous car, and, if I could afford it, I would certainly like to own one.

Hello Jack, I really enjoyed this review and I look forward to more . Any Bentley GT info and comments interests me. I truly enjoy the way you speak about the cars you test in such an honest and sincere manner. I would like the GT even more if it had a nice V-12 engine instead of that design that they copied from the Hawker Typhoon [giggle] .

In the 80s Rolls Royces of the day had been devalued by association with comedians and game show hosts. Nowadays Bentleys are associated with footballers and RU-vidrs...

I looked at one but bought a DB9.

Fascinating, i think also part of a great luxury car is its true longevity and quality of materials and assembley. Unlike really old Bentleys, will these modern ones really last or will their lower value undermine ongoing maintenance and will they really last as long ?

Nice enough car but for about the same cost I prefer my 1948 Mk.6

6:12- looks like you'll need to get a bank loan for some headlight bulbs.

I have always wanted to do the same with cars of this prestige - Had a thing for the Maserati Ghibli and those got soooo cheap a while back I very nearly bought one - Didn't as the owner was selling the Interior clock separately (18 carat gold) as it was worth more money than the car! - Good luck - hope it doesn't bankrupt you. I have faith in your choice due to the 308 and seeing your legendary patience I think you will be ok.....

I would like to own one: my preference would be for a convertible with a lighter-coloured interior - I prefer the shape. I'm just not brave enough to potentially face the cost of any repairs. Lovely car tho' especially at that price.

Great video and some interesting points on the Gen 1 Continental GT. I happen to agree that these are the performance bargain of the moment. They are also surprisingly small in a world of huge SUV’s. They are definitely a GT car and not a sports car in my opinion. Being well aquatinted with a marque specialist is a must to keep servicing costs down. I once co-drove one from Eastbourne to Budapest and it was a truly memorable way to cross the European continent in comfort and style. The reception the car got in a small Alsatian village was wonderful with locals queuing up for a passenger ride round the block and photo with the car.

Jack, brilliant review and video of a car I have always admired. I think you should name that technical bend you use the, Cornbury S. It's definitely not Harry's road as you both do great jobs of presenting in different ways. Keep the great work going and well done.

looking forward to seeing what happens to the Bentley...will it give the Influenzo a run for its money?

Great video, very informative. Love that you gave Harry credit for his road. Re the car, the Bentley or an Aston DB9?

Lovely car even at nearly 20 years old, enjoy it sadly can't afford one, but my dream Bentley is one from the 1920's like John Steeds from The Avenger's. Came across one of those tanking up the M40 must have been doing 90mph plus the way it flew past me doing 70mph

You just said it was 2.5 tons. It handled massively didn't it mate !? Yep ... You loved it, mate !... 👍 buy two mate ! Lol Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

I bought a 09 GT Speed. I have had no problems at all. In fact the parts are cheaper than MB or BMW. It's a fantastic car. The Speed is the one to get. 600hp

Great video... ive been looking for a Car to take care of my mid life crisis... and i think it could be this... given when things go wrong I can use Audi / VW parts for the most part... More videos please

Due to content output, its now 'Jack's road'. Love the car but the plate is a bit sad (Tasteless), I would move it on!

Does it lack torque down low ? Usually the longer the crank the bigger the torque. Turbos would help ay ! Just a cruiser a but what a cruiser.. ! I love it, always liked the look even ! Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Nice vehicle.The 12- 17 Mpg not bad for that power.

Love these cars. Owning one would scare the crap out of me however just due to implied costs of maintenance.

Good on you for having the guts to buy one cheers from OZ.

I think the 8 cylinder is more highly rated for performance and economy.

$18K is great but it’s the servicing at the Bentley dealer that is a bit sobering, and that assumes no major mechanical issues. There’s a guy over in Las Vegas who’s on RU-vid and he services his Rolls Royce and it doesn’t look too complicated.

Great content Jack. So straight up - and brave for buying the money pit! ;-)

I didn’t realise that these were quite so chunky! That’s an impressive chunk of metal!

Thank you for the upload. It's a beautiful car. I really like your reviews very much.

Wow a ton more than my 911! It suffers from the same stigma as the 911…..bankers in the 80s and footballers in the 90s and naughties ….that said 911 came through…Bentley."not sure…personally not my thing . G treat vid though 👍

While driving the convertible for a month I felt like I should be a 300lb man to properly fit into it. It's just feels like a big sedan.

Thanks for this video! Very happy for you! I can't imagine caring about fuel consumption when looking at cars that are not my primary transport. In fact, my daily is an '07 L322 Range Rover - MPG was not even a consideration. YoY the cost is negligible for maybe 10 more MPG in a modern car vs. the enjoyment I get out of driving big British iron. Have been contemplating one of these for years - the only thing that scares me off is the known vacuum line failure which is an engine and transmission out job that I can't do in my garage.. but perhaps that's overblown like the Porsche IMS bearing.