Is the Rolls-Royce Phantom good for new drivers?
Are you for real — considering a Rolls-Royce Phantom as your first car? If you are the latest Lotto winner, then why not. But, let's be honest, should an inexperienced driver be behind the wheel of a V12 behemoth? Or should you rather be driving something entirely different, instead? Let's take a look.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is going to cost you MEGAbucks
And so will getting it repaired when you have your first accident. Despite every conceivable piece of safety equipment and semi-autonomous (ie. self-driving) technology, accidents still happen. When that fender-bender won't just buff out, it's going to cost a fair amount of cash to fix. If you're shopping in this segment of the market, that shouldn't be a problem, however.
The least expensive Phantom in our used listings costs a cool R 5 499 000, and this is for a 2008 model. Newer, used models are priced at around R8 million (check them out here).
Maybe you don't need ALL that power...
420 kW and 900 Nm of torque certainly sounds appealing, but will you be able to exercise restraint and stick to the speed limit? It will be difficult, even if you're the most responsible and experienced driver you know. If you live in Germany and make daily use of the no-speed-limit Autobahn, it's a different story. But here in SA, you're going to have all that power and no real use for it.
You may as well stick a sign on the front windshield that says "Hijack Me"
Again, owning one of these cars in SA is an entirely different kettle of fish than say, the United Kingdom, the Rolls's home turf. You will certainly be a shining, neon target for people who have bad intentions. And can you imagine how pricey your insurance will be?
Verdict
It's a 'no' from us. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is better left to more mature, responsible persons who have personal bodyguards, private jets, and their own private racetracks.
What should you be driving, instead?
There are plenty of pricey, luxurious sedans that will make you feel special and ensconce you in opulence, and whatever they don't have as standard, you can surely specify as an extra. There are a few that spring to mind, such as the Volvo S90, Audi A5/ A6, A7, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (or even S-Class, soon-to-be launched), Jaguar XF, and the BMW 5/6/7 Series. Should you opt for a Lexus ES, pretty much everything is standard fare.
Just for fun...
Did you know? Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa requested a custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom to match his private jet and antique Japanese ceramic collection. Check out how it looks, here.
*Photo credits: Rolls-Royce
