Ryan’s away on a finance superhero conference this week, so I’m sidling in to do this week’s what could possibly go wrong. If you’re new to this, it’s a used car series where we pick a potential bargain of the century, with added jeopardy.
And me being me, I’m going for the 2005-2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Here’s a car with a 6.0-litre W12 engine up front, more computing power Space Shuttle Columbia, and a cabin swathed in the finest cow, tree and chrome finishes known to man. Built at Crewe, signed off by Germans, it was the car of choice for plutocrats with a taste for pace.
And now it’s supremely affordable, if you like to take a punt. The Flying Spur’s journey from £130,000 limo to sub-£15,000 used car hero has not been without a few bumps in the road. And by bumps, I mean wallet-draining, stress-inducing, VED-dodging potholes.
It almost makes 200mph and seats five in opulent comfort
The interior remains one of the best in the business. Slump into the driver’s chair and you’re greeted by creamy leather, deep-pile carpets, knurled metal switches and perfectly lacquered wood. Yes, the infotainment system looks like it’s been lifted from a 2003 Passat, because it was, but who cares? You’re not here to stream Spotify – you’re here to live.
But here’s where things start to wobble. Beneath that luxurious veneer lies an omnishambles of complexity – and as these cars edge towards their 20th birthdays, those components can start to turn. Slowly. Expensively.
Air suspension is the most notorious weak spot. When it works, the ride is sublime. But if one corner starts to sag overnight, you’re looking at a new strut (£1,000+), or perhaps a compressor, or possibly all of the above. Ignore it, and you’ll quickly be driving around in a car that looks like it’s had a heavy night.
Cooling system? Equally dicey. The W12 generates a lot of heat and has a complex network of radiators, intercoolers and pipework to manage it. It’s not uncommon for a simple leak to require the entire front of the car to be removed. If someone mentions ‘engine-out job’ in passing, believe them.
Then there’s the electrics. This was cutting-edge in 2005, but like many early adopters, it’s now prone to digital dementia. Windows that won’t close, keyless entry that stops working, mysterious warning lights that appear and vanish again… it’s all part of the charm. Or not. As a veteran of working on old Audis, I know how painful this can be.
Consumables are similarly intimidating. The tyres are vast and expensive, and should never be skimped upon (see above for the performance figures). The brakes are enormous and expensive. The servicing is extensive… and expensive. My mechanic won't even entertain me owning one. Even filling it up feels like a special occasion, especially when you realise you’re averaging 12mpg around town. That’s before you start using the power.
And yet. When it all works – and it can all work – the Flying Spur is magnificent. Mind-bendingly brilliant. The engine is gloriously smooth, the cabin eerily quiet, and the road manners are still impeccable. It still turns heads, still makes you feel like a visiting dignitary, and still does things to the horizon that few modern saloons can match.
There are good ones out there. You want history – Bentley stamps or reputable specialists only, thank you. Ideally you want receipts for recent air suspension work, cooling system repairs and brake overhauls. Run a mile from anything on ditchfinder tyres or with suspect gaps in the history file. If it’s cheap, there’s a reason. Because, as anyone who’s owned one will tell you, there's no such thing as a cheap Bentley.
To find out more, read our full Bentley Continental Flying Spur review.
Pros
- Still looks like a proper Bentley – and goes like one, too
- Cabin ambience, comfort and build quality are beyond compare
- Astonishing performance for something this big
Cons
- Complex air suspension and cooling systems can lead to big bills
- Some parts are shared with old VWs – can cost 10x as much to replace
FAQs: What you need to know about a used Bentley Continental Flying Spur
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How much does a used Bentley Continental Flying Spur cost?
Prices start at around £15,000 for early cars with average mileage, and a modicum of history. However, £25k-£30k buys a specialist-maintained example with documented history that you'd want to own. Late-model Mulliner-spec cars with low mileage can nudge £40,000.
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How much did the Bentley Continental Flying Spur cost new?
When launched in 2005, the Flying Spur started at around £115,000 – and a trip through the options list could easily push that to £150k or more.
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How to buy a used Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Carefully. Start with history – full Bentley or independent specialist servicing is non-negotiable. Look for recent suspension and cooling system work. Inspect tyres and brakes. Avoid anything modified or neglected. And always get a pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows what they’re looking at.
Should you buy a Bentley Continental Flying Spur?
I’ll be honest, I want to. I know it’s not sensible. I know the bills could eat through my savings like a rat in a bakery. I know the air suspension might create grief and bills that would make a Range Rover Sport blush. But despite all of that, I still want one, and I still stop and pause every time I see a sorry looking example for as little as £15,000.
Because there’s something wonderfully subversive about buying a Bentley for Qashqai money. Especially one that still feels this special, this fast, and this downright majestic. If you’ve got the nerve, a good independent specialist on speed dial, and a contingency fund tucked away for when things inevitably go pop – then yes, go for it. Just don’t expect it to behave like a Golf with quilted seats. This is a Bentley. It demands respect, and an understanding bank manager.
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