Bentley is synonymous with luxury, prestige and quality car making. If you drive a Bentley, then you are sure to get a few, or several, envious looks as you drive through the city streets.
And, of course, with quality car making, luxury and prestige, you’re going to get reliability too, right, guys?
Guys?
Not so much. The thing is, Bentley aren’t exactly known for their longevity. In fact, the are possibly the most unreliable cars in Britain. A strong statement, but one that we can back up with evidence.
So in this article we are going to look at just how unreliable Bentley are, why, and how this fares against their other luxury competitors.
Is Bentley reliable?
No, not at all. That’s the quick answer. The long answer is no, Bentley are really not reliable and there are so many reports to back this up.A report by the Telegraph, WhatCar? And WarrantyDirect found that Bentley was the least reliable car brand out of 37 manufacturers. The survey looked at used cars, rather than new, and found that the average mileage for a Bentley was just 38,113 miles. This isn’t much compared to Honda in first place, who average over 50,000 miles. The average cost of a repair on a Bentley is £678.50 and the highest cost for a repair on a Bentley reached £8,406.65 which is very expensive, even for a Bentley.The Week also reported that the survey found that 93% of Bentley’s suffered a problem each year, making them officially the least reliable car maker in Britain.
If we look at the reviews on carbuyer for the Bentley Continental Coupe, they are mixed. There are quite a few low star ratings when it comes to reliability, and there is an emphasis on the cost of the repairs as well. But then there are others that say that the car is great and have awarded it five stars for reliability.
Overall though, it would appear that Bentley are not that reliable.
How reliable are surveys?
Now, how reliable are these surveys? Because some might say that more people give a response if they are unhappy about something than if they were happy. Which is true in a sense, you are much more likely to know about a bad experience than a good one.
But in the case of looking at a cars reliability, consumer reports and surveys are pretty accurate. Take what we have just discovered about Bentley, the study was conducted by WarrantyDirect who have access to 50,000 extended warranty cases. This gives them a huge pool of data to draw their conclusions from. This result then matches up with other reports of unreliability from other consumer surveys and customer feedback, so we know that the findings are pretty reliable.That said, there is an issue with consumer surveys in this case. And that’s that not many people actually own Bentley’s. They aren’t a common car, you aren’t going to see one parked at your local Lidl and so those doing the surveys won’t have as much data as if they were looking into the reliability of Honda, or Ford, for example. In fact, in 2013, only 10,120 Bentleys were sold. That may seem like a lot, but compared to Volkswagen, who sold 9.93 million cars in 2015, it’s a tiny amount. So, the pool of people eager to talk about their Bentley is much smaller than those who may be eager to talk about their Volkswagen. However, overall, consumer reports and surveys are a reliable way of judging how dependable a car is.
Why is Bentley unreliable?
We’ve established that Bentley is hugely unreliable. But, why?
Well, luxury cars appear to break down more often, and the repairs can be very expensive. Also, the parts can be difficult and time consuming to source. This all adds up to unreliability. Bentley’s do cost a fortune to fix due to the price of the parts they are made with. But it seems like these parts are prone to breaking down.
Bentley vs. Porsche vs. Aston Martin; Which is more reliable?
In this section of our article, we look at three main competitors and take a look at which is more reliable of the three. In this case, we put Bentley against other luxury heavy weights, Porsche and Aston Martin.
Aston Martin fare pretty well on carbuyer when it comes to owner reviews. There are heaps of four and five stars for dependability, with only a handful of three or lower. Whatcar is a similar story for the DB9, though there are some reports of unreliability, including it cutting out and problems with the technology in the car. That said, there are only a handful of reports like this, so overall Aston Martin don’t do too badly. Porsche, on the other hand, fare just as badly as Bentley. Only coming in one above Bentley in the worst car brands for reliability, Porsche have an average mileage of £41,828 which does fare better than Bentley’s £38,113. But, they cost more to repair. The average cost to repair a Porsche is £784.71 and the most expensive repair came to £10,348. Which is very expensive. When looking at what owners on AutoExpress have said, there is a handful of reports of serious unreliability, with some giving it 1/5 but others being slightly more generous with higher marks. So it really does depend.
It appears that Aston Martin has come out on top in this case. That said, there isn’t much on Aston Martin’s reliability, probably because they are just as rare as Bentley’s. But, with the information we have got, it seems that Porsche and Bentley are just as unreliable as each other, and Aston Martin is slightly more reliable.
In conclusion, Bentleys are very unreliable. But, if you are going to get a Bentley, you are going to get a Bentley. One can assume that those who drive a car such as a Bentley don’t buy it because of its reliability. They buy it for its build quality, its marque and the status that comes with it. The average Bentley owner owns eight cars. Eight. Something tells me they aren’t too worried about whether their car will make it past 30,000 miles or not. But, in the event that you are concerned about reliability, maybe look at an Aston Martin. Or even better, look at a Honda or Toyota.
Quite right! Very unreliable. Beautiful from a distance, but look closer and behind the glam and glitter, the flowing champagne and beautiful images in glossy magazines, lies a dark side of Bentley… I bought new Bentley GTC V8 S because I did not want any trouble with pre-owed car. One would assume a new vehicle will be perfect. But since the day of delivery, this vehicle was nothing but trouble. It is rather upsetting. Bentley Crewe does not want to admit any responsibility for poor assembly in the factory. Mediocre repair work by the retailer was carried out but further damage was caused. Can’t find words to describe the disappointment in the Bentley brand.
There is no excuse for not being number 1 with everything Bentley tell us they are. This is shocking quite frankly. If you are genuinely working towards top reliability targets and failing miserably then damn we’ll drop your repair costs through the floor sort it. Have they? Nope. Another complete customer relations train wreck. Well done Bentley.
Hi Al, Thank you for sharing your experience.
I was looking to purchasing a pre-owned 2008 Bentley Continental GTC Convertible for my wife. We currently own the Benz SL series and I love it. After reading this article and comments, I have decided to look into the Aston Martin or the Benz G Class Wagon.
Hi James,
I am glad that the information we provided was helpful. If you are looking to buy or lease a car in the UK, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at OSV.
Have had two Bentley cars, a GT and GTC. They are not reliable, have a widely known ‘false’ air’ engineering defect Bentley refused to make right ($5k repair, spoke with head of Bentley USA and he seemed to not care at all even after being a repeat customer for Bentley), a convertible top that gets holes in it and the rear window will just fall out due to heat ($17k to replace the top)… and the air suspension is rife with needing replacement more often than one would expect ($8k or so). As someone who thought the whole prestige thing was nice like the interior, the mechanicals are rubbish imho. Bentley buyer beware!
Thank you for your comment with regards the reliability of your two Bentleys. I am sure that our readers will find your unfortunate experiences informative when it comes to purchasing a Bentley in the US.
The problem I have with this, is you littearlly put bentley next to one of the most reliable car brands in the world and then say they are not reliable.
Porches are incredibly reliable making them earn top marks in longevity, the ONLY issue that dinged them were the marks against the single row IMS (resolved after 2005)
Porsche is as reliable as Mercedes which are as reliable as Lexus…all 3 are more reliable than subaru’s or honda’s today.
Hi Ty,
Thank you for your comment. Recently released reports have shown that Lexus is number 1 on the reliability scale in a list of 36 manufacturers reviewed, whereas Mercedes is 27th on that same list and Porsche is 2 ahead of Mercedes at 25. Honda reliability is rated as 5th on the same list of manufacturers, while Subaru is a little further down the list at 18th. These figures were released at the beginning of February this year. Of course, they don’t take into account buyer loyalty, merely road performance and reliability when it comes to breakdown figures and required repairs.
I was looking into the purchase of a use Bentley.. not now.. thanks for your review…
Sir Ellison,
Thank you for your comment. We try and be impartial when we write our reliability reviews, using data that is available to us and feedback from other users.
Hi, thanks for your review. I was thinking to buy this car but after your precise review, I won’t.
Hi Adam,
Thank you very much for your candor. We like to write assessments and reviews that give a balanced view of the cars. I know that our vehicle specialists would be happy to go through alternative options with you if you are still looking for a new vehicle.
Having lived with the V8 Bentayga for a year now I can honestly say it’s the worst car decision I have ever made, it’s clearly no as good as you would assume, the dealers good but the people who work at Bentley as “brand advisors” are clowns and never ever follow up with you with details or changes or concerns you raised with them. I gave them a technical list of maybe 10 items I was concerned about but all I got was 12 months of silence. Complete waste of almost 200k (extras) I would neither recommend a Bentley or purchase another this “ iconic” brand has had its day I’m afraid
Hi Ken,
Thank you for the feedback on your experience with the Bentayga. I am sorry that you have not found it to be a positive thing and have had the issues that you mention in your comments. I hope that you find another vehicle that better suits your needs. If you are based in the UK and would like to talk to one of our advisors about getting a new car, please do get in contact and I am sure that our Vehicle Specialists could help you to find a new vehicle.
Are you seriously suggesting I contact Bentley and look at a new car??? Did you read what I wrote, I’ll assume you are a “brand advisor” I am currently in the UK where I purchased this vehicle
Hi Ken,
I am not a representative of Bentley, OSV is a completely independent broker. I mentioned contacting our vehicle specialists as we are not tied to any specific car manufacturer and they may be able to help you to find a vehicle that fits your requirements better than the Bentley you previously purchased.
Thanks for all the candid feedback guys. I am in the market for Bentley and had heard about bad mechanics of Bentley. Your experience validates what I heard and I will now opt for another car. Don’t want to pay top dollars for a lemon!!
Hi,
Thank you for your comment. We try to produce unbiased pieces that help our readers to make an informed decision that is right for them. I hope that you find a car that is right for you. If you are based in the UK and still looking, we have a team of vehicle specialists who would be only too happy to help you find the right vehicle for you.
Wow.And I thought a Bentley was high end in all aspects.You have killed my interest in Bentley.This article should scare the xz#@! Out of Bentley as it is costing them many many as in alot of prospective buyers,like me.
Fred,
Thank you for your comment. We try to produce balanced articles that give the reader enough information that they can make their own opinions and informed decisions based on their needs and desires when it comes to a new vehicle.
Thinking of buying a 2014 Bentley V8s convertible with 15k on the clock , it’s totally immaculate with FSH but after reading this article I will have to really try and get some more feedback from Bentley owners. Anyone out there that can give me there experiences with the V8s?
Total rubbish – I have had 5 Bentleys – all been bullet proof – some of th best cars you can buy
Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your views. It’s always good to hear from motorists who have had a great deal of experience with a single manufacturer. We use a wide range of reports when pulling together information on the brands we review, and, of course, every person’s individual experience of a car/car maker will be different. I am sure that our readers will find this helpful when they make a decision on their next car.
Which models did you buy?
I was thinking to look into Bentley cars , but I learned that Volkswagen is eliminating Bentley production and is looking for a buyer possibly Chinese! I live in the USA and not so crazy for cheap Chinese merchandise.
Dear Homa,
Thank you for this detail. I know that the possible sale of Bentley and a few other marques owned by VW is part of their 2030 plan. With the release of the Flying Spur already announced for later this year, though they have announced that this sale is a possibility they are not currently looking for a buyer. I hope that this helps to alleviate some of your trepidation.
I ordered a 2020 Bentley Continental GT V8 First Edition in Feb. They told me I might get it by Aug. That is a very long wait. Hope it is worth it.
Hi Richard,
I am sure that you will love your new car when it arrives. Let us know how you get on when you are driving it.
I always wanted one Now it’s a reality.I’ll let you know how it goes.
As with many cars, it depends on which model in the lineup. A Continental GT? Yeah, that 12 cylinder VW is going to be a nightmare. An Arnage? BMW 8 cylinder, very reliable. You can buy a Lotus Evora with a Camry engine and it’ll be very reliable – and who would guess that’s a Toyota motor under that beautiful hood? Do your research, not on the brand, but on the model.
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your comment. I am sure that our readers will find the information helpful. We do look at reliability of individual models in the reviews of the specific ranges by each manufacturer on the website. This particular article is an overview of the brand as a whole.
I’d take this review with a big old grain of salt. In the US Porsche is always at the top of quality surveys and reviews.
Hi Lars,
Thank you for your comment regarding Porsche reliability in the US. We use a great number of resources in order to gather the most up-to-date and valid information relevant to UK drivers, including manufacturers, consumer reports and warranty/insurance companies.
I have a Bentley Azure and a Bentley Arnage T sports level 2 and both are superb to drive and the build quality is second to none .
Apart from normal service upkeep both cars are fantastic and up to now have been reliable.
William D.Williams
Hi William,
Many thanks for your comments about the reliability of your two Bentley vehicles. It’s always really good for our readers to have the views of people who have been driving the cars we talk about. We wish you many good years with your vehicles, but if you are ever looking for a new vehicle, and you are based in the UK, please get in touch with Amanda in our office on 01903 223391 and she will be able to get you in touch with one of our vehicle experts.
My bentley is a 2007 with 30000 miles. Have had it now for approximately. 2 months. Love the car but already has a few problems- the trunk does not close and lock, all bolts for the seats are completely rusted and it needs new engine vatcum seals. I believe the dealer should have addressed these issues before I drove it off their lot. Although I love the car I am going to sell it as I am afraid it will become a major problem. Porsche a unreliable car? No fricking way. I have owned 7 of them including a 2016 Turbo and all have been extremely reliable. Too bad Porsche has upped the price so much over the last couple years.
Hi,
Thank you for your comments on the reliability of Bentley and Porsche. We use multiple sources when we compile our reports and cite various consumer surveys, data from warranty companies and manufacturers in order to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible for the UK market. However, these articles are currently under review and will be updated over the coming months in order to ensure they are using the most up-to-date information available for UK consumers.
I have a 1999 Bentley Arnage, and it is the best car I ever owned.
With the BMW engine and twin turbos, it is Fast, Reliable, good mileage, reasonable part prices, and a pleasure to drive.
I would not own any other year Bentley……unless I won the Lottery, or money was no consideration.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comment on the reliability fo your 1999 Bentley. It appears that you have found a vehicle that fits your lifestyle. I am sure that if any of our US readers are looking into the reliability of an older model Bentley they will find this post helpful.
Fine response to a mildly irritating article–thank you for piping up! I own a ’99 Arnage, as well, and though the old boy has required some expensive love, he is a top-class performer with unimpeachable style and grace.
Hello St. Anselm,
We are sorry that you’ve found this article to be mildly irritating. We are writing for a British audience and looking at vehicles that are currently available for purchase on the UK market. We use a wide range of data to produce our articles, ranging from warranty companies and manufacturers to consumer reports.
The article was written to help people make an informed decision on their next vehicle. Loyalty is important and it is clear that this is a manufacturer you have loyalty to.
Thank you for the article, and especially for the comments! Been choosing between Arnage 2000, Turbo R 1998 and Continental R later models, and will definitely get one of them as soon as I find the right one for me. Thank you friends!
Hi Vadim,
Thank you for your comment. If you are based in the UK we would be happy to help you find your dream Bentley.
Looking forward to buying a late 2000’s Bentley Arnage. It’s my dream car for sure. And after that, a Mulsanne when they come down a bit in price.
Hi Wayne,
Thank you for your comment. Bentley is, it seems, a dream car for many.
I have been looking at 2010 – 2012 preowned Bentley’s and was strongly moving in the direction of making a purchase until I read your articles and comments from other owners. Perhaps my mid-life crisis will take me to Mercedes Benz or the new Luxus
Hi David,
If you’re looking for reliability and style then Lexus is a good choice. However, if this is your dream car, it’s worth doing a bit more research into the specific model you like and then speak with other owners on forums.
I’m surprised that this author believes that Porsche is nearly as unreliable as a Bentley Continental GT… which is the least reliable of all. I’m not a Porsche owner (I have a BMW 128i), but I am interested in Porsches, and most sources (including Consumer Reports) place Porsches very high on the reliability scale, and most owner reports seem to confirm this. Of course there will be exceptions, like my Amherst College friend whose Dad gave him a new 911 as a graduation present… he said he had hardly ever driven it, because it was always in the shop! And then there was the IMS problem (which could cause sudden, complete engine failure) which plagued Porsche engines for much too long, but that problem can be cured with several thousand dollars worth of engine work, and has been fixed in more recent/other models. Most reports PRAISE Porsche for its reliability. In fact, I have been comparing reports of Porsche vs BMW reliability, for several years now, and it seems that Porsches edge out BMWs for reliability, by a healthy margin! My Bimmer, BTW, has been very reliable so far. It has almost 40K on the clock, and has had only one repair, to replace one, and so all 6 ignition coils ($800). I’m not complaining, yet, and I don’t think I would be complaining if I had a Porsche, either.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for sharing your views on the reliability of Porsche. We have used multiple consumer reports and data from warranty companies in order to compile this article for our UK-based audience. The information we provide – including prices are from a UK perspective and this may be different (especially when it comes to repair and running costs) in the US.
I am looking at buying a particular 2011 Mulsanne as I like the colour, etc.
It is well priced because it has 90,000 miles.
These have been long country drives and regularly serviced by the Bentley dealer for its one owner.
Are thee any problems I should look out for?
Is this a reliable model?
Thanks keith.
Hi Keith,
We would recommend you ensure that you are getting all the documents with your vehicle and you check its history (to make sure it hasn’t been written off at any point). The best place to find out if there have been issues with this particular model and year would be on owner forums. Bentley is such an iconic manufacturer that there are ownership forums on the internet where people who own this model and others (older and newer) will be able to offer guidance to a prospective or new owner.
Of course, if you decide you would like a brand new Bentley, please get in touch with our vehicles experts on 01903 538835 and they will be happy to help.
This is a really stupid review. As an owner of a Bentley Arnage, I do not find it at all unreliable. The car is my daily driver. If one wants to gripe, it is the cost of parts, not that you’ll need them too often on a well maintained example. But cars will be cars, and things do go wrong. But day-to-day reliability, as the reviewer keeps on harping about, should not be an issue at all. These cars were designed to be used as everyday cars, not to be preened in one’s garage.
Hi Hart,
Thank you for your feedback. This review was written using UK data – it was intended for a UK-based audience and used information gathered from multiple resources in the country, including consumer reports and information from warranty/insurance companies. One thing that was taken into serious consideration was the price of repairs. Whether it’s used for daily driving or weekend jaunts, if something goes wrong it can be costly to repair and this is something that people do like to know prior to spending money on a luxury vehicle.
Hi Rachel, I can definitely confirm that Bentley in this case the Continental GT are unreliable. Firstly no transparency with their labour cost and parts prices. I have a Bentley Continental 2010, under 14000 miles all serviced by Bentley and rarely driven then one day an issue which a Bentley specialist having examined said should not cost half the price I was charged a whooping £7k circa. In all honesty, I believe the Porsche is far better on reliability and solid. Its like the Bentleys should be kept in the garage and only driven once in a while to avoid an issue popping up. That really works me up on Bentley reliabilty. Maybe the most recent models. But it has been dissapointing.
I have a Lexus sc430 and it is all the luxury tahat anyone needs. Head turn and everyone think I am wealthy and it is a chick magnet.
want to buy a very low mile Bentley GT convertible 3 to 4 years old that has all the bells and whistles . The light blue with cream interior would do
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your comment. We would recommend you go to a local Bentley dealer in the US as we are only able to look after UK-based clients.
Was considering buying a Bentley Continental Gt 2011 model, but this review just made me change my mind. I’ll simply go for a Range Rover sport 2018 model
I am interested in buying 2007 to 2009 GTC WITH ~ 45000 miles. I am discouraged by what I am reading in these posts. I have a Lexus sc430 pebble beach that l love. Lexus reliability. The Bentley sure looks great, but don’t want to worry too much about reliability. What breaks the most in these cars?
Hi MQ,
According to consumer and warranty reports, the most common issues reported are the electrical components in the vehicle. However, it’s worth checking forums in your country to find out about repair costs etc before you make your final decision on a vehicle, as this is another element that is always considered when it comes to reliability.
Thank Rachel,
Electrical problems are difficult to solve even for the dealers. The car will spend more time at the dealer than the garage when these problems arise. I
My understanding the car has 2 computers and each could indicate different problems or one will indicate a problem while the second one may not. I don’t know the frequency of these problems, but it’s trouble when they happen. I will stick with Lexus. Thanks again
I own a 2005 Bentley GT. When I first got it there was a problem with electrical system caused by someone who doesn’t know anything about these cars and that it took Bentley in Boston half a day to repair. Once repaired I drove it without any issues although I do keep its two batteries on trickle chargers in the garage. What is missing in these reviews its the car’s technical prowess. It goes like a rocket, tracks well with 4 wheel drive and accelerates for passing. I bought this car form its performance and its visual appeal is low key unlike later models.
I own a 2005 Bentley continental GT. I like the feel of the acceleration and the leather interior but I don’t like the gas mileage. These cars are not gas efficient. If Bentley had in mind gas mileage then they would have advanced the cylinders according to tork demand. Example would be from light to stop light at 35 to 45, all that is necessary is 4 to 6 cylinders but extreme acceleration due to evasive driving demands 12 cylinders.
This car has a battery trickle down leak due to computer standby mode. This means that if the car sits for a long time the batteries will completely discharge. (This can be remedied with a small 12 v cigarette lighter plug solar cell.)
This car also has too many sensors. I understand that to maintain performance of the engine then monitoring of the O2 and co2 fuel output vectors is necessary but to monitor the seat temperature is excessive. What you are paying for is a highly complex and over engineered piece of equipment for those that are bored with basic cars.
You have to ask yourself, do you mind paying $300 for an air shock that you might have to put in yourself because a certified mechanic costs more than a doctor, just to feel that smooth ride over bumps? Do you mind going to the gas station and putting in premium gas when everyone else has the option of putting in regular gas? Do you mind paying almost $150 in synthetic oil when everyone else has the option of putting in regular oil? Finally do you mind paying for $400 to $500 dollar tires every 10000 miles? If you are okay with this then get a Bentley but don’t complain about the insurance rates or the worry of someone scratching, denting or even stealing your lovely car.
If you are like me, your heart sings when you press the gas pedal but sinks when you realize you can’t drive it just anywhere like to the grocery store or even to the mall.
If you want a Bentley then buy a Bentley but use it as a secondary car on the weekends or occasional drive into town and drive another car daily
i have heard horror stories of engines needing to be pulled out to replace simple parts such a vacuum and brake lines can any one shed light on this narrative, also i am told the 2004 – 2011 cars are more problematic. If i was t buy an early model GT what are the things i should be watching for. Electrical is one, so is tyres, accumulators i assume??, issues with the front end?? appreciate some guidance for a green horn like myself. Also what is insurance like on these cars? I have been wanting to own a Bentley Continental GT for quite a while but have just been to afraid to venture into the water so to speak. (Australian Based)
Hi Ross,
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the information required to determine insurance on a Bentley in Australia as we are a UK business and costs referred to in our articles are worked out with information from UK companies. We would recommend that you visit an Australian forum for Bentley owners, such as https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Motor-Vehicle-Company/Bentley-Drivers-Club-Victoria-1708998086041241/ this one on Facebook. There are multiple clubs on the platform based in different regions of Australia.
Hi I’ve Owned my 2015 Bentley (£65,000+) and have driven approx 3,000miles and so far needed a replacement engine under warranty (circa £30,000) and now a Steering rack with multiple CAN faults (£2,600)…. Beautiful car to own and drive, but if it goes wrong, it can go REALLY wrong!
I would advise of purchasing with a warranty if at all possible.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comment. It is for this reason that we recommend with vehicles that people extend their leases to include a Maintenance Package that can cover the more costly repairs that could be required.
I have a continental GTC, having had many top end cars I would say this is the worst car I have ever had, having driven app 60K miles it has been in a garage for repairs longer than on the road
I could fill this page with horror cost stories, to change the turbo’s £20 k, yes TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS, to change a turbo air intake monitor that cost £106 inc VAT, £4800 plus vat (engine out ) . if you go for a ride you will not be sure you wont be going home on the back of a lorry
I could go on and on. the car is fabulous to drive and look at but not worth owning, I’m going back to Astons, never any trouble.
Hi Malcolm,
Thank you for sharing your experiences with a Bentley. If you’re looking for a new Aston, we’re only too happy to help you find one (whatever the model). You can call us on 01903 538835.
Having owned Aston Martins and Porsches (no Bentleys) I can attest that Porsche is tops in reliability (and in the USA, supported by JD Powers ratings) whereas the Astons are mediocre. What costs on Astons are speciality parts unique to a particular model, and those can be quite expensive.
Was on the market looking at the Flying Spur 2005 as i want to add one to my chauffeur business …. please advise and thank you
Hi Darren, What specific questions do you have and we will see if we can help answer/advise?
I purchased a low mileage 21,000 miles ‘05 Continental GT V12 for $35K US dollars. Soon after the check engine light is blazing away. My independent mechanic said the problem was due to cracked vacuum lines. It was a $10,000 repair because of Bentley’s moronic engineering of requiring the boat anchor of a motor to be dropped to access the vacuum lines. I get the car back ($10K) poorer and a month later the driver’s side window regulator snapped l acing the window in its down position. My mechanic said that the VAG group really cheapened out on so many components on these Bentleys. The window regulator is cheap nylon like a thin weed whacker string that has plastic that stretches and degraded overtime. The repair cost me $1,600 parts and labor. Next to fail was my hazard warning lights and rear screen demister. The cheaply made switch gear burned out costing me a grand total of $1,500 for parts and labor. Then my alternator started smoking and whining at 30,000 miles. It took 2 months to get the freaking alternator and $6,000 to replace because the lower subframe had to be dropped and the front fascia pulled. Now my latest problem with this stupid car is with its mindlessly engineered ZF 6 speed transmission. It bangs, clunks, slips and sometimes jumps out of 6 gear in the freeway down to 4 gear and stays there. Nice. It’s in the shop now and I’m biting my nails fearing what it’s going to cost me. I never knew what fragile pieces of doo doo Bentleys are. I’m seriously considering getting rid of this leather lined harbinger of doom for a Lexus. The only other car I owned that was even worse, much, much, worse than the Bentley, was a early 2000’s Chrysler LHS. Talk about ultimate rubbish on four wheels.
Hi there Leon, thank you for sharing your experience with your Bentley vehicle. This will be very helpful for our reader’s vehicle buying decision. If you are considering getting a Lexus and are in the UK, our Vehicle Specialists are more than happy to help secure your luxury vehicle. Contact us on 01903 538835.
I have owned a Bentley GT Continental for the last 6 years and must be one of the lucky ones on this email string, just regular maintenance. I just completed the front, rear brakes and an alinement cost me $4,200.00 US. I do my oil and cabinet filter changes. Before the Bentley I owned an Aston Martin, when I had 10K miles and took it to the dealer for a service, after I picked it up I was driving home (50) miles and the engine blew up, I blame the dealer, they pushed back with a lame excuse that it was time and the engine just failed, that cost me $26K for a new engine.
My vote is Bentley is better than Aston Martin, I also own a Porsche 911 4, by far the most reliable all the (3) vehicles.
Hello John, thank you for sharing your experience with your Bentley GT Continental, Aston Martin and Porsche 911. This will be very useful for our readers when choosing which vehicle to purchase.
I have a 2009 Continental GT Mulliner at 41,000 miles and zero issues. It feels solid.
Hello Allen, thank you for sharing your positive experience with Bentley, this will be very useful for our readers when they choose to purchase a vehicle.
Thinking of a Bentley Continental GT but reliability issues are leaning me toward the Arnage. Best car I ever had was a Bentley Turbo R and I reckon I’ve had everything in my time from a Porsche 911S, very, very expensive parts, through a couple of Aston Martins, to Lamborghini Countach 5000QV. Also expensive if it needed repairing but thankfully it didn’t. Just embarrassing to fall out of at my age. Need to step up into a car these days so the Arnage is the most obvious choice. I miss my Turbo R, so beautifully over engineered.
Hi there Keith, if you’re looking to secure your new Bentley our Vehicle Specialists can get you behind the wheel of your new vehicle. Call us on 01903 538835 for a free consultation.
With all the negative comments on Bentley GTC & GTs Why are the prices being held up so high from a starting price of around 250k When they should be dropping at least 25k per year from new. Very Concerning & Disappointing.
Hi there Stephen, thank you for sharing your thoughts. If you are looking to secure a new Bentley model for a low monthly cost, our Vehicle Specialists can find your ideal vehicle solution. For a free consultation, get in touch on 01903 538835
Owning a Bentley Azure 2001 for the last 14 years. Then 8000 miles. Today 23000 miles. This car is a beautiful carcass of failed engineering, the electric system and hydraulics ( rear dampers brakes and the convertible top most likely designed after binge drinking at the pub). Original MSRP was over $400,000. I paid “only” $150,000 used at the time. Talk about bad judgement! I have never spent so much money on a mechanical thingy to have it run as this piece of you know what. My Bentley 1960 Sll was running like as a swiss watch. So did my Rolls Royce 1983 Corniche convertible. Nowadays I and my wife drive Lexus SUV’s. Not a glitch, not a worry since the first one bought back in 2004! The Bentley sits in the garage like an ancient beautiful relic. Too unreliable to drive even to the grocery store…. Sad! And now the germans own Rolls and Bentley, totally ignoring all the vintage cars out there before their takeover. Disgusting! I will not touch these brands with a ten foot pole again! They cannot even service a 2001!
Owned 2006 gtc for 3 years and 26k miles. Only normal maintenence plus one sensor. Always a sensor!
Recently into a 2016 gt v8s. 3 year RAC platinum warranty a must !! So fingers xd.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with your GTC and GT. This will be very helpful for our reader’s vehicle buying decision.
I’ve had a Spirit I purchased from my father, so, so. A Corniche, never an issue. A 61′ S great reliable old boy I purchased in London from a school mates Uncle. Spent a fortune on cosmetics but only new brake pads and rear leaf springs (as they were exposed due to missing leather boots) but, other than that very sturdy old boy. Then a 50′ James Young aluminum body, I also returned to cosmetic glory. What a gem and thought some would call me mad for spending so much for all the wood to be redone at Classic Veeners, West Miaddressedddlands by my friend Colin, all new hides by a former RR trim man, etc. What an absolute gem when done and as reliable as the daily sun!!! $60k later…I’m looking into buying a newer GT and I’m confident once assessed and addressed, all will be right..Love these cars!! Fun cars to drive at any age or model!! CJI. USA
Idk if its not reliable at all can it really be called “luxury”
luxury is the state of great comfort and extravagant living
idk about you but i cant be in comfort if my car constantly needs to go to the shop or needs work… even if its not my daily or main… it maybe extravagant but it definately isnt comfortable having to repair you vehicle constantly to the point you can barely enjoy it… im guesing this is why you can find a lot used with less that 50k miles on them. ive always wanted an extravagant car but seeing how ureliable a lot of these “luxury” brands are im just gonna opt out for a lexus when i finaly do upgrade my hyundai. also hyundai accent 2013 140k miles needed new shocks, new cat converter, new alternator… besides basic maintenance those are the only issues ive had, imma use and abuse this get my moneys worth then jump into lexus im think the gx460 or the maybe even toyota 4runner since they are the same… i was also think acura mdx … im really aiming for 3 rows.
Hi there William, thank you for sharing your comment. Interesting point about luxury car brands and reliability. Would you ever consider leasing a Lexus when you come to upgrade your vehicle?
Well you all have convinced me to stay away from a used Bentley. On a whim I was going to buy one but glad I had time to calm down and think it through.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Lesko. We understand that buying a used Bentley is a considerable investment, and it’s wise to take the time to consider your options before making a significant purchase decision. If you have any further questions or require assistance in exploring other car options, please feel free to reach out on 01903 538835.
I am driving a 2020 Bentley GTC. I was just 1/2 year out of warranty when the air-condition failed. A repair would have cost $27500 (no joke). After I protested, Bentley fixed it for free. Also because I just bought a Bentley SUV. It was a major undertaking to fix it as the windshield had to come out and be replaced as it brakes when you take it out. Also the entire dash board had to come out to access the 16 air condition motors.
Hi there Jakob, thank you for sharing your experience with us, and I’m glad to hear that Bentley stepped up to resolve the air-conditioning issue, even though you were just out of warranty. We understand that owning a Bentley comes with certain expectations of quality and service, and it’s great to know that you received the support you deserved. If you have any further questions or need assistance with anything else related to your Bentley vehicles, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to assist you. Safe and comfortable driving!
I have owned 5 bentleys from new or 1-2 years old used… Gt’s and Gtc’s plus a GTC supersport and a Bentayga. Never ever had one issue ever except the GTC Supersport I still own 2018 model has massage seat and lumber control now working
Great to hear the broad spectrum of ownership experiences. While I am doing my research into the Bentley Flying Spur as I am considering a purchase I am reading reports of engine gasket leaks as well as well as issues with turbo oil pipes. I must say if this a known problem it seems concerning that Bentley has not addressed the engineering problem. On a platform that is owned by VW this should be simple to do. Your thoughts?
Hi there Oliver, thank you for sharing your concerns and considering a Bentley Flying Spur. While Bentley is known for luxury and performance, it’s crucial to weigh potential issues like engine gasket leaks and turbo oil pipe problems. It’s advisable to consult with a Bentley specialist for a more detailed assessment and consider factors like warranty coverage.
Bentley, being part of the VW Group, does have the resources to address engineering challenges, but specific issues may require case-by-case attention. Customer experiences vary, so thorough research and expert advice by our Vehicle Specialists will guide you in making an informed decision. For more support on finding the perfect Bentley for you, get in touch on 01903 255000.
I’m retired and thought it would be wonderful to ride around in such a beautiful powerful car. After reading this article and the fact that I only make $1,800 a month on Social Security, I think I’ll move on and consider a used VW instead.