Used 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Consumer Reviews
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SAVE A BUNDLE - BUY ONE USED, SOLID PERFORMER
Bought our 2007 used in 2016. Car was in great shape with 51,000 miles on it. Paid $1,600 for Dealer to do maintenance of oil & filter change, and total review of car (more than a standard oil change at dealer, but did more as to changing out fluids, batteries in keys, etc. - was worth it to find out exactly what the car really needed) Had about 10% left on Brakes. Replaced Brakes AND Tires (got them from Tire Rack) and went to independent mechanic to get things done (ABOUT HALF what Dealer would have charged) The Trick with these cars is that you DON'T go to the Dealer - you go to good mechanic who knows Bentleys. Had an 1989 Bentley Eight for 20 years and traded it in for this one. This car is SUPER fast and is comfortable. Better gas mileage than the 1989 BUT, you don't buy one for the Gas Mileage. After putting on about 7,000 miles in a half-year, I would say it was a great buy. No way could we afford a new one (total price w/tax about $240,000) but getting this car at $62,000 was a good deal. Oil Change is once every 10,000 (Synthetic oil, 14 quarts - YES 14) It is a racing engine on a luxury platform. So much better than a Mercedes, BMW, or other High-end car. Repairs? So far just put on Brakes and Tires to insure we had solid traction. Have had it up to 120MPH and it's like you are driving 55MPH. I am surprised at some of the other negative comments. Maintenance is not bad if you DON"T go to the dealer.(and that is true on ANY car!!) Find a good mechanic. Join the Bentley Club and the Rolls-Royce Owners Club and you will get great tips in maintaining the car and not overpaying for service. Bottom line - You're driving up in a high-performance Bentley and that makes everyone's Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi pale in comparison. No one asks what year it is - it's a Bentley! UPDATE: At 61,000 miles on the car. Great car that gets a lot of notice. Had a sensor problem with the Parking Brake warning going on. Very minor replacement (sensor). Looking forward to entering it into the Rolls-Royce Owners Club's Regional Concours. Glad we bought it. If you buy one - DRIVE IT. Don't let it sit in the garage. These cars were built to be driven hard. UPDATE: At 62,300 miles on car. Still great driving. Had the air struts start losing pressure in the front. (this is the BIG repair that scares anyone from buying some of the exotics - not just Bentley, but high-end Mercedes and others as well). The air struts are like $2,800 apiece and the compressor is $1,100 PLUS installation at the dealer. You're looking at about a $10-12K repair. If you shop-around like I did, you can beat that price AND get quality parts (NEW - NOT refurbished) for a LOT LESS. I bought a total kit for about $2,500 - BOTH Air Struts AND the Compressor. Even my mechanic said I got a steal on it. I did not need to replace the compressor so I am saving that for the future but my total bill with installation was around $3100 (and I still have the new compressor in a box for the future). That is the way you can afford running a high-end exotic and not worrying about maintenance costs. That is the biggest repair on the car. By a quality used car and learn how to be a "shopper" and you can pull up in a true luxury performance car that originally cost $230,000 next to the guy who paid the same price for a mid-level, nothing spectacular BMW new. UPDATE - Have had car for a little over 2 years now. Going for an oil change. Great ride. UPDATE - 72,000 - Driving it and enjoying it. Not everyday but every weekend. Car runs well and is super fast. Have to take it in for scheduled maintenance. YES, it will cost some money BUT, it is more than a performance car - it is a race car with a luxury body on top. You need to check everything and make sure it is tight and working well. YES - I would buy another but the way these cars last, it will be 20 years before I go looking. UPDATE (01/08/2022) - About 74,000 on it. Did not drive it much but need to go in for major service (for maintenance). You need to get regular maintenance on this car (and EVERY car really) if you want it running at peak performance. You cannot just "let it sit" - I always get the oil changed (even more than I need to) but the engine and car run fine when you maintain them. You need to maintain any performance car- Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc - So if you want one, realize it is a car that needs care. You only live once. If you get a Bentley, chances are, you will keep it for 20+ years. Get the best. It will serve you well. Otherwise, buy those cheap cars and keep flipping them every five years - when you look at all the money you lost across 20 years - a Bentley is a bargain. UPDATE (01/10/2023) - A little over 76,600 miles on it. Everything running fine. Looks like I will be going in for service on it - oil change, etc in about 1200 miles. No complaints. It still drives very well. Running it over the winter just when it is cold out but no snow or salt on the road. After seeing how bad EVs performed in cold weather, I will NOT be looking at any EVs. UPDATE (7/ll/2024) Everything still going well. Changed out tires last year to Pirelli P-Zero tires (Z-rated). A good choice for the Bentley. Just doing routine maintenance on it so far (oil change last year, now going to get another one this year). Around 80,000 now. Having it 8 years, the car is still impeccable in its looks and performance. I could have bought an EV - good thing I didn't. The more EVs that hit the road, the problems you start to see from bad charging issues (have to charge them before they hit below l5% and can only charge them up to 80-85% - so how many REAL miles are you getting between charges?) A lot of other issues like NO resale, etc. Last year bought a new Nissan Armada. Good combination - Bentley and Armada. Mileage may not be 40MPG, BUT, if you are in any accident, you will walk away without much injury in either vehicle. MPG is NOT everything.
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Still good
I agree with all the positive comments, which you'll note hint at some flaws in the design and operation of the car but do not in any way detract from the experience of owning one. I didn't see much substance in the negative reviews- was it the same guy writing them all? This car is fantastic, fast comfortable and smooth. Garners a lot (repeat, a lot!) of stares and comments. True luxury that mass-produced BMW's and MB's can't begin to match (Mercedes had to come out with the Maybach line to even try). My biggest complaint is the rear seat area, it squeaks rattles and shakes whenever you hit a bump, due to a suspension that is quite active and "vocal" over bumps. Reliability has been great.
- Base SedanMSRP: $49,99982 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $59,058103 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $42,998516 mi away
Flying Spur is in a Class by Itself
A super luxury sedan with 4 wheel drive, 0 to 60 acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 195+ mph (magazine reviews) is not available anywhere currently in this price range except from Bentley. Austin Martin is planning something in next 2+ years. The super huge trunk is great for trips but the acceleration at any speed makes it fun to drive even though it weighs about 5,500 pounds. Our Beluga exterior with chrome wheels and Cognac/Beluga interior looks stunning. Other drivers have actually backed from other lanes at red lights to do a double take. While drivers going the other way have stared or even turned around to get a better look. This car is very roomy, has stunning looks, and has great acceleration and speed!
The most fun you can have with a 4 door
Having owned a variety of high performance sedans over the years, and tired of being nickled and dimed to death by my 600SEL, I thought I'd try something FAST with AWD. For not so much more than it's Audi sibling, the Bentley fit the bill. While it does have some electrical issues, none have been disabling. The ride is a bit noisy due to the high tire pressures and high performance tires. That said, the car is fairly quiet on the road. The 2009 models will be quieter. Acceleration is amazing, the interior is a wonderful place to be, and the car is quite easy to drive. The bluetooth is useless for Verizon customers.
After 4 yrs I still LOVE to get behind the wheel..
In my lifetime I've owned some pretty special cars but my Flying Spur is in a class alone and far above any of the others. After 4 yrs. I still anticipate with excitement my next drive. It's a head turner (95 % favorable but a few truly nasty and envious remarks shouted out) and a delight in all ways from remarkable comfort, performance, uncompromising quality of construction and materials, and understated elegance inside and out. The only comment I can make even slightly negative is that I noticed a improvement in ride, quietness, and handling when I changed from the factory-installed Dunlap tires to Michelin Sport A/S Plus 275/35 ZR20's. I feel it's not hyperbole to rate it 5 stars.
Sheer Luxury, Built to Last
Having owned quite an array of luxury vehicles over the past 30+ years I thought I'd become quite jaded. I loved my Jaguar XJ's but then moved on to the Mercedes S-class, owning 4 over the years (including a new 2007 for my wife). The time had come for something different--something which looks and feels superior. The Flying Spur is IT! No Mercedes sedan can compare with the WOW factor of this Bentley. And, the beauty, quality and craftsmanship of the interior places this car head and shoulders all others. While I have no doubt the 2007 S-class is the true standard of the world, there is a certain satisfaction in driving the much more exclusive Flying Spur. It is a JOY!
Great Car
I've had my Flying Spur since April. It is a great car and it is not ubiquitous like all other luxury sedans on the market today. It is fun to drive, has a huge trunk, and accelerates like a sports car. If it had iPod integration, it would be the greatest car ever. That said, I love these new Bentleys. I can't wait to get my Continental GTC.
Can afford this car 10 years later
This is a very special car, not your daily driver. 10 years later exterior quality still better than most new cars, interior good shape but color of wood/leather show slight age but still impressive since it's all leather and wood. Bought it for fun so use it occasionally, feels pretty good paying just 1/3 of the original price with very low miles. Can buy a new LS460 or this10 year old Bentley for around the same price, I'm very happy with my choice especially I'm just half the age of other Bentley drivers =P
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snakes in paradise
Fast, smooth, comfy,and commodious, we loved this car until Bentley US refused to correct a speedo off by 7%, failed to correct peeling paint (on a $200,000+ car???!!!), and failed to ethically address additional issues with this vehicle. After 4 years with this car, we wish we'd never purchased it. It often throws codes on startup, which will get expensive when the extended warranty expires. Poor warranty service/aftercare is a nightmare on any item. On a vehicle at this price point, it is an outrage. It can be great fun to drive for such a huge sedan, but, without proper, kind, and ethical factory support, it's nothing more than atarted up piece of garbage we wish we'd never purchased
Beats BMW 7's & MB600 Hands Down!
The Flying Spur replaced our Mercedes V12 and BMW 7 series. There is no comparison. Power and handling in the Bentley is superb, however, the quality, craftsmanship and design is unbelievable. The electronics and navigation is intuitive, making the BMW "I-Drive" look far more complicated than it needed to be. Acceleration pins you to the seat. Because of all wheel drive in the Bentley, our recent snow/rain vacation trip was far more relaxing because road handling was exceptional. This will be the first of many Bentleys!
DR. QUICK's Prescription for feeling good
The car is amazing. You almost have to learn how to drive all over again because of the elevated performance. Love the weight and solid feel. The power is breath taking. Some lesser top brands seem to have more features, but nothing beats pulling up in Bentley. Nothing makes you feel more special.
Special Car
I am very happy with this car. Compared to my previous cars, the S55 CL65 and S550, this car is the best and gives you everything, like performance, looks, and ride quality. To sum it up I find myself looking for reasons just to drive it. The car has a way of making you feel special. I see a lot of comparisons to the BMW 760Li and the S600, these are great cars but check out what they sell for only a year old. They lose a lot of value very quickly. I'm speaking from experience, I traded my '06 CL65 on the Bentley.
Will Never Buy A Mercedes Again!
This vehicle is amazing. I have previously ownes an S55 AMG and a CL500 and this car put's both to shame. When you press the start engine button it sounds a like an airplane engine starting. When you're going fast you think you feel as if you are going only 45 mph. It is a must have for any person wanting to ride in style. All of the seats massage you, plus they all have heating and cooling. The trunk is so big you could easily fit 6 bodies in there.
Surprisingly Affordable
The dealer made this very easy to buy. Very nice buying experience-I was able to negotiate and pay my price. I was a little dubious about buying this vehicle but when you put your foot on the accelerator and feel the movement the exhilaration is more than rewarding. Handles like a dream. You are in control every step of the way. Plenty of room and easy to adjust settings. Everything is intuitive. You do not need the owner's manual. Nothing is hidden. It is all up front and works like a charm. No MBA required. Comfort is unbelievable. Interior is first class as is the fit and finish. It's a very German car without all the quirkiness and regimentation of a Mercedes. Loose and fluid. Easy.
Spur vs. Arange
I traded in my Arnage T for the Spur and never looked back. The Spur has everything I wanted (except no MP3 hook-up) in an auto. Although the Arnage T turned more heads (who cares) the Spur outdoes it in every way, especially the interior! The Arnage felt like getting into a space capsule (I'm 6'1") and was in the shop a good amount...the Spur on the other hand, not a hiccup! It delivers flawless performance, comfort and design (although the back end is a bit odd to me). I believe to have finally found that love match between man and machine with the Spur.
Amazing experiance
That 552 HP engine will leave you breathless, great sedan, comfort and performance are second to none, my two daughters 2 and 3 yo in their car seats have plenty of space watching their DVDs while I enjoy this magnificent ride, if you are thinking about buying one, I say do it today.
Gil
This is a great automobile. I had the '06 model before this. The '09 is markedly superior. Fairly quiet for a twin turbo 12 cyl.
Goodbye S-Class!
I have owned a Merecedes-Benz S-Class for 15 years. In the Continental Flying Spur, I have finally found a car that looks, drives, and sounds as good as the hype. It is heaven to drive and the quality is unbelievable. It was worth the wait. There is nothing like it on the road. Its a sports car and a family sedan with class.
Great All Around Car
The windshield cracked and the console display system went out in the first few months I had it. Other then that, it's a great all around car. It has excellent power (though there is some turbo lag at the bottom), a smooth ride, it corners very well for a 5,500 lb. car, the AWD is great in the rain, and it is far more of a head turner then a MB or BMW. The interior is luxurious. If money is no option then what the heck, you can't take it with you!
10 reasons not to buy a Bentley
Nice to drive with quite enough power (until one drives a Speed version). Good ride and comfy cabin. All that is marred/spoiled by Bentley Motors' hateful behavior towards it's customers. My Flying Spur (which, when we purchased it, had never been owned by anyone but Bentley Motors and the dealer) now has paint peeling in a bunch of places, an inaccurate speedo, an inaccurate odometer, throws codes seemingly at random, and is now plagued by a shrill noise in the cockpit the dealer was too busy to fix prior to a 7000 mile trip. For us at least, owning a car is not just owning a car, it's an experience and a relationship. The folks at Bentley Motors have been so hateful and pompous that the en
My Second Bentley
I purchased a Continental GT in late 2004 and was extremely happy with it. Now, the Continental Flying Spur is the same car with more space and some added features. The bluetooth phone (RAZR) works great. I also like the cooling solar panel in the sliding roof, air cooled seat not just heated, very large trunk space, and more glass. This is a really great car to drive since it handles like a GT. It has a tight body with no rattles. Overall, the Flying Spur is superb.
Sheer Pride
Let's face it all cars are good these days and our expectations are equally high, but no other car can give me the great sense of pride I feel when I walk up to my Bentley. It just oozes class and quality, and judging by the finger marks on the glass after parking in public others think (or wish) the same.
Owner
Excellent car
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Outstanding car
I traded in my 2005 GT since I thought the 4 door made more sense for an everday car. Like the GT the interior is outstanding as is the overall build quality. The Continental Flying Spur is fun to drive even though it is a little less sporty than the GT. It's more elegant. It is very comfortable and has some nice features such as automatic trunk opener and cooled seats. Also better it has doors, since they are not as heavy. All in all, I have been very pleased with the car.
Behind the Times
All in all its a good car, but the car just isn't up to par with the competition. For starters, the technology just does not belong in the 21st century. All the competitors are far more advanced. The rear seat is a big drawback to, as the seat to low to the ground and lacks thigh support. The car has also been in the shop alot, and the repairs take a long time.
Exquisite
I'm totally excited about this car. I've had and driven just about everything luxury and they all pale in comparison. The Continental Flying Spur has plenty of room, power and styling. My only complaint is that the bluetooth only works with Nokia phones and my Razer doesn't work on the system.
Old World Quality With Modern Dynamics
Was looking for something different than the Bangle-Butt BMW's and mundane Mercedes S-Class, which are like VW's around Los Angeles. With it's distinctive elegant shape, outstanding build quality, sheer luxury, twin-turbo 550 HP performance, and great driving dynamics, the Flying Spur sits by itself at the top of the luxury sedan heap. It's an amazing balance of understated capability, able to take five people in total comfort at up to 195 MPH (where, I don't know!), corner with SL's on Angeles Crest, and cruise Sunset Blvd. with the same quiet refinement of a Rolls Phantom, without the Kenworth-grill pretense. As modern as an A8 Audi (it's cheaper cousin), the Flying Spur make no excuses!
Flying Spur is a Pleasure
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever driven. My Arnage is in the garage more now than ever before. I drive it almost every day and look forward to many years of enjoyment. Thank you Bentley for this vehicle.
Great car, love it
This is my third Bentley and this one has to be my favorite! It has amazing handling as it should. The headrests dvd systems make the car more lovable! I will definitely be keeping this one for a while.
Bently Continental Flying Spur
I had less than 1,000 miles on this car and it had to be taken in for service twice. The wheels were not balanced properly for the first visit. The air conditioner went out in 100 degree temps on a road trip. It is a lovely car other than those problems, but it makes one wonder what is next. There is a fabulous sound system on the car. But the interior storage space is not large enough. If I put in an XM radio, I would lose my one ashtray. There is nowhere for change if that is gone. It drives beautifully. I can't wait to get out on the open road with this car.
Its great, but...
The car's performance rocks, it is just that now they have the Chrysler 300 with the exact same front grille (am I the only one that notices it?). The garage door opener is a disgrace, since it's not standard. The radio and navigation are great, and the comfort is great as well. It's a gas guzzler, alright (how does the 760Li get 22 mpg and S65 AMG 18 mpg?) Even though I love my Bentley a lot and probably would recommend this car, I'd recommend a Mercedes-Benz S600 or S65 more.
great car - high quality
Great road car and comfort
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Upgraded Volkswagen
I was treated better at the Mercedes and BMW dealerships than I was at the Bently dealer. This car has exhilarating performance but lacks the technology that Mercedes or BMW have. I needed to add satellite radio and I had to buy a special phone to work with the "optional phone system" to integrate with the car system. Bentley you should be ashamed of yourselves nickel and diming your customers like that. It has panache and if that is worth $40,000 more to you than owning the other cars that I described, then buy it.
Not Quite As Good As The...
Mercedes Benz S600 or the BMW 760Li. The handling was fine, but we were a bit suprised to find out that the garage door opener is optional. This luxury car is beautiful, but if you want to buy an exotic luxury car, look at the S600 or the 760Li or the Audi A8 W12 L as well. The car is a bit heavy, so it didn't perform as well as it could. It's also uncomfortable in the rear seats, compared to the BMW 760Li. In some cases, it's better than the S600 and the 760Li, but overall, it's not quite as good.
Forget It
Given that the Bentley arrived at the lot in December, but I got to give the car a good drive a couple of days ago, you might be wondering where it's been. Well guess what, it was in the shop. You can see it's not reliable at all, considering that the engine burned up twice, a lot of the technology, and etc., etc., etc. It also lags in acceleration. For those who are looking for a Supreme Luxury Car, look at the A8 W12 L or 760 Li. Right now, I've got a 760 Li in the making.
Two Thumbs Down
Parple Lossh knows what he's talikng about! I don't like my Bentley either. It's extremely uncomfortable. I would rather have a Mercedes-Benz S600. Everyone has their own opinion, of course.
I Am Disappointed
Never a Bentley Again! I've had it for a while now, and I think it's awful. It is so uncomfortable and heavy. I could have saved $40,000 and gotten a 2007 Mercedes Benz S600 and have been happier than I am with the vehicle that I purchased. For those who are looking for a luxury vehicle, look at the S600 or the Audi A8 W12 L more carefully. Everyone has their own opinion, though.
The Car is Amazing ... YEAH, RIGHT!
O.K. So everyone might think that Bentley has a good name, and they do. I love my Continental GT, but my Flying Spur is a joke. In other words, It's garbage. I bought it, spent a week with it, then returned it. I bought myself a BMW 760Li and now, because of my Flying Spur, am thinking of swapping it in for a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren or a Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG, or maybe a SL 65 AMG. I don't know. Despite it's "luxury" name, I find my Audi A6 to be more luxurious. Everyone, though, is subjected to their own, personal opinion.