Models · Bentley
Bentley Continental GT (2011–2018) buying guide
The second Continental GT, sold from 2011 to 2018 as a coupé and GTC convertible. It launched with the 6.0 W12, and the 4.0 twin-turbo V8 joined in 2012; all have four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.
The versions
- GT W12: 6.0 twin-turbo W12, 567PS, rising to 582bhp from 2015; ZF six-speed automatic on early cars, eight-speed from the 2013 model year
- GT V8: 4.0 twin-turbo V8, 500PS, ZF eight-speed automatic; V8 S with 521bhp
- Speed: W12, up to 633bhp
- Supersports: W12, 700bhp
- Coupé and GTC convertible, all with four-wheel drive
What to check on a second-generation Continental GT
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Knocking from the front over bumps
What to look for: Drive slowly over speed humps and broken surfaces with the windows down, and listen for a knock or clonk from the front corners.
Why it matters: The front anti-roll bar drop links often wear and knock on these cars. They're a simple, well-known replacement, so a knock from them isn't a worry in itself; worn front brakes alongside it can point to a car that has been neglected.
Air suspension ride height
What to look for: Look at the car on level ground, ideally after it has stood overnight, and check that all four corners sit at the same height. With the engine running, listen for the compressor running for long periods, and on the drive feel for knocks or a harsher ride than you'd expect.
Why it matters: Each corner has an air spring built into the damper, and with age the rubber can perish and leak, as can the seals and connections. A small drop overnight is normal, but a corner sitting noticeably low points to a leak, and leaving it makes the compressor work harder. Replacement air spring dampers are readily available from Bentley specialists, and the adaptive damping itself tends not to give trouble.
Electrics and the wiring recalls
What to look for: Try every electrical feature, including the windows, seats, hazard lights, demisters and, on a GTC, the roof through a full cycle. Ask a Bentley dealer to confirm from the VIN that all recall work has been done.
Why it matters: Some cars had wiring looms that could be trapped or chafed, causing electrical failures. Recalls covered an electrical short circuit (October 2015, Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur), hazard light and demister failure, and trapped looms (both July 2019). Most cars will have been dealt with by now.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox shifts and W12 spark plugs
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the second-generation Continental GT
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Bentley Continental GT (2003–2011) · Bentley Continental GT (2018–2024)
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Bentley.