I owned a 2006 FS for the past 4 years. 1 owner that drove 100K kms, full service history and drove 80K kms and serviced the car regularly. Never had any issues what so ever. Always magnificent!
Lovely review, I bought a 2012 flying spur a year ago and like you had concerns about ownership costs but despite using it as I wished the only cost has been basic service and two tyres with flawless ownership experience. Great cars if you get the right one ☝️
Your opening advice is spot on. I have had very mixed ownership experiences with used Bentley's. My first Bentley Arnage (6.75) all but bankrupt me. Gearbox failed, head-gasket failed, water pump failed. Over £10,000 in one year to repair. I bought this multi owner car on a whim My second Bentley (4.4 Arnage) was researched first: Low miles, only two previous owners, the most recent for 13 years, FSH all at a main dealer. It proved to be faultless. So, get it right and you will love the experience. Get it wrong and it *will* bite you....
Absolutely and this one did haha. It had the windscreen scuttle water ingress issue which fubar'd the electricals in no time. Very poor design from a six figure car, especially with VW's money behind it
I share your pain. It is such a shame too for Bentley do make seriously good looking cars. Early last year I went to view a Mulsanne. A 2012 model with just over 5,000 miles on the clock. Imagine my horror when I got to the garage to see one of the rear seats removed "it's having a new seat motor put in it". Suffice to say I walked away. I have a friend who owns a Mulsanne and it has been one issue after another. Ironically none of them big, apart from the fact Bentley themselves are struggling to get the parts needed. Anyway, after the failed attempt to buy a Bentley I bought a 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost which performed faultlessly for the 12 months I owned it. @@HSGAutomotive
Now I’m into the 2011 Ghost if you can.. I tend to travel with my dad, and I feel like I’m walking on clouds.. Thank you anyway.. This is the only 20 minutes I watch on TH-cam without skipping
I remember the famous Latimer Transit vs Phaeton head on. The Transit driver was drunk, they both occupants died. The Phaeton guy escaped with a broken wrist.
I am seriously looking at getting one of these maybe two for a business venture. I viewed a lovely car today but it really is a leap of faith. I sold my mint low miles Maserati around 2 months ago, lovely looking car but the Chrysler switches etc where not the best which eventually put me off after 3 years of ownership, especially the radio. Good sound advice on the Bentley which is much appreciated. Just a suggestion, you driving without speaking to camera, how about you try speaking to camera on your next review, would give more personality I think. Keep the reviews coming, the content is spot on.
I ended up moving on from this one because of electrical issues, and had played with the idea of using it as a wedding car occasionally. If chauffeuring or the like is what you have in mind, I’d suggest looking around for cars like the ones I have now, classic American. 60’s Cadillacs and Lincoln’s are far more affordable to keep running than a Bentley, and I’ve had more requests for weddings and proms in them than anything else I’ve had
Interesting video, not sure why the algorithm didn't throw it my way earlier but nevermind. I went for the more old school Turbo R, which I bought nearly 18 months ago now. It's a later one from 1996 so has the boost control and charge cooler for more power, but not quite as much as your Flying Spur. Though I think it has a fair bit more torque at 553 ft lbs, I guess the extra ¾l displacement helps with that. That's one of the things I love the most about driving it, it builds speed relentlessly. Yes, there are faster cars, but it really feels great to put your foot down. It has had a few more owners than the ideal, but it has a full history of either Bentley dealers or specialists so is in very fine fettle. MPG isn't great, 20 is about as good as it gets on the motorway, overall I'm averaging about 16. I do struggle with parking sometimes though, it often sticks out a fair way so I try to find places to park where that doesn't matter so much. Driving a Bentley is such a special experience, it always puts a smile on my face, hope you enjoy driving yours!
I ended up parting with this one after only a couple of months due to a water ingress electrical issue, but now have a toy which sounds quite similar to yours - a Continental of sorts, but of the 1968 Lincoln variety haha. Similar attributes and enjoyment, easily my favourite car I've owned, albeit unsuitable as a daily at 7 mpg
@@HSGAutomotive That's a shame, glad you found something you enjoy to replace it though, can't be many of them on the roads over here! I suppose there's a fair amount of similarity with the SZ cars, fairly boxy design, loads of leather, big V8 and torque converters, though mine being a later model at least gets 4 speeds. And of course they're both pretty massive.
Nothing beats a 17 ft long + Bentley it's huge! I couldn't care less for the 2 dr version chunky thing at just 15 ft 9 inches long what were Bentley thinking!?
I was tempted at some point, but I still think the styling lets it down a bit and I expected to get bored with it. I decided to go classic instead and bought a Rover P5B Coupe which is in some way a similar car.
Interesting choice. I love classics, but not sure I'd have one as a daily. A bucket list classic for me is about as opposite to this car as you can get - a Marcos Mini, lol
@@HSGAutomotive oh I won't be using it as a daily! I have a very modest Honda Accord diesel for that. I just wanted a stylish and torquey classic to drive around here in the Portuguese hills. It won't be a garage queen though.
Great review, he XFR was such a fascinating car on the used market, many years ago at one point I remember when it was actually cheaper than the 3.0 diesel (I think). I woonder if that is still the case now.
@@HSGAutomotive Did not realise the XKR depreciated to that range too, actually thought that would've stayed around the 25k to 30 mark I will be looking at deals all day now, thank you for bringing that to my attention *subbed
I moved on from this one after some electrical issues from water incursion, but at the time the size was totally fine. Continentals handle exceedingly well for their size and weight
If the weather is mostly hot and clear then it wouldn't hurt. The main thing is to get one with the fewest owners and mileage, most history and services, and always have a repair fund ready because nothing on them is cheap
Lovely car. And yes you can pick them up really cheap. But can someone tell me where I can drive this car legally at 200mph so I can get my full value for money?
Lovely car, Know what you mean about mpg, I sold my mercedes C63 6.2 after having it for 12months,loved it but the fuel economy got on my nerves in the end, Great video as always.
@@Mexicanfab Ahah 😄 considered a Merc a few times myself, maybe one day. Unfortunately the Spur developed water ingress from the front window scuttle, which because of its (poor) design went straight down the back of the glovebox, under the passenger seat and into the electricals housed there, which sent off the hazards, wouldn’t lock doors, all the dash warnings etc. Surprisingly poor design for a car of its price. Shame because it was magnificent to drive
@@HSGAutomotive Ok. Thanks for that, I’ll quickly strike it off my list. My Sclass has been faultless for the almost 2 years I’ve had it and I’ve put over 10k miles on it, plus obviously modified it. 😂. Apart from all the arms/bushings and brakes (as to be expected for a car this size), it’s only been scheduled maintenance. 👌🏼
Take a peek through the catalogue of other cars which I've featured in Beards 'n Cars: th-cam.com/play/PLli-l3TTlwDO_6yAJuczuC7IDDcTr6L9m.html
I owned a 2006 FS for the past 4 years. 1 owner that drove 100K kms, full service history and drove 80K kms and serviced the car regularly. Never had any issues what so ever. Always magnificent!
No reliability issues like sensors/electronics giving out or engine problems?
Lovely review, I bought a 2012 flying spur a year ago and like you had concerns about ownership costs but despite using it as I wished the only cost has been basic service and two tyres with flawless ownership experience. Great cars if you get the right one ☝️
8 months later just an update how is the car doing so far now?
Fantastic review you are s natural. I am a Bentley Nut and am considering now a Continental over a GT. Keep reviews coming. Good voice too.
You are right in every word! Thank you for qualitative video!
Your opening advice is spot on. I have had very mixed ownership experiences with used Bentley's.
My first Bentley Arnage (6.75) all but bankrupt me. Gearbox failed, head-gasket failed, water pump failed. Over £10,000 in one year to repair. I bought this multi owner car on a whim
My second Bentley (4.4 Arnage) was researched first: Low miles, only two previous owners, the most recent for 13 years, FSH all at a main dealer. It proved to be faultless.
So, get it right and you will love the experience. Get it wrong and it *will* bite you....
Absolutely and this one did haha. It had the windscreen scuttle water ingress issue which fubar'd the electricals in no time. Very poor design from a six figure car, especially with VW's money behind it
I share your pain. It is such a shame too for Bentley do make seriously good looking cars. Early last year I went to view a Mulsanne. A 2012 model with just over 5,000 miles on the clock. Imagine my horror when I got to the garage to see one of the rear seats removed "it's having a new seat motor put in it". Suffice to say I walked away. I have a friend who owns a Mulsanne and it has been one issue after another. Ironically none of them big, apart from the fact Bentley themselves are struggling to get the parts needed. Anyway, after the failed attempt to buy a Bentley I bought a 2011 Rolls Royce Ghost which performed faultlessly for the 12 months I owned it. @@HSGAutomotive
Now I’m into the 2011 Ghost if you can.. I tend to travel with my dad, and I feel like I’m walking on clouds.. Thank you anyway.. This is the only 20 minutes I watch on TH-cam without skipping
This is a great car. Great review. Glad I bought one.
Thank You for an excellent and analytical 'Critique' approach for purchasing a Bentley on a second-hand basis.
Great review and an absolutely stunning car. There's nothing more to say, apart from, "enjoy."
Cheers Richard, hopefully I'll continue to! :)
Thanks for your honest review because it changed my perception about this car.
A lot to love for sure, but always a risk when it comes to Bentley
After watching this video 3 times now, I might consider buying a Bentley
haha, if you do then enjoy!
I have a Flying spur. Love it.
Great review. I just put a deposit on one yesterday, can't wait to collect next week.
Nice one, hope you enjoy it!
How it’s been after 9 months?
I remember the famous Latimer Transit vs Phaeton head on. The Transit driver was drunk, they both occupants died. The Phaeton guy escaped with a broken wrist.
Yeah this platform is just a tank, and feels every bit like it
@@HSGAutomotive Yeah, although a much misused term (old Volvo's & Mercedes for instance) I'd say this platform's probably one of the toughest.
I am seriously looking at getting one of these maybe two for a business venture. I viewed a lovely car today but it really is a leap of faith. I sold my mint low miles Maserati around 2 months ago, lovely looking car but the Chrysler switches etc where not the best which eventually put me off after 3 years of ownership, especially the radio. Good sound advice on the Bentley which is much appreciated. Just a suggestion, you driving without speaking to camera, how about you try speaking to camera on your next review, would give more personality I think. Keep the reviews coming, the content is spot on.
I ended up moving on from this one because of electrical issues, and had played with the idea of using it as a wedding car occasionally. If chauffeuring or the like is what you have in mind, I’d suggest looking around for cars like the ones I have now, classic American. 60’s Cadillacs and Lincoln’s are far more affordable to keep running than a Bentley, and I’ve had more requests for weddings and proms in them than anything else I’ve had
Interesting video, not sure why the algorithm didn't throw it my way earlier but nevermind. I went for the more old school Turbo R, which I bought nearly 18 months ago now. It's a later one from 1996 so has the boost control and charge cooler for more power, but not quite as much as your Flying Spur. Though I think it has a fair bit more torque at 553 ft lbs, I guess the extra ¾l displacement helps with that. That's one of the things I love the most about driving it, it builds speed relentlessly. Yes, there are faster cars, but it really feels great to put your foot down. It has had a few more owners than the ideal, but it has a full history of either Bentley dealers or specialists so is in very fine fettle. MPG isn't great, 20 is about as good as it gets on the motorway, overall I'm averaging about 16. I do struggle with parking sometimes though, it often sticks out a fair way so I try to find places to park where that doesn't matter so much. Driving a Bentley is such a special experience, it always puts a smile on my face, hope you enjoy driving yours!
I ended up parting with this one after only a couple of months due to a water ingress electrical issue, but now have a toy which sounds quite similar to yours - a Continental of sorts, but of the 1968 Lincoln variety haha. Similar attributes and enjoyment, easily my favourite car I've owned, albeit unsuitable as a daily at 7 mpg
@@HSGAutomotive That's a shame, glad you found something you enjoy to replace it though, can't be many of them on the roads over here! I suppose there's a fair amount of similarity with the SZ cars, fairly boxy design, loads of leather, big V8 and torque converters, though mine being a later model at least gets 4 speeds. And of course they're both pretty massive.
Nothing beats a 17 ft long + Bentley it's huge! I couldn't care less for the 2 dr version chunky thing at just 15 ft 9 inches long what were Bentley thinking!?
awesome car, but you just better hope and pray that your accelerator doesn't get stuck while waiting in like at a US/Canada border gate...
I was tempted at some point, but I still think the styling lets it down a bit and I expected to get bored with it. I decided to go classic instead and bought a Rover P5B Coupe which is in some way a similar car.
Interesting choice. I love classics, but not sure I'd have one as a daily. A bucket list classic for me is about as opposite to this car as you can get - a Marcos Mini, lol
@@HSGAutomotive oh I won't be using it as a daily! I have a very modest Honda Accord diesel for that. I just wanted a stylish and torquey classic to drive around here in the Portuguese hills. It won't be a garage queen though.
Ah yeah makes sense. I've always wanted a big American classic, we'll see if that ever happens. In particular either a '59 DeVille or '62 Continental
@@HSGAutomotive well that went quickly from a Mini Marcos to a 62 Continental! 😀
Yeah my tastes are pretty eclectic, lol. Ideally own both at different times
The cheapest part of buying a used Bentley is buying a used Bentley. The expensive part is owning a used Bentley.
I had an original V8 classic Range Rover, even on the motorway you could watch the fuel guage go down !!
Excuse me. Can i download video?
I own a flying spur love it
May you have many happy miles
Cheers buddy 😁👍
Great review, he XFR was such a fascinating car on the used market, many years ago at one point I remember when it was actually cheaper than the 3.0 diesel (I think). I woonder if that is still the case now.
Last I checked they were up a little to the 12-18k range, similar to a 4.2 XKR
@@HSGAutomotive Did not realise the XKR depreciated to that range too, actually thought that would've stayed around the 25k to 30 mark I will be looking at deals all day now, thank you for bringing that to my attention *subbed
@@vista1456786 Yeah no worries. 4.2 XKRs and XFRs tend to be around the same value in the UK. Then the 5.0 XKR and XFR-S tend to be in the 25k+ range
Thanks for the video, how do you find driving this without blind spot detection, lane assist etc, digital speedo?
I moved on from this one after some electrical issues from water incursion, but at the time the size was totally fine. Continentals handle exceedingly well for their size and weight
God REAL drivers do not Need ANY of those
roads look familiar!. Sudbury area?
Nah, lol. Somerset, totally opposite side
why wouldn't he put the year of the car in the title? or at least in the description.
Not relevant. The review covers all first gen Flying Spurs regardless of year.
Hi, so MPG around 25 in the highway cursing at 65/70mph???
In my experience yeah, around 24-26 highway, 10 or so in the city
Would you recommend for someone in the Caribbean?
If the weather is mostly hot and clear then it wouldn't hurt. The main thing is to get one with the fewest owners and mileage, most history and services, and always have a repair fund ready because nothing on them is cheap
@@HSGAutomotive much thanks
Lovely car. And yes you can pick them up really cheap. But can someone tell me where I can drive this car legally at 200mph so I can get my full value for money?
Germany road trip comes to mind
Will it worth to pay 8k dollars on 2011 over 2006 model?
Newer is usually better when it comes to Bentleys, but always an element of risk because of being such complex machines
You might still get some w220 MB S65 AMG's cheaper than Bentley Flying Spur. S65 is much faster but they were only produced 630
Lovely car,
Know what you mean about mpg,
I sold my mercedes C63 6.2 after having it for 12months,loved it but the fuel economy got on my nerves in the end,
Great video as always.
Solid advice 👍
My father use to say
" Buy a house that's had lots of owners"
" and buy a car with 1 or 2 owners"
Waiting for the long term ownership review.
I don’t think I’ll be doing one for the Spur since I only had it for a couple months in the end
@@HSGAutomotive Ah ok. 😂. You almost had me sold on one to replace the Sclass.
@@Mexicanfab Ahah 😄 considered a Merc a few times myself, maybe one day. Unfortunately the Spur developed water ingress from the front window scuttle, which because of its (poor) design went straight down the back of the glovebox, under the passenger seat and into the electricals housed there, which sent off the hazards, wouldn’t lock doors, all the dash warnings etc. Surprisingly poor design for a car of its price. Shame because it was magnificent to drive
@@HSGAutomotive Ok. Thanks for that, I’ll quickly strike it off my list.
My Sclass has been faultless for the almost 2 years I’ve had it and I’ve put over 10k miles on it, plus obviously modified it. 😂.
Apart from all the arms/bushings and brakes (as to be expected for a car this size), it’s only been scheduled maintenance. 👌🏼
Comment 1👍
Enus Cognoscenti
Are you serious it's a v12!! It can do 1 million klms If it's serviced regularly you've got no problems
The engine on a Bentley is rarely the problem. Everything else is. 12 cylinders or not is irrelevant to that.
It looks like a Skoda superb 2005
Both VW group
Gretta Thunberg unsub at 16 minute mark
2004 MB S65 AMG is faster than this one. Buy AMG.