# Bentley Continental GT — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Bentley Continental GT on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bentley-continental-gt

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: V8
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £80,000

## Why this model

The Bentley Continental GT is an incredible grand tourer, offering a blend of immense power, unparalleled luxury, and a truly special driving experience. For a used car buyer, a 2019 model represents a fantastic opportunity to get into a high-end luxury vehicle after it's taken its biggest depreciation hit. It's perfect for long-distance cruising in supreme comfort and style, making every journey feel like an occasion.

## What you should pay

Bentley Continental GTs depreciate significantly in their first few years, making them much more accessible on the used market. While still a substantial investment, a 2019 model has already shed a large chunk of its original value. Prices can vary wildly based on mileage, condition, and optional extras, so it's crucial to compare several listings and be prepared to negotiate. Aim for a well-maintained example with a full service history from a reputable specialist or dealer.

## Which trim to buy

The V8 trim is often considered the sweet spot for the Continental GT. While the W12 offers more power, the V8 is still incredibly potent and provides a more engaging, sportier driving feel thanks to its lighter engine. It's also slightly more fuel-efficient and often has lower running costs (though still high!). You get all the luxury and presence of a Bentley without the absolute top-tier running costs of the W12, making it the best balance of performance, prestige, and relative affordability on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension failures (leaks, compressor issues)
- Electrical gremlins (infotainment, sensors)
- Brake wear (heavy car, powerful engine)
- Oil leaks (especially from older models or neglected maintenance)
- Tyre wear (due to weight and power)

## Running costs

Running a Bentley Continental GT is expensive, as you'd expect. Fuel costs will be high due to its low MPG (expect around 20-24 mpg, meaning roughly 25-30 pence per mile at current petrol prices). Road tax (VED) for a 2019 model will be £520 per year (luxury car surcharge applies). Insurance will be very high, likely in the range of £2,000-£5,000+ annually depending on your personal circumstances. Servicing and maintenance are also specialist and costly, easily £1,000-£2,000+ per year for routine work, with major repairs potentially running into thousands.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 542-626 hp
- **Mpg**: 20-24 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Above average for a luxury car, but complex engineering means specialist maintenance is crucial.
- **Safety Rating**: Not rated by Euro NCAP

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| V8 | £155,000 | £80,000 | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Engine; 542 hp; 8-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| W12 | £170,000 | £95,000 | 6.0L Twin-Turbo W12 Engine; 626 hp; 8-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| V8 with Mulliner Driving Specification | £168,000 | £88,000 | V8 engine with Mulliner Driving Specification; 22-inch Mulliner alloy wheels; Diamond-in-diamond quilting for seats and door panels |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £80,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £70,000 | 87.5% |
| 2028 | £62,000 | 77.5% |
| 2029 | £56,000 | 70% |
| 2030 | £50,000 | 62.5% |

A 2019 Bentley Continental GT has already taken the steepest part of its depreciation curve. Buying now means you're getting a significant discount from new prices, and while it will continue to depreciate, the rate of loss will be slower than a newer model. This makes it a 'sweet spot' for luxury car buyers looking for value.

Total value lost since new: 37.5%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Aston Martin DB11](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/aston-martin-db11.md)
- Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe
- Porsche Panamera Turbo

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.