Bentley Continental used buying guide: a £110k legend for £9000

In 2007, Bentley facelifted the range, lightly altering the styling and interior and improving the ride. A new Mulliner Driving Specification option included drilled alloy sport pedals, a knurled chrome gearlever and diamond-quilted leather for the seat facings and doors.

The 600bhp, 553lb ft Speed was also introduced, which combined with suspension changes made the GT properly enjoyable so long as it wasn’t pushed too far.

For even more performance, the Supersports arrived in 2009 with 621bhp and 590lb ft and the capability of running on E85 biofuel. It shed 110kg (including the rear seats) and a genuinely exciting Bentley was created.

Don’t buy a cheap Conti without being prepared to spend what you paid for it all over again, but you’ll still have one of the best bargains on the road, looking and feeling a million dollars. 

What to look for

Water ingress: The most notorious and costly fault involves water ingress in the front left-side footwell, which houses large sections of the wiring loom and ECUs. Any evidence of damp, a musty smell, or flickering electronics could mean a massive, £15,000-plus wiring loom repair.

Air suspension: The multi-mode air suspension is complex and prone to failure, usually due to leaking air struts or a failing compressor. Listen for knocking noises (worn bushes/drop links) and check if any corner of the car sits lower after being parked overnight. Replacements are very costly.