Generation-specific owner insights from 94+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?6
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2006–2010
5
recall campaigns
structure
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2006-2010 Continental are sharply divided: a vocal group of long-term owners describe the car as reliable, joyful, and worth the cost, while a similarly large group warns that maintenance and repair bills can be severe and unpredictable.
16 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 12 isolated) · high confidence
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: some owners state that later first-generation cars are better regarding how many repairs require the engine to come out, and one owner specifically avoided the "C" model. The Supersports is mentioned positively by owners who own it, but not enough to establish a consensus.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204), Porsche Cayman and Porsche Boxster.
Is a 2006–2010 Continental right for you?
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Owners of the 2006-2010 Continental are sharply divided: a vocal group of long-term owners describe the car as reliable, joyful, and worth the cost, while a similarly large group warns that maintenance and repair bills can be severe and unpredictable. Praise centers on the W12's power, the interior quality, the touring comfort, and the car's distinctive presence; criticism centers on expensive, labor-intensive repairs (especially jobs requiring the engine to be dropped), air suspension costs, and the sense that repair bills can exceed the car's value. Several owners note that later first-generation cars (roughly 2008-2010) are seen as needing fewer engine-out repairs than earlier ones, though this is a partial signal rather than a firm consensus.
Owners position the Continental as a "personal luxury" car in the mold of classic American luxury coupes, prized for straight-line power, comfort, and presence rather than cornering. Against the E55 and other AMG models, several owners argue the Mercedes is more fun without the maintenance burden. Against Porsche models, owners describe the Cayman/Boxster as a cheaper, lower-depreciation way to have fun. Against the Lexus LS430, owners call it the closest ride to the Continental and far cheaper to run. Against the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, owners treat the Aston as a stylish alternative with comparable or better reliability. Against the S-Class and Panamera, owners suggest those cars offer more modern tech and lower ownership risk.
Insufficient owner data available. Partial signal: one owner recommends only buying with full service records, garage-kept history, and low miles; another recommends a pre-purchase inspection at a Bentley dealer followed by servicing at an independent specialist rather than the dealer.
Owners advise that this generation suits buyers who can absorb large, unpredictable repair bills without strain, and who have a qualified independent specialist nearby. Owners strongly recommend a pre-purchase inspection, full service records, garage-kept history, and low mileage, and warn against cars that have sat unused for long periods. Owners recommend budgeting several thousand dollars per year for maintenance and keeping a substantial reserve for major repairs. Owners advise avoiding cars with signs of neglect or abuse, and caution that dealer labor rates are far higher than independent shops. Owners also note that parts can often be sourced from non-Bentley suppliers or used, which reduces cost.
A recurring theme in owner discussions is that the car's low resale value makes expensive repairs hard to justify economically, even when owners still enjoy the car. Several owners describe the W12 engine and transmission as fundamentally strong, with the surrounding systems being the weak point. One owner notes the car is mostly VW underneath and can be serviced outside the dealer network. Another owner reports 155,000 miles of trouble-free use on a 2008 coupe. Owners repeatedly note that the car's complexity means nearly every job is labor-intensive. Analysis based on approximately 94 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 1 | structure |
| 2007 | 2 | 2 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2006 | 3 | 2 | unknown or other |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2009 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotorcampaign 13V484000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, manufactured from July 2006 through June 2010 and equipped with carbon ceramic brake discs. In the affected vehicles, the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
2007 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotorcampaign 13V484000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, manufactured from July 2006 through June 2010 and equipped with carbon ceramic brake discs. In the affected vehicles, the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
2007 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 08V217000
BENTLEY IS RECALLING 13,420 MY 2004-2008 CONTINENTAL GT, CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR, AND CONTINENTAL GTC VEHICLES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ROAD SALT TO CORRODE THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE FILTER HOUSING BECOMING POROUS WITH A CORRESPONDING FUEL LEAK.
2006 · air bagscampaign 08V072000
BENTLEY IS RECALLING 4 MY 2004 AND 2006 CONTINENTAL GT AND CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR VEHICLES. THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG TRIMMED COVERS HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH TETHERS OF AN INCORRECT LENGTH.
2006 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemcampaign 08V217000
BENTLEY IS RECALLING 13,420 MY 2004-2008 CONTINENTAL GT, CONTINENTAL GT SPEED, CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR, AND CONTINENTAL GTC VEHICLES. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ROAD SALT TO CORRODE THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE FILTER HOUSING BECOMING POROUS WITH A CORRESPONDING FUEL LEAK.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.