An owner’s view
GORDON GRAY
“I have owned Bentleys for 25 years and currently have three. None of my cars has ever failed me. I’ve owned my Bentayga W12 for two and a half years. It was registered in 2018 and has covered 45,000 miles. I use it to tow my boat, which it does superbly. I don’t want to think what it does to the gallon when it does so, but on its own it does 19mpg. Although it had a full Bentley service history when I bought it, I have it serviced by an independent specialist close to me in Exeter. The most recent, 40,000-mile service cost £700.”
Buyer beware…
SERVICING
Bentley’s two-year inspection finance plan stops at 2017-reg cars. For a 2017-reg Bentayga, it charges £135 per month plus parts. An official Bentley service stamp is worth a lot but, inevitably, many cars eventually leave the network. In that case, favour a Bentayga that has since been serviced by a reputable independent garage employing Bentley-trained staff using the correct tools. Such a place is likely to charge around £750 for a minor service and £1400 for a major, both prices including parts.
ENGINES
W12 camshaft failures have been reported but are rare. Check for oil and fluid leaks and split vacuum hose pipes. Some diesels have suffered failure of the AdBlue pump.
GEARBOX
Check the operation of the standard-fit eight-speed auto ’box in all modes.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
Check the ride modes and ensure the car sits square on its air springs. There was a safety recall in 2016 involving Bentayga diesels and concerning the possible loss of power steering assistance due to a poor earth connection.
TYRES, WHEELS AND BRAKES
Wheel sizes go up to 23in, with consequent increases in tyre prices. Check the remaining life of the tyres and the disc brakes and pads.
BODY
Especially on diesel cars, inspect the underside for scrapes and the rear for tow damage. With all versions, check their sides for hedgerow and parking marks. There was a safety recall in 2016 concerning the possible incorrect torquing of internal body joints and fixings.
INTERIOR
The Bentayga can do hard wor
