Bentley Continental (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

6750cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol6750cc36 years old62 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 6750cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Bentley brand average of 94%.

90% of MOT tests on Bentley Continentals from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,707 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models20th of 182(top 11%)

Rank among Bentley models98th of 115(bottom 16%)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+11%(79% avg)

vs Bentley average-4%(94% avg)

Mileage Analysis

67,707

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Bentley Continental had 67,707 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 100%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1990 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Bentley Continental by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	99%	124	17,702 mi
2017	100%	326	22,906 mi
2016	97%	1,305	32,090 mi
2015	97%	2,692	36,495 mi
2014	97%	3,031	38,240 mi
2013	96%	2,586	42,600 mi
2012	95%	2,452	46,406 mi
2011	95%	1,931	43,910 mi
2010	90%	1,485	48,755 mi
2009	95%	1,092	52,934 mi
2008	93%	2,270	57,980 mi
2007	94%	3,741	58,254 mi
2006	92%	3,180	63,839 mi
2005	94%	3,059	67,698 mi
2004	92%	2,890	72,437 mi
2002	92%	36	47,578 mi
2000	91%	43	41,489 mi
1999	94%	93	54,620 mi
1998	98%	191	50,796 mi
1997	96%	216	52,188 mi
1996	82%	113	68,309 mi
1995	95%	80	71,808 mi
1994	85%	134	85,910 mi
1993	93%	101	62,637 mi
1992	86%	71	65,582 mi
1990	90%	62	67,707 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

1990 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-3%

Bentley Turbo

1990 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

93%

+3%

Bentley Mulsanne

1990 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-2%

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About the 1990 Bentley Continental

The 1990 Bentley Continental is a luxury car. Our records list a 6750cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 67,707 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Bentley Continental owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 Bentley Continental Fuel Costs

The 6750cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Bentley Continental?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Bentley Continental Reliability Trend

Newer Bentley Continentals pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Bentley Continental

At 36 years old, the Bentley Continental is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1990 Bentley Continental stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Bentley Continental(1990)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit(1990)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Bentley Turbo(1990)	93%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
Bentley Mulsanne(1990)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1990 Bentley Continental

Is the 1990 Bentley Continental reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 1990 Bentley Continentals ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Bentley Continental cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Bentley Continental?

90% of 62 MOT tests on the 1990 Bentley Continental ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 20th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 11%).

Which year Bentley Continental has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Bentley Continental has the highest MOT pass rate at 100% and the 1996 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Bentley Continental?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Bentley Continental is 67,707 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.