Bentley Continental (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 113 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

6750cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol6750cc30 years old113 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

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Bentley brand average of 94%.

82% of MOT tests on Bentley Continentals from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 113 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,309 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models69th of 243(top half)

Rank among Bentley models110th of 115(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs Bentley average-12%(94% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,309

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Bentley Continental had 68,309 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. 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

Bentley Turbo

1997 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+9%

Bentley Brooklands

1996 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

90%

+8%

Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

1995 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

92%

+10%

Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

1997 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

94%

+12%

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About the 1996 Bentley Continental

The 1996 Bentley Continental is a luxury car. Our records list a 6750cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 113 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 68,309 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.

1996 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 1996 Bentley Continental?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 1996 Bentley Continental

At 30 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.

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 30 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 1996 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(1996)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Bentley Turbo(1997)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150
Bentley Brooklands(1996)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit(1995)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn(1997)	94%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£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 1996 Bentley Continental

Is the 1996 Bentley Continental reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1996 Bentley Continentals ended in a pass, from 113 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Bentley Continental cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Bentley Continental?

82% of 113 MOT tests on the 1996 Bentley Continental ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 69th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top half).

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 1996 Bentley Continental?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Bentley Continental is 68,309 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.