BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 93 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
93
Avg Mileage
54,620 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%.
At 25 years old, 94% of BENTLEY CONTINENTALs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 93 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 54,620 miles.
How does the 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has 54,620 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?
The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. The 1999 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
The 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is a luxury with a 6750cc petrol engine. 93 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 1999 cars for reliability.
With an average of 54,620 miles at 25 years old, 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.
1999 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Reliability Trend
Newer BENTLEY CONTINENTALs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
At 25 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 93 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1999 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
The BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol luxurys from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BENTLEY TURBO (1997) 91% pass rate (-3%) from 660 tests
- BENTLEY ARNAGE (2001) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 579 tests
- BENTLEY BROOKLANDS (1997) 90% pass rate (-4%) from 223 tests
- ROLLS ROYCE SILVER DAWN (1997) 94% pass rate (same) from 114 tests