How much does a 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?

The 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has a 92% MOT pass rate based on 2,890 tests in 2026. This ranks 29 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is most reliable?

The 2017 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has the highest MOT pass rate at 100%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 82%.

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (2004)

Q: Is the 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of BENTLEY CONTINENTALs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,890 tests. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?

The average mileage for a 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is 72,437 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,890 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,607

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

5996cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol5996cc22 years old2,890 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5996cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 5996cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,607

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.

At 22 years old, 92% of BENTLEY CONTINENTALs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,890 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,437 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars29th of 491(top 6%)

Rank among BENTLEY models81th of 117(top 69%)

vs national average+10%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+20%(72% avg)

vs BENTLEY average-2%(94% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,437

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has 72,437 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?

The most reliable year is the 2017 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2004 sits between the two at 92%.

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

MERCEDES SL

2004 · 5513cc Petrol

£2,247/year

88%

-4%

ASTON MARTIN DB9

2005 · 5935cc Petrol

£2,097/year

93%

+1%

ASTON MARTIN DB7

2002 · 5935cc Petrol

£2,097/year

92%

same

DODGE RAM

2005 · 5654cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

-5%

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About the 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

The 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is a luxury with a 5996cc petrol engine. 2,890 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2004 cars for reliability.

With an average of 72,437 miles at 22 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.

2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Fuel Costs

The 5996cc 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 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

At 22 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 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 2004 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL(2004)	92%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2607
MERCEDES SL(2004)	88%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360
ASTON MARTIN DB9(2005)	93%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510
ASTON MARTIN DB7(2002)	92%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2097-£510
DODGE RAM(2005)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£360

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.