Bentley Continental (2010)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,485 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,003
£250/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
5998cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
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 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 1,485 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,755 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,755
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2010 Bentley Continental had 48,755 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2010 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
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About the 2010 Bentley Continental
The 2010 Bentley Continental is a luxury car. Our records list a 5998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,485 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2010 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 48,755 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.
2010 Bentley Continental Fuel Costs
The 5998cc 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 2010 Bentley Continental?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2010 Bentley Continental
At 16 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
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 outAt 16 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2010 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(2010) | 90% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003 |
| Mercedes S-Class(2011) | 87% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£150 |
| Aston Martin DB9(2008) | 92% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003same |
| Mercedes SL(2010) | 88% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£150 |
| Toyota Land Cruiser(2010) | 82% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£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 2010 Bentley Continental
Is the 2010 Bentley Continental reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2010 Bentley Continentals ended in a pass, from 1,485 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 2010 Bentley Continental cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2010 Bentley Continental?
90% of 1,485 MOT tests on the 2010 Bentley Continental ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 56th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (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 2010 Bentley Continental?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 Bentley Continental is 48,755 miles, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Bentley Models
Explore other Bentley cars or similar models in the same category.
Bentley Continental GT
2019 · 3996cc Petrol
Bentley Bentayga
2018 · 3956cc Diesel
Bentley Continental GT V8 Auto
2021 · 3996cc Petrol
Mercedes S-Class
2011 · 5500cc Petrol
Aston Martin DB9
2008 · 5935cc Petrol
Mercedes SL
2010 · 6208cc Petrol
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