BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 124 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
99%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5998cc Petrol
Great Choice
99% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 17 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 17 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BENTLEY brand average of 94%.
At 8 years old, 99% of BENTLEY CONTINENTALs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 124 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 17,702 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
17,702
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has 17,702 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2018 sits between the two at 99%.
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 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
The 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL is a luxury with a 5998cc petrol engine. 124 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 17,702 miles at 8 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.
2018 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 99% 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 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 99% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| JEEP CHEROKEE(2016) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247+£205 |
| BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT(2018) | 97% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
| BENTLEY BENTAYGA(2016) | 97% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097+£55 |
| FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST S-A(2019) | 98% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £2037-£5 |
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.
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
JEEP CHEROKEE
2016 · 6000cc Petrol
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
2018 · 5998cc Petrol
BENTLEY BENTAYGA
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