BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
36
Avg Mileage
48,861 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BENTLEY brand average of 94%.
At 26 years old, 78% of BENTLEY CONTINENTAL Rs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,861 miles.
How does the 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R has 48,861 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R 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.
Checking a specific BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R
The 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R is a luxury with a 6750cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 48,861 miles at 26 years old, BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R 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.
1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R 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 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R
At 26 years old, the BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R 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. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BENTLEY TURBO (1997) 91% pass rate (+13%) from 660 tests
- BENTLEY ARNAGE (2000) 92% pass rate (+14%) from 424 tests
- BENTLEY BROOKLANDS (1996) 90% pass rate (+12%) from 345 tests
- BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (1997) 96% pass rate (+18%) from 216 tests