Bentley Continental R (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

6750cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol6750cc28 years old36 tests49k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 6750cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Bentley brand average of 94%.

78% of MOT tests on Bentley Continental Rs from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 48,861 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models121st of 325(top half)

Rank among Bentley models114th of 115(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+3%(75% avg)

vs Bentley average-16%(94% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,861

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Bentley Continental R had 48,861 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Similar Cars to Consider

Bentley Turbo

1997 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

+13%

Bentley Arnage

2000 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

92%

+14%

Bentley Brooklands

1996 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

90%

+12%

Bentley Continental

1997 · 6750cc Petrol

£2,588/year

96%

+18%

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About the 1998 Bentley Continental R

The 1998 Bentley Continental R is a luxury car. Our records list a 6750cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 48,861 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 1998 Bentley Continental R?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 28 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.

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 out

At 28 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 1998 Bentley Continental R 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 R(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888
Bentley Turbo(1997)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Bentley Arnage(2000)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Bentley Brooklands(1996)	90%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300
Bentley Continental(1997)	96%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£300

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 1998 Bentley Continental R

Is the 1998 Bentley Continental R reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 1998 Bentley Continental Rs ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Bentley Continental R cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Bentley Continental R?

78% of 36 MOT tests on the 1998 Bentley Continental R ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 121st of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Bentley Continental R?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Bentley Continental R is 48,861 miles, 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.