Bentley Continental years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 4 Bentley Continental years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2004–2007
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 86.8% to 88.7%.
In 2025, 87.8% of the 4,508 initial MOT tests on Bentley Continental cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 57.4%. That is 30.4 points above the same-age average.
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Bentley Continental MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007age 18 | 1,33756,300 | 90.2%±1.8 | +32.8 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 1,04961,500 | 87.6%±2.2 | +30.6 ptsall: 57.0% | |
| 2005age 20 | 1,09766,900 | 87.8%±2.1 | +30.2 ptsall: 57.6% | |
| 2004age 21 | 1,02569,300 | 84.9%±2.4 | +27.1 ptsall: 57.8% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
90.8% of Bentley Continental tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 85.7% at 60,000 to 89,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 67.8% and 59.3%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000–59,999 | 1,642 | 90.8%±1.5 | +23.0 ptsall: 67.8% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 1,655 | 85.7%±1.8 | +26.4 ptsall: 59.3% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Continental tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Bentley Continental tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 12 tests (0.3%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Continental problems at the MOT
Some years have too few failed tests in an area for it to be recorded, so a total across all years would come out too low. We don't list failure areas for this model.
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems.
Bentley Continental questions
Which Bentley Continental years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2004–2007. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Bentley Continental reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 87.8% of initial MOT tests on Bentley Continental cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 57.4%. That is 30.4 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What mileage is normal for a 20-year-old Bentley Continental?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Bentley Continental cars first used in 2005, about 20 years old, had a median of 66,900 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Continental's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Bentley Continental
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Bentley Continental cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count