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Bentley Continental car check

Find out if a Continental has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£54,181129 at dealers
MOT failure rate
9.2%46k tests
Known problems
5across Continental_R to Continental_GT_Mk2
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Continental are you looking at?

Each Continental generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. Wheel bearing failure with excessive play

    Safety risk Continental_R

    Continental R models show significantly elevated wheel bearing failure rates compared to typical luxury vehicles. The combination of high vehicle weight (over 2.4 tonnes) and performance driving loads places exceptional stress on the bearing assemblies. Failed bearings create dangerous handling characteristics and can lead to wheel detachment in extreme cases. The MOT failure rate peaks at nearly 24 times the national fleet average, indicating this is a widespread design-related issue rather than isolated component failures.

    What to check: Jack each corner and check for play by grasping the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions, then 3 and 9 o'clock. Any movement indicates bearing wear. Rotate each wheel by hand - rough or notchy rotation with grinding sensation indicates bearing deterioration. Check for heat discoloration around the...

  2. Parking brake control system failure

    Safety and MOT risk Continental_GT_Mk1, Continental_GT_Mk2

    The Continental GT series suffers from electronic parking brake system failures at rates over 30 times the national average. The system combines electronic actuation with traditional cable mechanisms, creating multiple failure points. Common issues include actuator motor failure, cable stretch, and electronic control module faults. This is particularly problematic as the system cannot be manually released when failed, potentially stranding the vehicle.

    What to check: Check the parking brake warning light on the dashboard - it should illuminate when applied and extinguish when released. Listen for the actuator motor operation when applying and releasing the brake - absence of motor noise suggests electrical failure. Test manual release procedure if documented ...

  3. Suspension bushes and joints premature wear

    Wear item Continental_GT_Mk1, Continental_GT_Mk2

    Continental GT models exhibit suspension component wear at nearly 10 times the fleet average due to the combination of high kerb weight (2.4+ tonnes) and performance-oriented suspension tuning. Lower arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and ball joints suffer accelerated deterioration. The air suspension variants are particularly susceptible as the system maintains ride height under load, placing constant stress on rubber components.

    What to check: Visually inspect visible suspension components for cracked or perished rubber bushes, particularly around the lower arms and anti-roll bar mountings. Check for play in ball joints by attempting to move suspension arms by hand. Look for uneven tyre wear patterns indicating geometry changes from wo...

  4. Engine management light and emissions system faults

    Engine damage risk Continental_GT_Mk1, Continental_GT_Mk2

    Continental GT models show engine management light activation at over The complex twin-turbo W12 and V8 engines use multiple lambda sensors, catalytic converters, and secondary air injection systems that are prone to failure. Carbon build-up on intake valves is common on direct-injection engines, affecting mixture control and emissions compliance.

    What to check: Check dashboard for illuminated engine management light or emissions-related warning symbols. Request any diagnostic scan data from recent services showing stored fault codes. Check exhaust tailpipe for black sooting or unusual deposits indicating rich running conditions.

  5. Fluid leaks from engine and transmission

    Engine damage risk Continental_R

    The Continental R shows fluid leakage rates over The high-performance turbo V8 engine operates under significant stress, accelerating seal deterioration. Transmission oil cooler lines and pump seals are common failure points. While often starting as minor seepage, these leaks can progress to environmental hazard levels requiring MOT failure.

    What to check: Inspect the ground beneath the parked car for fresh oil stains, noting colour and consistency to identify the source fluid. Check engine oil level on dipstick - significant consumption between services suggests major leakage. Visually examine accessible engine and transmission areas for wet spots...

What Continentals cost at dealers now

From 129 used Continentals we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£54,181
Typical mileage
43,489 miles
Price change vs last month
-4.1%

Continental MOT results

9.2%

of Continental MOT tests end in a fail, from 45,949 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. Power steering faultSteering
  2. Parking brake inefficientBrakes
  3. Wheel bearings wornSuspension

Check the Continental you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Continental questions

Is the Bentley Continental reliable?

9.2% of Continental models fail their MOT based on 45,949 tests analysed. That’s better than average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being wheel bearing failure with excessive play. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Bentley Continental?

The most serious known issues are wheel bearing failure with excessive play, parking brake control system failure, suspension bushes and joints premature wear. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific Continental has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Bentley Continental has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Bentley Continental has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Continental has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Bentley Continental for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Bentley Continental HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Continental faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Bentley Continental fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Continental is power steering fault. 9.2% of Continental models fail overall, based on 45,949 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Continental

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.