2016 Bentley Continental 6.0L Petrol · 84 J

Running a 6.0-litre W12 Bentley Continental is exceptionally expensive by any measure. Fuel economy in real-world conditions is likely to be in the high teens at best, with an official combined figure around 19 mpg; expect to spend considerably more on petrol than for a typical saloon. Road tax for a vehicle of this engine size registered between 2016 and 2017 falls into a high band — budget around £300 to £600 annually for VED, depending on the exact CO2 figure recorded.

Insurance will be the largest variable cost and is likely to place this car in a very high insurance group, with annual premiums commonly exceeding £2,000 for many drivers. Servicing and maintenance through a main dealer or specialist will easily run into four figures per visit, and major items such as brake discs and pads, tyres (which must be specifically rated for the vehicle), and timing chain or coolant system work can each cost several thousand pounds. A realistic annual running cost, assuming moderate use, is in the region of £4,000 to £6,500, excluding depreciation.

Begin with a thorough inspection of the tyres, as this vehicle has accumulated three MOT advisories or failures related to tyre condition in just over two years, including a bulge caused by structural separation on the offside front in 2023 and a tread depth below the legal minimum on the nearside front in 2026. Inspect all four tyres for age (DOT date codes), as luxury cars that sit unused often suffer sidewall cracking and premature rubber degradation. Check the brake discs visually on all four corners for the scoring and pitting noted in the MOT record, and measure disc thickness against manufacturer minimums.

Have a specialist run a full diagnostic scan on the engine management system to identify the cause of the MIL illumination recorded at the March 2026 test. On W12 engines, common fault origins include coil pack failures, oxygen sensor degradation, EVAP system leaks, and intake manifold issues — all of which require proper diagnosis rather than simply clearing the warning. Additionally, check the underside for any oil leaks from the engine, transmission, or differentials, examine the condition of the alloy wheels for kerb damage (expensive to refurbish on a Bentley), and verify that all electronic systems including infotainment, air suspension (if fitted), and seat adjustments operate correctly, as repairs to these are notoriously costly.