2016 Bentley Continental GT 4.0L Petrol · EY66 YBT

The 2016 Bentley Continental GT presents with a complex recent MOT profile. The most recent test on 8 May 2025 resulted in a pass, but this followed an immediate failure on the same date, where an offside front outer tyre was deemed dangerous due to a structural bulge caused by ply separation. The vehicle also carries an advisory for a non-excessive oil leak and a minor nearside front tyre cut that does not breach the cord. Looking back to the April 2024 test, another dangerous tyre bulge was recorded on the offside front, alongside a major fault for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, and an advisory for a nail in a nearside rear tyre. The 2023 test passed with advisories relating to nearside front tyre edge wear and an illuminated TPMS warning light. The recurrence of structural tyre failures on the same axle position, combined with the persistent TPMS concern and oil leak advisory, indicates a maintenance trend that is at best static but trending towards concerning, requiring immediate rectification of the tyre monitoring system and careful scrutiny of the front axle geometry and component supplier. With 76,233 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle averages around 7,623 miles annually. This is broadly consistent with typical luxury and grand touring car usage, which often involves longer journeys rather than daily commuting. While the mileage is not excessively high, the pattern of defects suggests the car may have been subject to harder driving conditions, spirited use on rural roads, or simply prolonged standing periods followed by infrequent but demanding runs. Such usage patterns in heavy, high-performance machinery place significant stress on the tyre sidewalls, suspension geometry, and braking components, particularly given the weight and torque outputs characteristic of this model. Given the repeated dangerous tyre bulges recorded on the front offside position, any prospective buyer should treat the tyres as a priority area for inspection. It is essential to check the manufacturing date codes on all four tyres, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth. Verify the brand, model, and load rating, ensuring they meet the manufacturer's specific fitment requirements, and examine the sidewalls for any signs of cracking, perishing, or undulation that might indicate internal delamination not yet visible as a bulge. On a test drive, listen for any rhythmic thumping or vibration through the steering wheel that could suggest a separating belt, and inspect the wheels for kerb damage. Furthermore, the persistent TPMS fault should be properly diagnosed with a Bentley-compatible diagnostic tool rather than assumed to be a simple reset, as faulty sensors can mask dangerous underinflation in a vehicle of this performance bracket. Beyond the documented tyre and monitoring issues, the advisory oil leak warrants a thorough under-bonnet and underside examination. Given the engine configuration and the age of the vehicle, common leak points include the sump, valve covers, and turbocharger feed lines. On a test drive, observe the exhaust for any excessive smoke or unusual odours, and monitor the oil level over the course of the inspection. Additionally, despite the mileage being moderate for its age, a ten-year-old luxury vehicle with significant electronic complexity requires careful evaluation of the battery health, as voltage drops can trigger a cascade of warning lights. Check the service history meticulously for records of cambelt or timing chain servicing if applicable, brake fluid replacement due to its hygroscopic nature, and coolant renewal to prevent internal corrosion within the notoriously intricate cooling systems fitted to these vehicles. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the marque is highly advisable to assess the condition of the air suspension struts, accumulators, and the dual-clutch gearbox, none of which are fully evaluated during a standard MOT procedure.