2016 Bentley Continental 4.0L Petrol · MD65 WZL

The 2016 Bentley Continental presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a fully clean MOT pass on 9 June 2026 at 33,587 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks a clear resolution of the tyre-related advisories that appeared in the January 2026 test, where both front and the nearside rear tyres were flagged for cracking, perishing, and wear close to the legal limit. The fact that these issues were addressed before the June retest suggests the previous owner acted promptly to replace ageing rubber, which is a positive indicator of responsive upkeep rather than neglect. The mileage profile tells a consistent story of low annual use. Across the recorded history the car has covered roughly 1,922 miles in the twelve months between the December 2024 test at 32,816 miles and the June 2026 test at 33,587 miles, and just 1,151 miles in the preceding year from December 2023 at 31,665 miles. At approximately 3,359 miles per year over its ten-year life, this is well below the UK average. The mileage accumulation is steady with no sudden spikes or suspicious gaps, and the record shows no evidence of the car having been laid up for extended periods. Despite the low mileage, the January 2026 advisories on multiple tyres raise a flag about how the vehicle was stored and maintained between uses. Tyres that perish and crack across all corners simultaneously often point to prolonged standing, UV exposure, or under-inflation rather than high-mileage wear. A prospective buyer should inspect the current tyre date codes carefully to confirm a fresh set has been fitted, and check for flat-spotting or sidewall deterioration that can persist even after replacement if the underlying storage conditions have not changed. The registration plate defects noted in the failed January test were minor administrative issues and have since been resolved. Beyond the tyres, the MOT record is notably sparse in mechanical or structural advisories, which is encouraging for a vehicle of this age and value. Still, a pre-purchase inspection should focus on the condition of brake discs and pads given the likelihood of surface corrosion from infrequent use, suspension bushes and coil springs for perishing during static periods, and the exhaust system for any signs of internal corrosion. The underbody and structural mounting points deserve close scrutiny for surface rust, particularly if the car has been garaged in a coastal or damp environment. Overall, the electronic record suggests a well-kept, lightly used grand tourer, but the tyre history warrants a hands-on check to confirm that rubber components have been brought fully up to standard.