Bentley Arnage Series 1 (1998-2009) reliability
Bentley Arnage Series 1 built before 2000: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Bentley Arnage Series 1 models built before 2000 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a Bentley Arnage Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 1,481 tests of Arnage models registered 1998-2009.
Series 1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 24 years old.
How the Arnage Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the Arnage Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 2,574 tests across 8 Bentley models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Arnage Series 1.
- 1
Nissan Skyline
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.8%
- Dangerous
- 2.1%
Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 14.8% for the Bentley Arnage Series 1, both built before 2000.
1,007 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.9%
No clear edge over the Bentley Arnage Series 1 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,327 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 22.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Bentley Arnage Series 1 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
17,892 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
BMW 5 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 82.6%
No clear edge over the Bentley Arnage Series 1 on these figures.
12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,939 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Bentley Arnage name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Arnage Series 1 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 58 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 17% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How Arnage Series 1 cars have aged
How Arnage Series 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Series 1 variants compared
Most common issues on Bentley Arnages of this age
This list covers every Bentley Arnage built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.9%Minor
Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated
- 211.4%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 39.8%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 49.8%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 58.4%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 359 tests
Looking at a Bentley Arnage Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Bentley Arnage Series 1 (1998-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 359 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.