Used car guide

1998 Bentley Arnage: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Bentley Arnages, from 105 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 105 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

105MOT tests in 2025
84%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 66%)
2,700typical miles a year
31%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1998 Bentley Arnage MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    31% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    22% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    10% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    5% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005121Brakes 11%
2004102Suspension 23%
2003130Suspension 18%
2002156Suspension 24%
2001222Suspension 30%
2000199Suspension 28%
1999126Suspension 39%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Bentley Arnages registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score