Used car guide

2003 Bentley Arnage: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Bentley Arnages, from 130 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 130 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

130MOT tests in 2025
84%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
2,400typical miles a year
18%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2003 Bentley Arnage MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    18% 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
    12% 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
    9% 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
    8% 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.

  • Steering
    4% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Bentley Arnage?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005121Brakes 11%
2004102Suspension 23%
2002156Suspension 24%
2001222Suspension 30%
2000199Suspension 28%
1999126Suspension 39%
1998105Suspension 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Bentley Arnages registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score