Used car guide

2003 Bentley Arnage: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Bentley Arnage first registered in 2003: we looked at the 400 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 400 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

400MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
88%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
2,400typical miles a year
15%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Bentley Arnage MOT failures and advisories

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
    15% 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
    8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Bentley Arnage

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Bentley Arnage?

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Other years

Every year of the Bentley Arnage compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009101Suspension 5%
2008159Tyres 14%
2007206Suspension 17%
2006247Brakes 15%
2005376Suspension 11%
2004303Brakes 19%
2002492Suspension 22%
2001666Suspension 22%
2000616Suspension 25%
1999396Suspension 32%
1998313Suspension 30%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Bentley Arnage cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score