And here is a few photos of mine to encourage you! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes this is yet another bump two or more years after the last post ha-ha. Are any of you multiple times over owners and gurus still here! I am seriously considering an 89R as a daily driver. Was originally looking for a classic Mercedes either a 560 SEL or a 450 SEL. Then remembered how much I have always loved the Turbo R. This thread was hugely helpful. What is strange is that my main toy is Lambo Huracan. Yet I am giving myself more grief about trying the Bentley Turbo R. It's psychological. This car is so industrial level I feel like I'm stepping out into no mans land into fiscal suicide. When in reality it's so depreciated that it will still be lower run costs hsn my 15 Lambo due to $35k in depreciation! I've been telling myself that if I love how it feels to just enjoy the ride - pun intended - and get it! I will post pics if I do
Bump Not a Bentley guy, but my father has always wanted one. I found a ‘96 continental R with 4K original miles. Seems sorted according to info I have. I am going to arrange a PPI. Agreed on$52K plus cost of PPI. Anyone have any specific advice on this year. Problem areas to specifically investigate beyond suspension? My dad is getting up in age, so I would like him to enjoy a hassle free experience. Thanks! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Awesome! Too bad Dale at Continental Autosports is no longer there. He was their Bentley -RR main tech back when they had the franchise. These things run amazing. However, they are still semi-exotic, therefore, even a well sorted one will have maintenance costs higher than average.
Personally I couldn't live with the colour, especially inside, but that's a matter of individual preference - I know a lot of people who love it. I have owned a Turbo R for the last 15 years, so I am happy to share my experience of what is basically a four door version of the same car. Don't expect it to be cheap to run - it's a Bentley and would have cost around £200,000 when new - the parts still come at new prices, and some operations can be quite labour intensive, so it is very important to have a thorough PPI done by someone who knows what they are looking for, especially in a car which has been so little used as this one - they don't benefit from being left unused for long periods. Most parts are available, either from the factory, or from specialists, but do use factory originals where you can get them. They are wonderful cars to drive. They have a good turn of speed and handle quite well for a car of this size and era, but the real joy is the way they waft you around on a wave of torque, in a very relaxed style that few other cars can imitate. I have kept full records of all my maintenance costs, which you may find helpful - I'll upload this and you can draw your own conclusions. Your father is right to want a Bentley. Everyone should have one at least once!
Glad to be able to be of some reassurance. The important thing is not to skimp. Service it regularly and fix what needs to be fixed when it needs to be, or it will cost a lot more later. Of one thing I can be sure - your father will not regret his purchase!
PPI revealed seepage/ minimal oil leak at valve cover gasket. No big deal or run away? Possible serious issue or just an old gasket?
I think those are cork - and a common issue. The parts cost to replace is not outrageous. I believe the labor to get to the valve cover is the issue. I may be wrong. Someone who's done the job can chime in.
My guess is that Chris is absolutely right: it's not the job itself, but what you have to remove to get at it, and replace afterwards, where the expense lies. I'll take a look under the bonnet of mine later as it's parked out front just now (I've been using it as my DD for the last fortnight - hard to resist!). Can you get it done as part of the deal? Can't the guy who did the PPI tell you what's involved in sorting it?
Working on sorting that out now. Shop and I are on the same page- probably no big deal (address this oil issue, charge AC, make sure central locking is functional, ignore some other minor stuff). Seller is a bit odd, frantic- don’t know if he needs cash, just manic...? The most bizarre buying experience I have ever had.
I had a look under the bonnet of my Turbo R and there are clearly things that need to be removed before you can get at the rocker covers - see photos below - it didn't look too bad, but it is a '90 model, so I called in to see the the guys who look after my car this morning. On a '96 Continental R, there are additional items - ram pipes, principally - that need to be removed in order to get at the rocker covers, so replacing the gaskets would be a two day job. If you were to be doing it, there are several other things which are worth doing at the same time, because they are relatively cheap to do once you have everything off the top of the engine. He mentioned brake pump seals and thermostat, but I think there were one or two other things that I have now forgotten. If you do go ahead, let me know and I'll get a definitive list for you. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
