Talk to me about 1990's Bentleys

[scooters]

A friend of mine, with some decent shite differentials in that he bough a rusty wreck of a tugboat to bugger about in is interested in buying a 1990s Bentley. He asked me what he should go for and what to watch out for. As for the cost of a Bentley from that period I could own all sorts of utter chod I'm no expert, If I won the lottery then a Bentley Blower a la Brian Johnson would be bought for a daily but other than that I am ignorant.

 

anyone know anything about them and could help with some pointers?

[anonymous user]

I hope your mate has deep pockets. If he doesn't really need it, go for an Eight rather than the Turbo as there's one less thing to go wrong

 

The obvious things to look for, rust around wheel arches most popular and everywhere else if neglected. The front and rear windows are prone to leaks so look out for damp (which affects the complex electrics behind the dash) They have electric everything which is nice, when it works, so look out for slow/sticking/non-working windows and seats.

 

The brakes are expensive to maintain. The active-ride suspension can play up.

 

Like a cheap Porsche, there is very rarely such a thing as a cheap Bentley. Hopefully Pete-M will be along to give you the full low-down.

[dollywobbler]

They can be horrifically expensive to keep in fine order, but I must admit to being tempted by one as they're so cheap to buy in anything less than pristine condition. Turbos add complexity, and the tyres cost a fortune due to the speed and weight they have to cope with. I'd definitely be minded to go no-blow. Hydraulics for the brakes and self-levelling rear suspension are pretty much entirely Citroen, so no worries for those who understand such things. Lots of specialist breakers out there - wonder if that means parts can be cheaper? 15mpg considered impressive for one of these.

[chaseracer]

+1 on rot. The bodyshells were nailed together by Pressed Steel at Cowley.

[Junkman]

An 80s Turbo simply is the better buy.

Less complex and much cheaper to maintain.

[michael1703]

Auto boxes shit themselves and cost a few grand to fix, so colour and cleanliness of ATF needs checking thoroughly

[NorfolkNWeigh]

+1 on Junkmans suggestion to go 80's. I had an 89 Turbo and the only real problems I encountered were 'specialists ' who saw a Bentley and pound signs in their eyes.

With a sensible attitude to using secondhand parts and fixing as it breaks rather than stupid scheduled services, these make excellent sense.

Engines pretty much un breakable, gearbox and back axle ok just make sure diff doesn't run dry.

As DW says hydraulics are pretty simple,don't know about post 90 active ride though.

Bodywork- treat wobbing up lower wings as as an annual job and accept stonechip as an attractive feature for the bottom 2" of the body.

Most problems are caused by lack of use, for instance I had a heater pipe leak,which because I left it for a few weeks leaked into the fuse box and aircon control boxes- got an expert* to sort came back with half the things not working and a £3,500 bill! Now I'd just get a used fuse box and relay board and fit it myself for £500 or so.

I was a knob when I had mine and didn't want to chav it up with 17" or 18" wheels for cheap tyres so spent £1500 on a set of proper Avons, again now I'd stick dodgy Wingwank Ditchfinders on it or some ebay 17" late rims.

 

In fact it's just as well I'm poor otherwise I'd consider another,although they don't do anything aP5b or Granada couldn't and they are massive and heavy fuckers to store, in fact they could be seen as a cheap alternative to a 60's/70's Yank.

[Junkman]

...although they don't do anything aP5b or Granada couldn't and they are massive and heavy fuckers to store, in fact they could be seen as a cheap alternative to a 60's/70's Yank.

 

I just didn't dare to write this, but it's exactly how I look at those Bentleys, too, and this may be the sole reason why I didn't own one yet.

Any old yank is superior in the waftage department and costs a fraction to run and maintain.

It will also draw more attention when being parked next to a Bentley, particularly if you opt for an Imperial.

P5b and Granada emit a more eccentric/intellectual vibe if that is what you would like people to view you as.

Buy an Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire if you want to be seen as a total lunatic and listen to stupid comments every time you come to a halt.

[scooters]

Thanks chaps

 

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