Faults:

Cooling system.

Wiper speed.

Wipers sagging.

All windows jammed.

Warm starting issues.

Rough idling.

Rough ride over bumps.

Electrics.

Power steering pump.

Air conditioning.

Braking system.

Cruise control.

Dash lights.

Interior lights.

General Comments:

This car, like many of these older cars was left in a garage for many years. He just gave up with the overwhelming list of service issues.

The car drives well, and I'm learning about these issues by driving the car.

It was taken through the car wash 1,000 times; I'm sure as there are scratches all over it. The paint is in a moderate condition. Interior fantastic, but had a shocking musty smell and had spider webs and mould inside.

Have spent approximately $5,000 on the first service and now finding a host of issues to be addressed. One project after the other needs to be addressed over a long period of time. These cars are all the same, with all the same issues.

This is my 3rd Rolls/Bentley. Have waited 25 years for this and I needed this time to get over the last one, which was a money pit. Not only that, but most of these cars are beyond saving, they only look nice.

Being in a car club is important because it's all about the duration. The car is not in the same ball park as any other car, it's better than anything and everything. Only special people own these. Once a person owns one, they can never truly be satisfied with any other car.

Faults:

Electrics, windows, lights, fuel hatch, boot lock, suspension/shockers, brakes, power steering, washers.

General Comments:

A very good car, sadly neglected.

Cheap to buy, costs slightly more to fix, but now worth about market value. Sad to say too many rip off merchants out there see the badge and the dollar signs ring up. Was the same when I was in business, so am happy I can do most work myself as these shysters won't get much of my work. Some tell you it's not a weekend mechanic's car; it's still a motor car, and with care and advice you can do almost all the work yourself. One comment mentions substitute parts, so check the Internet, it's correct.

Faults:

The car had been stored / little used for many years, and so all the plumbing in the suspension / brakes etc had to be replaced once I started to drive it regularly. As everyone will say, drive it, don't store it. I do 80 ks each weekly outing.

I have a few niggling electrical gremlins to iron out - but that's a work in progress.

Like all older style engines, keep clean quality oil in it. Change it at least every 6 months.

My "Senior Lady" is now 30+ years old, so I treat her with TLC, but drive her as she was designed for. I make her run up hills, and she'll happily cruise at 120 kph all day.

She's a thirsty gal, but at that speed and with a 6.75 litre heart to pump, no wonder.

General Comments:

The quality has sure lasted long after the original price was paid.

After 30 years, it's still a pleasure to enjoy the quality of the hand crafted interior.

2 old sayings in my RR club - "If you can't afford a new one, you can't afford a 2nd hand one either" and "You don't need deep pockets to buy one, but you need them to keep one".

Easy to drive - but you're well aware of the 2+ tonnes of vehicle you are controlling.

Faults:

General maintenance, including brake pads, hydraulic spheres, spark plugs etc.

Transmission O-ring due to leak (custom made to save costs).

Transmission reconditioned 2 years ago - which in my opinion is premature failure. However age does deteriorate parts.

As an aside, I have had a Volvo 240 with over 300000 kms with the original transmission, and currently a Volvo 850 with 260000 kms with the original tranny - the model is known to have transmission problems. I change all my cars' transmission fluid except my Volkswagen Passat, which has a modern sealed unit; it had to be change by the dealer - make sure you ask for old parts, so they don't rip you off.

The Roller shares a GM tranny, but has an electric column shift - use Dextron 3 fluid for the tranny. Change engine oil every 5000km (do not use magnetic oil; it suits modern engines).

General Comments:

A lovely weekend car. Make sure you buy a car with log books! And that has been maintained as aristocratic car should.

Great mid range power, and very enjoyable to drive.

Aim for fuel injected (UK '87, Aus '86); more reliable, and slight power and economy increase.

Avoid parking in sun, do the basic maintenance yourself - treat it like baby or a hobby, and it will be pleasure to drive; gently of course.

Some parts are expensive, but like all cars, they do share parts from other cars, and the Internet is great way to order.

The car does have its design quirks, as you would expect.

Fuel consumption (premium unleaded), as it's a large car / old design engine, when cruising gently, is reasonable.

My elderly father, a motor mechanic, says the Royce use same fuel consumption as our 2.5 petrol Volkswagen Transporter in heavy traffic.

Faults:

Top seal of power steering rack blew out and dumped oil over the exhaust while driving north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge...very embarrassing!

General Comments:

A delightful car which is an absolute pleasure to drive.. I prefer it to my 1995 Jaguar XJSport 3.2.