1990 Bentley Turbo R 6.8 turbo

Summary:

The Turbo R is a high performance living room

Faults:

The rear on side shock absorber leaks.

The cruise has failed.

The steering rack leaks.

The windscreen rubber perished and caused a complete replacement.

The engine pinks at high speed. It dislikes LRP. (It hates unleaded).

General Comments:

Who cares.

I just love everything else about the car. It cost so little to buy, is very cheap to insure and if you keep out of a Bentley dealer's clutches and find a truly competent, local mechanic it will still hold its purchase value so well that even with all the problems I have had, it could well work out cheaper to run (15,000 miles per annum) over three years than a new Citroen Picasso. As a bonus, the walnut burr picnic trays in the back seats are better made than the lightweight, plastic, gallic alternative.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2003

10th May 2005, 04:14

I agree, after having purchased a 1990 Bentley Turbo RL, I find the car to be wonderful. Large and powerful, yet more comfortable than most can imagine. People must remember this (and these cars), are getting some age up, but if the car is properly maintained, it should last forever. Be mindful to use only the proper Castrol HSMO oil for the car and Hide food for the leather and there should be few problems in these areas.

After owning BMWs and Mercs for years I can say that the Bentley is a completely different beast, much more relaxing to drive, yet very powerful as well, though some may miss the mod cons that the Euros offer. For my humble opinion it really is a great car to have the privilege to drive and own.

In reply to 10th May 2005, 04:14

29th Apr 2017, 22:18

Having recently just purchased a 85 Bentley Turbo, I have to agree it is a feeling like no other to drive... And the looks and smiles of lesser mortals in family cars LOL...

In reply to 10th May 2005, 04:14

16th Dec 2022, 09:43

I cannot comment on the later model Bentleys. In fact only one Bentley.

As a 20 year old Senior Aircraftsman with RAF, I hitch hiked a ride on the Doncaster bypass in 1960. A Bentley Continental convertible stopped (believe it or not). The gentleman at the wheel was from the Admiralty. He told me to put on the safety belt (what's that?) because we will be going fast. He wasn't kidding. Yet for all the speed it was as if I watched it on TV. Passing all the Ford Zodiacs parked on the motorway. A slight whistle in the hood caused him to complain... the mind boggles.

11th Jun 2024, 15:26

So super unleaded all the way then? Expensive, but if you can afford one of these it is not an issue...

1989 Bentley Turbo R 6.75 turbo petrol

Faults:

The roof had to be resprayed.

The car was taken back to the dealers within a few weeks for major service defects which should have been picked up during the famed Rolls guarantee checks. The car has turned out to have been to the USA, and has been extensively modified to suit their smog laws. It bears no resemblance performance wise to an English spec, being some 50bhp down. This car was sold from a Rolls Royce main dealer, who did not bother to inform me of this important information. The car is an oddball, and worth 000's less than it should be, its performance is no better than an English spec Bentley 8.

General Comments:

Buy a Mercedes S Class, at least their dealers must keep a standard, if things go wrong, to keep their dealerships.

Try a good independent if you must buy, they have been very helpful with good advice in determining why the car did not perform as it should. It has been serviced by main dealers over the last 3 years, including November 1999, and the previous owner also did not know the car had been modified or been to the USA, enough said. Do not expect any help from Rolls in a disagreement with a main dealer. Best car in the world?, more like ripoff a mug.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th February, 2000

7th Nov 2007, 17:23

Whether you're rich or not, you should try a small Honda. Bet you'd love it. :)

23rd Aug 2008, 04:39

I agree. Small hondas are great - if you want to test the 4wd capabilities of a Land Rover. The front bumper provides a nice approach angle :P Bentleys and Rolls on the other hand, are absolute fantastic buying. It is extremely hard to justify spending more on a new car than a 1990 Bentley Turbo R, the fuel and service bills, while expensive, do not equate to the sacrifice of an inferior vehicle. Someone has footed £100000+ depreciation on these, which makes them ultimate buying.

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