1991 Bentley Turbo R from North America - Comments

I'm in my 50s and have owned a 1990 Turbo R for 6 years. I bought it for $42,000 US in 2002 with 26,000 miles on it. I absolutely LOVE driving it and have put 39,000 miles on it since I bought it. I average 10 mpg to 12 mpg and it is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. This car turns heads where ever it goes and is a fantastic highway cruiser. When I park it there are always smudges on the windows from people looking inside.

I've spent $11,785 US in 6 years on maintenance. I replaced two brake rotors (1500 US dollar brake job), the seals on the power steering pump twice (common problem), a window lift motor (900 dollars), heater blower, gas tank sending unit and gauge, new tires, radiator hoses, and the motor in the power seat. The engine and transmission have been very trouble free.

Nothing drives like a Bentley, and this car has become my hobby and passion as well as reliable transportation!

I've owned my 1991 Turbo R for 2 years and just discovered this web site surfing the Internet. It had 57,000 miles on it when I bought it with excellent maintenance records. I LOVE the way the Bentley drives and it makes commuting to work a REAL pleasure. I wish I could put the seats in my den. I love the rich wood and leather interior and I've had numerous comments from friends that have ridden with me, describing it as the most luxurious car they've ever been in. I have the optional wood picnic tray table in the back. At first I thought the split level heating cooling system was silly, but in the fall with the sun on you there is nothing like having cool air in your face and heat on your feet.

I've averaged 13 to 15 mpg with my Bentley and it's seen the other side of 100 mph once or twice. It's steady as a rock at 100 mph. My only maintenance costs so far have been for a new air conditioning compressor and filter and flushing the brake system when a mechanic accidentally put brake fluid in the mineral oil. I found a mechanic that is familiar with Rolls Royce cars and he has been a God send!

My power steering pump leaks, but it's such a small leak, a drip every day or two, that I don't plan on doing anything about it soon. I think the heat from the Garret turbo does something to it. Total maintenance costs for 2 years are $2900. I traded my Lexus in for this car and I plan on keeping my Bentley a long time, because there is no other car out there that compares to a Bentley.

I have a 1991 Bentley Turbo R and luckily I live in a big city where it's easy to get service. My Bentley had 36,200 miles on it when I bought it, a little over two years ago and now it has 66,175 miles on it. It drives like a dream and I find excuses to take it places. This is the best highway car I've ever owned.

Problems have not been that many: new muffler and tail pipe $270, new belts for the engine at 50,000 miles $462, new brakes at 50,000 miles $1105, and a new heater core $1830.

I have been very pleased with this car and it has the performance of a sports car. Highway mileage is in the 13 mpg range, while spirited city driving gives you about 10 mpg.

This car draws more attention than I thought it would. You're going to notice fingerprint smudges on the windows when you park it from people looking in the windows at that gorgeous wood dash. You just don't see many of these on the road here. I hope to keep and maintain this car for a VERY LONG TIME!

I have a 1989 Turbo R in first class condition until the engine decided to run on two cylinders instead of eight necessitating breakdown recovery to a local reputable garage. After examination they concluded that one of the two distributor caps was worn to the extent that it requires replacement. I will have two new caps fitted later this week but wondered if anyone with a Turbo R has experienced similar problems.

I keep looking on ebay for a deal on a 97 Turbo R. Not in love with their rear; too plain. The front is awesome. Would love to have one, but the wife thinks it is sending the wrong message. My Range Rover is great, love it. Would like to hear some negative experience if there is any? Hear that Bentley's electric system is a nightmare?

I recently purchased a 1991 Bentley Turbo R that runs well, but needs a decent amount of overdue maintenance. I have seen some of the prices listed on here and was wondering if people had suggestions of where to order parts. I will need to replace many of the wear items as well as many of the hoses that have become somewhat hard with age. If anybody has a decent mechanic in the Philadelphia area they could recommend, I would appreciate that as well.

Thanks.

Bret.

To the gent looking for a reputable mechanic in the philadelphia area, try DiNardo Foreign Motors in Horsham, PA 215.443.5335. They've done excellent work on several Mercedes and BMW cars of mine and are very honest and affordable compared to dealer; But most importantly, I know one of the guys there has personally owned two Turbo Rs in the time I've known him and thus should be very knowledgeble about the car. In case you're wondering why I'm on this site in the first place, I too am seriously considering purchasing an "R" of my own and had been reading the comments here to get a realistic perspective from actual owners. Good Luck.

Nick.