farkle@winternet.com said:
> My question is this: I know how much the car costs to buy, but feel I
> don't have a good understanding what it will cost to own. If I buy a
> good car from a reputable source, one with some records and attentive
> previous owners what can I expect? $150 headlight replacements?
> $4000 brake jobs? I've read a couple-hundred page book on just the
> Rolls Royce Silver Shadow and Bentley T series and wonder about such
> things as the complicated (read: failure-prone) hydralic (sp?)
> automatic ride-leveling system, an ungodly electrical system and tons
> of gadgets just waiting to break after 18+ years of use. What's the
> reliability of a well cared-for car?
I have a Mk VI and just purchased a T-Bentley. Mk VI parts are a bit scarce,
but there are several specialists (Replacement Parts, Tony Handler, Oregon
Crewe Cutters), and the clubs (BDC, and RROC) can help a lot.
Shadows and T's can be quite reliable PROVIDING they are maintained properly.
This is of paramount importance. Further they must be driven regularly.
Once a month to church and back doesn't cut it; these cars are designed to be
driven and if they aren't they will deteriorate, the hydraulics especially. I
got a tremendous deal on my T because the brakes were COMPLETELY shot, I got
it for less than the cost of a 5-year-old Honda Civic, but promptly spent
twice that on brakes. Now my brakes are completely rebuilt and reliable.
I have heard reliable stories of Shadows with 400,000 miles on them, used
daily for 30 years, never taken the engine apart. Well cared for -- and
that means by the book maintenance, and not letting things slide -- they can
be excellent, reliable mounts. THer brakes are not particularly failure prone
-- if you follow the factory recommendations for service: change chassis hoses
every 50,000 miles, never EVER EVER use standard brake fluid, only RR363, and
so on.
On the other hand, parts are not cheap. If driving into the mechanic for a
minor problem and having to write a thousand dollar check scares you, this car
may not be for you. If you choose carefully it should be reliable, but
surprises will be expensive.
Do by all means be careful when buying: don't buy the first pretty face, have
an expert check it out, be patient and your car will appear. And join the
RROC **BEFORE** you get a car; they will help a lot.
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