Rolls Royce reliable?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,612
Likes: 1,852
From: Ohio
A Rolls could be as reliable as an LS400, but the cost of fixing almost any major issue would probably cost as much as a new LS400 lol.
On a more serious note, the final Vickers-era platform Bentleys like the Arnage and Brooklands in their later model years have been reportedly fairly robust and reliable at higher mileages (the early model years suffered from head gasket and camshaft issues), though mechanically they are much simpler cars than the current lineup which are much more heavily based on VW components. If you work on cars yourself and can afford the heavy gas bill it might be a worthy investment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3FIHAFnfTo
On a more serious note, the final Vickers-era platform Bentleys like the Arnage and Brooklands in their later model years have been reportedly fairly robust and reliable at higher mileages (the early model years suffered from head gasket and camshaft issues), though mechanically they are much simpler cars than the current lineup which are much more heavily based on VW components. If you work on cars yourself and can afford the heavy gas bill it might be a worthy investment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3FIHAFnfTo
They are very nice though and stunningly fast and lux even for the age.
Hand made is an advantage if the process benefits from a person doing steps vs machines. If not then use a jig to do it
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 490
Likes: 64
From: Georgia
Ever worked on one? I have and it's extremely complicated to source parts and tools from overseas, normally the process is get the car in, check it, then send it home while you wait for the rental tools from GB.
They are very nice though and stunningly fast and lux even for the age.
They are very nice though and stunningly fast and lux even for the age.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,409
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From: FL
Once a person gets a taste for fancy cars like a Rolls Royce, they are ruined forever.
No going back to "ordinary people" cars because the bar is raised too high and you won't be happy with them! 🧐
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,612
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From: Ohio
Process meaning how the finished product is assembled or linked to other parts, for guns a human manually performing fit will always beat machines for example. For interiors humans do the best inlay/wood finish and leather work. Same with paintwork, on the engine side of things a very careful human will look over everything for quality when they put it together and in the case of race engines confirm all machine tolerances and weights.
Obviously this all costs more. QA checks are a part of any process and at the high end EVERY single end result is checked by a person vs batch testing or laser measurement. The R8 is a great example of cars that have everything hand inspected for panel uniformity and my W12 is another for interior wood bookmatching and exterior paint/panels.
Your LC500 is also manually inspected in the same areas for the same reasons
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 10, 2024 at 12:26 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,612
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From: Ohio
Amen. It's really bad, I drive my Jeep from time to time to readjust back to normal cars.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
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From: Maryland
If you have to ask about reliability and cost of maintenance you can't afford a car like that. Thats just the truth, these are cars for people who just have limitless money to where the cost of anything doesn't really matter.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Georgia
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: FL
I don't know how special these cars are but I wouldn't trust just anyone to work on it, it could end up being a hack job. Lol
I have no idea really, only speculating.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 490
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From: Georgia
Unless someone intends to buy it new and only keep it until the warranty expires, I'd make sure someone local can work on it.
I don't know how special these cars are but I wouldn't trust just anyone to work on it, it could end up being a hack job. Lol
I have no idea really, only speculating.
I don't know how special these cars are but I wouldn't trust just anyone to work on it, it could end up being a hack job. Lol
I have no idea really, only speculating.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69,226
Likes: 4,222
From: Maryland
I don't believe Bentleys have a reputation for being unreliable or a headache, but a Phantom is more exotic than a Bentley and you're going to be even more limited as to where you can service it and get support etc. Given your complaints about the concept that the Lexus LS460 requires some repairs that are a little complex this is way over your head IMO.
A car like a Phantom is like owning a boat, or a plane...its not transportation lol
Driver
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 87
Likes: 14
I agree, anyone who owns a Rolls doesn't ask about reliability. To them, so what if it breaks or needs worn parts replaced? 15 grand for suspension parts? Okay, here's a check. (well, not anymore... more like here's my debit card lol)
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69,226
Likes: 4,222
From: Maryland
It’s like a Ferrari or any other exotic car. If reliability and maintenance cost and timing are a concern it’s not for you.
Put it this way, if what I just went through with the 8 days 24 hours labor and $3,000 in parts to replace the valve cover gaskets on my S Class sounds off putting…this ain’t for you lol
Put it this way, if what I just went through with the 8 days 24 hours labor and $3,000 in parts to replace the valve cover gaskets on my S Class sounds off putting…this ain’t for you lol
Last edited by SW17LS; Jun 11, 2024 at 11:24 AM.