Mulsanne turbo R or S?

[Jay McNally]

I joined the BDC before buying a car as it made more sense to me as you are the best people to give advice re ownership.
I want a Mulsanne but cannot decide between a Turbo R and a S, Brooklands…..
I plan to use the car regularly, so cheap makes sense.
I prefer the look and Idea of a later Turbo R though.
So Here are the Questions-
Is the Turbo R,
Much thirstier?
More expensive to run?
Harder to find at a reasonable price?
Worth the extra money?

Or is there a point I am completely overlooking?

I'd value your opinion.

Sincerely Jay McNally

[DavidSmith10911]

I bought a 1990 S about 5 years ago. It has just been off the road for a couple of years whilst I refurbished it. Although I only do about 3k miles per year it is absolutely reliable and easy to run. I do all of the work myself thus the running costs are small and insurance is around £200 pa. I have never accurately measured fuel consumption but on one occasion when I did, the car recorded between 15 and 20 MPG.

You have probably already purchased by now but if you want any further info let me know.

Regards

David

[Mark Hodgkinson]

I am new to the club and am hoping to acquire at Turbo R or RL , so all information is helpful in sourcing my first Bentley , or should I consider other models initially ??

I am happy with fuel consumption of 15 mpg and budget service costs of up to £ 2,000 PA

Any tips and advice gratefully received

I am based in North Staffordshire but happy to travel to meet other owners of similar models

Many thanks

Mark and Denise Hodgkinson

[Michael Hicks]

Hi I have had 4 Cars over the last 15 Years
and Think the one i have at present is the better Model
it is a 1997 Turbo R
it will get From Somerset to Paris on a Tank of Fuel
Running costs are Reasonable
comfort Level is HI all depending on the car
You will need to look around as there are different levels of toys
rust is a big problem so have a good look for Filler
if you have to go to a main dealer Look out you will need a overdraft
stay away from Garage Queens and low millage cars
these cars need to be used and driven hard There like a sheep in a Wolf hiding under that lovely body
there very easy to drive but need big car parks
there are cars that have suffered Head gasket problems but a lot of other makes have this problem all my cars haven't had a problem !!!!
if you need any More help let me know
Michael

[Jay McNally]

Thank you for your advice every one.
I still haven't bought so please keep the advice coming.
Jay

[Jay McNally]

Thank you for your advice every one.
I still haven't bought so please keep the advice coming.
Jay

[George Ealy]

Hi Jay

I wish I had seen this last year and just read your notice. I have a 1989 Mulsanne S and drive it every day of my life.

As you might expect for a motor of this size, it uses about 12 miles per gallon in down. Always use premium grade fuel.

Other than that, the car is absolutely reliable, and I average about 8000 miles each year and have used about 41,000 total millage. I am the second custodian, the first being in Hong Kong.

Service for me is about 3000 miles, and I used 20/50 racing oil by Castrol. Also check the mineral oil levels (you absolutely must have this with the car). The motor can be ruined by using any thing other than mineral oil for the hydraulics. The owner's manual is extensive on everything routine.

Have had no major issues other than replacing braking pads, tyres, etc.

The Mulsannes S are very reliable and have never had a failure to proceed thank god!!

Hope I haven't jinked the Bentley god's!!

George

[John Robison]

Now that they are aging the Turbo R cars are having more and more head gasket troubles. The non turbo cars are less stressed and likely will prove more reliable. That said, the big Turbos are a joy to drive
_________________
John Elder Robison