Faults:

Had engine re-built (very costly!!!), but to be fair the car had a full service history. The mistake is dealers make is they don't change the antifreeze every two years, and after 30 years corrosion forms on the internal waterways in the engine... BE WARNED!

General Comments:

I love the car; it's comfortable and remarkably quick for its size.

Interior is great, the leather looks remarkably good. Just had the car re-sprayed and it looks like new.

Would love a Seraph though... one day maybe.

Faults:

When first purchased, horn was broken. Since purchase, in addition to thorough scheduled and preventative maintenance, the transmission has failed and was rebuilt, as well as several (relatively minor) electrical faults.

General Comments:

The car is fantastic. This era of Rolls-Royce is still an exceptional bargain, given that the quality of construction is unparalleled. Interior trim, for example, still looks brand new after 30 years.

However, be prepared for the servicing costs. The cars are deceptively inexpensive to purchase, but bear in mind that servicing costs correlate to how much the car cost new, not how much it's worth now.

While I love this car, I fear it might be getting on a bit for me, as repairs seem to be becoming more and more frequent. Next up to replace it will be a 1995-1999 Silver Spur.

Faults:

Speedometer needed calibrating

1st week I had the car, the brake hose near the brake fluid chamber had a leak; easily replaced.

General Comments:

This car has been the most trouble free car I have ever owned. For a car that is near to 30 years of age I cannot complain.

Faults:

The car had hardly been used; various problems relating to this needed to be attended to, along with a couple of other age related defects.

Proper 6-monthly maintenance is a prerequisite, regardless of minimal miles used.

Hydraulics leaked; accumulators and valves rebuilt, and system flushed.

Steering rack boots had rotted and were replaced.

Alternator and regulator were replaced due to defective diodes.

Carburetors were rebuilt.

A/C relay burned out and was replaced.

Electrical link to transmission required cleaning.

Gear selector would not select lowest gear; unit replaced.

Radio and clock needed servicing.

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Update 29 March 2009:

This is a follow-up to my previous comments 3 years ago. The car has been a model of complete dependability in this time between 6-month servicing intervals, with some small items needing replacement at these times:

Pressure switch (1)

Solenoid valve rebuild.

New thermostat.

Small radiator hose.

General Comments:

The car is an exquisite, incredibly handsome and superlatively built from the most massive as well as the highest quality materials. (My own particular example is in new condition.)

Now that it is driven regularly, it is completely reliable. These cars drive at their best when in regular service. One should operate all systems from time to time.

It is quiet almost beyond belief; perhaps the most relaxing driving experience imaginable.

Air conditioning system is amazing and powerful, yet never intrusive, despite slightly noisy fans.

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Update 29 March 2009:

Car still looks brand new, inside and out. Driving it is a serene experience that I look forward to every day.

Driving these cars a little, and often, is key to in maintaining reliability, and people often blame an older RR for failing to be dependable, and expensive to maintain - as if the magic name means neglect shouldn't be an issue as it would be on any other car.