Most of us by now know there’s little point to buying a once-expensive car cheaply and not expecting to encounter some expensive problems. Even in the best case scenario where you find a car that has truly been loved and just slipped down the various layers of wholesalers and tiny used car dealerships, you’re likely to find at least one reason why it was traded in, even from a loving home. This 1993 Bentley Brooklands looks quite tidy in its listing here on Facebook Marketplace where it’s described as having under 70,000 original miles and the selling dealership is asking $14,995. Is it worth it?

Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip. Now, as someone who almost exclusively buys somewhat risky European vehicles, I have not been burned – yet (knocks on wood) – to any significant degree. You can absolutely skate by solely on your gut, in many cases, as cars guys/gals eventually learn some of the signs of a vehicle with potentially expensive problems lurking. Simply seeing numerous cosmetic flaws usually clues you in to a history of carelessness by previous caretakers. If the car is in excellent cosmetic condition and not solely due to some quick detailing making it pretty for sale, that’s a good sign. This Bentley appears to have excellent paint and the condition of the unpainted bumpers shows little in the way of sun damage, which hopefully means it was parked inside for most of its life.

When the Brooklands was introduced, it was effectively a $150,000 entry-level model. That doesn’t mean it was stripped of complex systems and features, however. The 6.75-liter V8 was a massive engine, but generally reliable with standard upkeep, and it churns out a healthy 222 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. I’ve heard some rumours of headgasket issues, but it’s hard to pinpoint how prevalent they are. The hydraulic brake and suspension systems use “mineral oil” for lubrication, and you’ll want to be sure a mechanic hasn’t inadvertently used standard brake fluid which can wreak havoc on these now-ancient components. The seller discloses that while the Bentley has been a long time fixture in a local collection and will need some “minor repairs”, so you’ll want more details on what this involves.

One of the other challenges with any luxury car of this vintage is diminishing factory support. In many ways, Rolls-Royce and Bentley were wholly different companies when this car was built prior to BMW and Volkswagen taking ownership. Therefore, you may find little in the way of assistance when encountering a problem you can’t solve on your own, which will require the assistance of a specialist shops that likely has a long waiting list for new customers at the moment. Plus, parts supply gets smaller by the day, and what you do find will be expensive. Still, plenty of British car fans are committed to keeping these icons on the road, so I’m confident you’ll still find most of what you need with a healthy dose of resourcefulness.