1990 ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE

Symptoms: Ride height drops overnight or after sitting, Brakes feel spongy or require excessive pedal effort, Door locks fail to operate, Suspension bottoms out on bumps

Fix: The Citroën-derived high-pressure hydraulic system powers brakes, suspension, and locks. Accumulators (spheres) leak nitrogen, brake lines corrode internally, and pumps wear. Complete system overhaul requires 18-24 hours including line fabrication and bleeding. Most cars need this every 15-20 years regardless of miles.

Estimated cost: $6,000-12,000

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, Consuming 1+ quart per 500 miles, Low oil pressure at idle when hot, Metallic ticking from crankcase

Fix: Piston rings wear due to infrequent oil changes and long periods of disuse. Bores glaze, rings collapse, and main bearings show wear. Short-block replacement or full rebuild (pistons, rings, mains, crank polish) is standard. Engine-out job takes 40-50 hours with machine work.

Estimated cost: $12,000-22,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink fluid under car (coolant in trans fluid), Harsh or delayed shifts, Transmission clunk when engaging gear, Visible trans sag or misalignment

Fix: Internal cooler in radiator corrodes, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF. Requires radiator R&R, trans flush, and often pan drop to check for damage. Rubber transmission mount deteriorates from age and heat, causing drivetrain vibration. Cooler replacement 6-8 hours, mount 3-4 hours.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500

Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting, Stalling at idle or under load, Rough idle and hesitation, Fuel smell in trunk area

Fix: Ethanol fuel deteriorates in cars driven infrequently. In-tank pumps gum up, filters clog, and injectors varnish. Twin fuel tanks and in-tank pumps make this labor-intensive—requires tank drop (both sides), pump replacement, filter change, injector cleaning. 10-14 hours typical.

Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000

Symptoms: Intermittent no-start with no codes, Gauges read erratically or freeze, Engine cuts out randomly while driving, Climate control operates sporadically

Fix: Lucas 4CU engine management system uses capacitors that leak with age. ECU refurbishment or replacement required, along with diagnosis of corroded body grounds and deteriorated wiring under carpet. Diagnosis 4-8 hours, ECU rebuild adds $800-1,200 parts.

Estimated cost: $1,500-3,200

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: No 2nd or 3rd gear, Erratic or hunting shifts, Stuck in one gear, Delayed engagement from park

Fix: TH400 transmission solenoid pack corrodes internally from moisture contamination. Valve body passages wear and accumulate varnish. Pan drop, solenoid pack replacement, valve body cleaning/machining. 8-12 hours including fluid service and road test.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,000

Symptoms: Top operates slowly or stops mid-cycle, Visible fluid leaks at cylinders, Top frame binding or misaligned, Tears in headliner or seals

Fix: Hydraulic rams for top operation seep, hoses crack, and pump motor brushes wear. Frame pivot points corrode in coastal climates. Complete top system rebuild with cylinder reseal, hose replacement, and frame service takes 16-22 hours. Canvas replacement adds cost.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000