The costs of maintaining a supercar can be eye-wateringly high, often coming as a shock even to the wealthy.
This is perfectly illustrated by the story of a Bugatti Veyron owner, whose experience highlights how even a minor fault can result in repair costs running into the tens of thousands of dollars.
A $15,500 switch
Carl Hartley, a renowned British car enthusiast and owner of Tom Hartley Cars, recently shared his experience of the maintenance costs of his Bugatti Veyron in an interview with entrepreneur Rob Moore.
Without hesitation, Hartley confirmed, “The Bugatti was the most expensive car I’ve ever owned.” According to him, if one is lucky, annual maintenance costs can amount to £100,000 (VND 3.54 billion), with each periodic service costing around £30,000 (VND 1.05 billion).
However, what was even more surprising was the cost of repairing a seemingly minor fault: a broken switch for the interior rearview mirror adjustment. Bugatti quoted him £9,500 (VND 336.4 million), excluding tax. With the UK’s 20% VAT, the final cost came to £11,400, or a staggering VND 404 million.
According to the manufacturer, the high cost was due to the need to replace the entire door trim, motor, and mirror assembly. Unwilling to pay such a high price, Hartley turned to a friend who used to work as a technician for a Formula 1 team. After some research and inspection, they discovered that the faulty component was actually a small part also used in various Volkswagen Group models, including the VW Transporter van.
This particular part was only sold in packs of five, costing just £0.89 (VND 31,000) per pack. That’s less than the price of a pack of gum for each component.
The replacement was quick and easy, taking only 20 minutes, and there was no additional labor cost as Hartley’s friend did it for free. This simple repair ended up saving him 99.9% compared to the dealership’s quote.
When luxury cars share parts with trucks
Hartley’s experience is not an isolated case. In the world of supercars, especially for older models no longer under warranty, it is not uncommon for small components to be “shared” with more mainstream models within the same manufacturing group. However, when fitted to a Bugatti, the price on the invoice can increase by several hundred times.
For instance, a boost pressure sensor shared with the VW Golf GTI costs just €16.50 (VND 495,000), but the fitting charge is an additional €1,600 (VND 46.94 million). Another Veyron owner was once quoted €17,904 (VND 534.6 million) for a fuel tank replacement, excluding the €20,000 (VND 594.65 million) installation fee.
Carl Hartley suggests that owners of Bugattis or any other supercars consider using reputable independent repair shops instead of relying solely on authorized dealerships. This could result in significant savings of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.
5 Signs It’s Time to Get a New Car
“Cars, much like humans, have a certain lifespan. They are born, they live, and they eventually fade away. However, with proper care and maintenance, their lifespan can be extended, and their performance enhanced. Just like how a healthy lifestyle can improve human longevity, regular servicing and attention to detail can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.”
“A Costly Mistake: Buying a Used Toyota for $5,000, Only to be Faced with a $9,000 Repair Bill”
The repair bill included a number of items deemed rather unusual, resulting in repair costs almost doubling the vehicle’s resale value.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Toyota: One Owner’s Shocking Story of Repair Bills Doubling the Car’s Purchase Price
The Toyota Highlander, a stalwart SUV with nearly two decades of service, was snapped up for a mere $5,000. However, the new owner was in for a shock when they took it in for repairs, as the cost to fix it was almost double the price they paid for the car!
The Rivian R1T Electric Truck Incurs a Whopping $9,000 in Repairs for Minor Damage.
The Rivian R1T has a reputation for being a costly vehicle to repair. In some instances, the repair costs can be as high as the price of a brand-new car. This electric adventure vehicle is a complex machine, and when it comes to fixing any issues, it can be an expensive endeavor. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design, it’s no surprise that specialized knowledge and parts are required to keep it running smoothly.
The Ultimate Automotive Experience: Minh “Nhựa’s” New Ride
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a visionary vehicle, an electric masterpiece that marks a new era for the iconic brand. With a departure from the traditional V12 engines that guzzled fuel, this all-electric powerhouse offers an innovative and sustainable driving experience, a testament to the future of luxury automotive engineering. This sleek and silent cruiser is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s commitment to embracing new technologies while retaining their signature opulence and craftsmanship.
