Buying a Bugatti is one thing — maintaining it is a whole different story

Owning a luxury car like a Bugatti is a dream for many. After all, who wouldn’t want to glide down the road in a supercar that costs more than most people’s homes? But as thrilling as it may be to drive such an iconic vehicle, the true challenge lies in maintaining it. The costs for upkeep of a Bugatti are, quite frankly, eye-watering, and in some cases, they’re as expensive as buying a brand-new, run-of-the-mill car.

The Hidden Costs of Bugatti Ownership

When it comes to the world of luxury cars, the price tag doesn’t stop at the initial purchase. In fact, the maintenance costs can be downright shocking, especially when you compare them to standard vehicles. For example, the cost of replacing the tires on a Bugatti is nearly enough to buy a Cupra Formentor, a high-performance crossover. If you’re feeling a bit more frugal, you could pick up a Dacia Duster and still have enough left over to buy a used car for your daily commute.

This isn’t some far-off hypothetical either. Manny Khoshbin, a millionaire car collector and YouTuber, recently posted a video detailing the maintenance costs of his Bugatti Veyron. If you’re not familiar with Manny, he’s the kind of guy who treats his finances like a careful accountant, only instead of counting coffee shop bills, he’s tallying the costs of exotic cars. In this case, what he reveals about the costs of maintaining a Bugatti will likely make your jaw drop.

The Shocking Price of Simple Maintenance

Let’s talk about something as mundane as an oil change—something most of us don’t even bat an eyelash at when it comes to cost. However, for a Bugatti, this isn’t as straightforward as popping open the hood and unscrewing a few bolts. To perform a standard oil change, you’d need to remove the rear wheels, brakes, and wheel arches, not to mention 16 drain plugs that need to be accessed. The cost for this rather involved process? A staggering $25,000.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Need to replace the wheels? That’ll set you back $38,000. Need new tires? That’s a whopping $50,000. This doesn’t even cover more extensive repairs. The cost of servicing a Bugatti can easily surpass $100,000 in some cases, and this is recommended every 15,000 kilometres or annually. To put things into perspective, the four-year service cost for a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport ranges from €340,000 to €405,000 (before taxes).

The Perks of Owning Multiple Bugattis

For those lucky enough to own a Bugatti—let’s be honest, it’s a privilege—Manny Khoshbin admits he doesn’t actually drive his Bugatti very often. He owns three of them, but they sit mostly in his garage, waiting for the occasional spin. Though this may seem like a luxury most of us can only dream of, the reality is that when you’re dealing with these high-performance machines, regular use is often a luxury you can’t afford, simply because of how expensive the upkeep is.

It’s not just Bugattis that come with costly maintenance. Ferrari has its own exclusive maintenance programme that’s just as eye-watering. Known as Corse Clienti, this package is designed for owners of Ferrari’s track-only cars, like the FXX and LaFerrari FXX K. For those wondering just how exclusive this programme is, bear in mind that in 2014, a Ferrari FXX K was priced at a staggering €2.5 million (excluding taxes). And that’s not even the most surprising part—Ferrari keeps the car in its possession. What you get for your hefty payment is access to their exclusive racing series, maintenance, and even a private team of mechanics and chefs to cater to your every need during race weekends.

The True Cost of Luxury Cars

When it comes down to it, owning a luxury car isn’t just about the initial price tag. It’s about the ongoing financial commitment that comes with keeping these vehicles in top condition. In fact, you could end up spending just as much maintaining a Bugatti as you did purchasing a brand-new, non-luxury car.

If you’ve ever considered getting your hands on a supercar, it’s important to remember that the road to ownership doesn’t just end with the sale. Maintenance becomes an ongoing, expensive responsibility that requires a lot more than just a hefty paycheck—it requires commitment, both financial and practical. So, while owning a Bugatti may be a dream for some, maintaining one is a whole other reality.

And for those of us who might be contemplating a more modest investment, maybe that Dacia Duster doesn’t look too bad after all.

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