The Challenge Isn’t Buying a Bugatti—It’s Maintaining It : An Oil Change Costs as Much as a Car

When you think of luxury cars, the image of a Bugatti often comes to mind. These incredible machines represent the epitome of automotive engineering, blending speed, style, and exclusivity. But while owning a Bugatti is a dream for many, the reality of maintaining one is an entirely different story. For most people, the thought of buying such a hypercar might be out of reach, but even if you could afford one, maintaining it could cost more than you ever imagined. Just one routine oil change on a Bugatti can set you back as much as purchasing a brand-new car. Let’s dive into why the upkeep of a Bugatti is so expensive, and why it’s not just the price tag of the car itself that makes owning one a challenge.

A Routine Oil Change or a Brand-New Car?

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The price of luxury cars has been steadily increasing, and while many high-end vehicles come with hefty price tags, the maintenance costs of a hypercar like the Bugatti are truly in a league of their own. Take the Bugatti Veyron, for instance. Known for its performance and craftsmanship, a single oil change for this beast can cost an eye-watering $25,000. Yes, you read that correctly—$25,000 for an oil change. To put that into perspective, that’s more than enough to buy a brand-new Dacia Duster, a perfectly reliable family SUV, with some change left over for insurance.

So, why does it cost so much? The answer lies in the complexity of the vehicle’s engineering. Unlike most cars, where an oil change is a straightforward task, the Veyron requires mechanics to remove 16 oil drain plugs. This intricate process involves taking apart the rear wheels, brakes, and even the fender liners—work that demands both precision and specialized skill. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Other routine maintenance tasks, like replacing parts or performing inspections, only add to the staggering costs of keeping the car in top shape.

The True Cost of Keeping a Bugatti Running

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If you thought $25,000 for an oil change was excessive, brace yourself for what comes next. The costs of maintaining a Bugatti extend far beyond oil changes. For example, a new set of wheels for a Veyron can cost around $38,000, and replacing the tires might run you an additional $50,000. These prices are staggering, especially when you consider that Bugatti recommends a full-service maintenance every 15,000 kilometers—or once a year, whichever comes first.

To give you a sense of just how much these costs add up, the estimated price for a four-year maintenance plan for a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is between €340,000 and €405,000 (before taxes). That’s not far off the cost of a modest home in many parts of the world. In fact, even wealthy car collectors like Manny Khoshbin, who owns multiple Bugattis, admit that these cars often spend more time in the garage than on the road. As Khoshbin himself states, “I’m lucky they don’t get driven much,” underscoring the reality that owning such a vehicle is a huge financial commitment that extends far beyond the initial purchase price.