# Rolls-Royce Ghost (first generation) buying guide

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Buying guide · 2010 to 2020 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

Find a 2014-or-later Series II, then have the air suspension, V12 oil seals and injectors checked before you pay.

**Median asking price: $97,152** (Across 112 live listings)

- Asking prices: $57,995 to $225,100, middle half $81k to $124k
- For sale: 112
- Lowest price: $57,995
- Model years: 2010 to 2020
- Versions for sale: 3

## The first-generation Ghost as a used buy

The first-generation Ghost to find is a Series II, the version [Octane Files](https://www.octanefiles.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-1st-gen) says most buyers look for. The same source argues that specification, meaning paint, leather and veneer, separates one car from another more than model year does.

The generation runs from 2010 to 2020 and was pitched as the 'baby Rolls' below the Phantom. It shares its platform architecture with the contemporary BMW 7 Series and weighs more than 5,500 lb. The 2010 to 2012 cars are the ones tied to the electric auxiliary water pump recalls, and the sources single out the air suspension, the V12's oil seals and the injectors as the expensive failures.

Our [Rolls-Royce Ghost price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/rolls-royce/ghost) covers the market, and you can browse [used Ghosts for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce/ghost) to compare specifications. If you are cross-shopping, we have a [Bentley vs Rolls-Royce comparison](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/compare/bentley-vs-rolls-royce) and a [Ghost vs Wraith comparison](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/compare/rolls-royce-ghost-vs-rolls-royce-wraith).

## first-generation Ghost years and versions

The Series I carried a 6.6-litre BMW-built N74 twin-turbo V12 rated at 563bhp and 780Nm, with a ZF eight-speed automatic, air suspension and rear-hinged rear doors. A long-wheelbase body joined the range in 2011. In 2013 the V-Specification package raised output to about 600bhp and added 21-inch wheels and V motifs in the cabin.

The Series II was shown at Geneva in 2014. It got reshaped LED headlamps, a revised bumper, a bolder grille, front seats with extendable thigh supports and new rear seats. Satellite Aided Transmission also arrived, letting the gearbox use the navigation map to choose its ratios. Apart from that, the drivetrain carried over. [Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-rolls-royce-ghost) notes that the Series II could be personalized far more than the Series I, and you can see them on our [Series II listings](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce/ghost-series-ii).

Black Badge followed in 2016 for Series II cars. It brought extra power and torque, stiffer air springs, a recalibrated gearbox and brakes, and dark exterior trim. Octane Files says it is the Ghost enthusiasts single out.

[CarsCounsel](https://carscounsel.com/rolls-royce-ghost-best-worst-years/) rates the 2014 to 2020 model years as the strongest choices and says 2010 to 2012 cars need care. That fits the recall history below, where the early cars carry the water pump campaigns. [CarBuzz](https://carbuzz.com/rolls-royce-ghost-bargain/) prefers conservative colors such as black, silver, grey, white or dark blue to wild bespoke builds, and warns that a heavily optioned car may conceal maintenance jobs nobody has explained. If a newer car appeals, our [second-generation Ghost guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/rolls-royce/ghost-gen-2) covers it.

## first-generation Ghost versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ghost](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base) | 2010-2014 | 70 | $85,670 |
| [Ghost Series II](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base) | 2015-2018 | 33 | $125,382 |
| [Ghost](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-ii-series-i-base) | 2019-2020 | 9 | $171,342 |

## Common first-generation Ghost problems

### Air suspension failure

CarsCounsel says the struts and compressors in the air suspension wear out often on first-generation cars, and the ride height sags when they go. Autocar adds that the front nearside corner is susceptible to pothole impacts.

### Injector failure

Injectors are known to fail. The repair, including coils and plugs, runs to around £5000, and carbon fouling of the valve seats is another possible cause of poor running.

### V12 oil leaks

Oil can leak from the rear main seal, the timing cover and the valve covers. Repairs often mean removing the engine or the transmission, so labor is a large part of the bill.

### Auxiliary water pump fire risk

On 2010 to 2012 cars, a recall covered the electric auxiliary water pump, which could short-circuit and cause an engine compartment fire. Ask for proof the work was done.

### Airbag and belt tensioner recall

Australian Car.Reviews lists a recall of 2012 production cars whose airbags and belt tensioners may not deploy. NHTSA's table adds airbag and seat belt campaigns for 2015, 2017 and 2018 cars.

### Leaking screens, flat batteries

Ill-fitting front and rear screens can let water into the interior, and the result is condensation and baggy seat leather as the glue dissolves. A flat battery is generally down to neglect, and a trickle charger is the cure for a car that sits.

## What to check on a used first-generation Ghost

- Ask for a full service history from a Rolls-Royce dealer or a reputable specialist, which both Autocar and Octane Files call essential.
- Check the turbo oil pipes and cooling pipes for leaks, and look underneath for oil around the rear main seal.
- Confirm the car sits level, that the ride-height button works and that no 'level control malfunction' message appears, since that message points to the air springs, compressor or control module.
- Inspect the inner shoulders of the front tires for wear, and confirm the car wears the correct Goodyear tires.
- Compare interior wear with the claimed mileage, because clocking has been reported.
- Test the closing motor on each rear coach door, retract the Spirit of Ecstasy and try the umbrella releases.
- Watch the head-up display for dropouts on a test drive.
- Look for poor repairs, irregular shutlines and overspray, and ask whether the software updates have been done.
- Check the screen seals and the footwells for damp, and the seat leather for baggy panels.
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and get written confirmation that any open campaigns were closed.
- Ask how the car has been stored, since a flat battery usually points to neglect.

## first-generation Ghost running costs

Autocar puts brake discs at about £500 a corner and pads at £400 each, front and rear, with discs lasting around 20,000 miles. It prices a replacement air suspension damper at £2500, labor and reprogramming included. These are UK figures.

Autocar also quotes around £3500 for the three-year Rolls-Royce Service Inclusive package without brakes, or £9300 with them. The £5000 injector repair noted above is the same magazine's estimate for the job itself, coils and plugs included. CarBuzz says a Ghost costs thousands a year to maintain, though specialists can undercut Rolls-Royce.

## first-generation Ghost recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for these model years. Two campaigns on 2010 and 2011 cars concern a circuit board in the electric auxiliary water pump that can overheat, and an engine and engine cooling campaign for 2010 to 2012 cars sits within a wider BMW filing. Airbag campaigns cover a 2015 car whose thorax airbags may miss side-impact requirements and 2018 cars whose head airbags may have been damaged during assembly. A 2017 seat belt campaign and a 2012 tire label error complete the list. Each campaign applies only to certain cars, so check a car's VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup.

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, about the engine and engine cooling, and it reports no crashes, fires, injuries or deaths.

## NHTSA recalls for the first-generation Ghost

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2010 to 2020 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 18V248000 | Apr 18, 2018 | 2010 to 2012 | Engine and engine cooling | If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 18V097000 | Feb 8, 2018 | 2018 | Air bags | If the head air bag does not inflate properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury. |
| 16V747000 | Oct 17, 2016 | 2017 | Seat belts | In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury. |
| 15V695000 | Oct 23, 2015 | 2015 | Air bags | In the event of a vehicle crash necessitating air bag deployment, this may increase the risk of injury to the front seat passengers. |
| 12V368000 | Jul 27, 2012 | 2012 | Equipment | Incorrect tire placard information such as an incrorrect recommended pressure may lead to tire inflation errors which could result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 12V166000 | Apr 10, 2012 | 2010 to 2011 | Engine and engine cooling | THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE. |
| 11V522000 | Oct 20, 2011 | 2010 | Engine and engine cooling | THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the first-generation Ghost

Owners filed 1 complaint with NHTSA for the 2010 to 2020 model years. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 |

## Best first-generation Ghost deals right now

25 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $27,344. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2016 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I: asking $95,000 · $27k below market · 33,059 mi · Tampa, FL · deal score 100 of 100
- 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I: asking $76,275 · $23k below market · 25,177 mi · Sharon Hill, PA · deal score 100 of 100
- 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I: asking $85,890 · $13k below market · 25,088 mi · Allston, MA · deal score 97 of 100
- 2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I: asking $87,380 · $11k below market · 29,284 mi · Jacksonville, FL · deal score 94 of 100
- 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I: asking $68,375 · $9k below market · 44,405 mi · St. Charles, IL · deal score 94 of 100
- 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I: asking $83,163 · $12k below market · 78,945 mi · Norwalk, CA · deal score 93 of 100

[Unlock all 25 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## first-generation Ghost prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- 2020: $211,494 (4 for sale · $169,215 to $225,100 · median 11,519 mi)
- 2019: $153,076 (5 for sale · $145,255 to $186,786 · median 35,000 mi)
- 2018: $149,249 (7 for sale · $135,790 to $180,149 · median 28,418 mi)
- 2017: $140,593 (6 for sale · $131,236 to $155,249 · median 35,535 mi)
- 2016: $116,588 (10 for sale · $95,000 to $139,085 · median 36,574 mi)
- 2015: $107,376 (10 for sale · $83,163 to $125,382 · median 39,082 mi)
- 2014: $100,175 (13 for sale · $57,995 to $129,999 · median 41,568 mi)
- 2013: $87,380 (13 for sale · $63,495 to $108,789 · median 39,995 mi)
- 2012: $90,478 (15 for sale · $73,999 to $125,541 · median 40,564 mi)
- 2011: $80,250 (19 for sale · $65,175 to $100,476 · median 50,458 mi)
- 2010: $75,997 (10 for sale · $65,799 to $85,299 · median 47,747 mi)

## first-generation Ghost fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ghost | 2014 | $100,197 | 39,400 |
| Ghost | 2013 | $95,136 | 33,900 |
| Ghost | 2011 | $81,557 | 44,500 |
| Ghost | 2010 | $79,142 | 38,800 |
| Ghost Series II | 2018 | $154,725 | 24,800 |
| Ghost Series II | 2017 | $136,714 | 31,100 |
| Ghost Series II | 2016 | $125,840 | 26,700 |
| Ghost Series II | 2015 | $109,306 | 39,000 |

## first-generation Ghost for sale now

- [2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $113,145 · 28,295 mi · Lewisville, TX
- [2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $125,382 · 24,959 mi · Akron, OH
- [2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $57,995 · 104,716 mi · Randolph, MA
- [2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $109,380 · 27,436 mi · Jacksonville, FL
- [2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $113,380 · 28,948 mi · Jacksonville, FL
- [2019 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen II](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-ii-series-i-base): $186,786 · 27,548 mi · Raleigh, NC
- [2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $71,169 · 70,851 mi · West Covina, CA
- [2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $100,889 · 39,151 mi · East Hanover, NJ
- [2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $91,095 · 27,062 mi · West Palm Beach, FL
- [2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $90,046 · 86,642 mi · Kansas City, MO
- [2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $137,138 · 37,599 mi · Winter Haven, FL
- [2019 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen II](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-ii-series-i-base): $171,342 · 33,776 mi · Coral Gables, FL
- [2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $90,150 · 23,981 mi · Bellevue, WA
- [2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $125,541 · 45,050 mi · Tulsa, OK
- [2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $89,145 · 66,300 mi · Lewisville, TX
- [2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $93,695 · 27,570 mi · West Palm Beach, FL
- [2016 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $126,799 · 20,500 mi · Rahway, NJ
- [2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $135,790 · 28,418 mi · Wayne, NJ
- [2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $63,495 · 89,202 mi · Wayne, MI
- [2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $108,085 · 39,414 mi · City of Industry, CA
- [2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $110,648 · 47,780 mi · Knoxville, TN
- [2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-series-ii-gen-i-series-ii-base): $149,999 · 36,186 mi · Mesa, AZ
- [2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $74,999 · 65,970 mi · Sacramento, CA
- [2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost, Gen I](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-gen-i-series-i-base): $103,382 · 23,388 mi · Akron, OH

[Every used Ghost](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce/ghost)

## Our verdict

Buy a 2014 or later Series II in a conservative color, with a full dealer or specialist history. CarsCounsel rates 2014 to 2020 as the strongest years, and Black Badge cars are the ones enthusiasts single out. Autocar says a full service history is worth more than expensive fitted options, and CarBuzz says the best used Ghost is the one with the fewest stories to tell.

Treat 2010 to 2012 cars with caution and confirm the water pump recall work. Octane Files regards Rolls-Royce's own Provenance approved-used scheme, which adds a warranty and servicing, as the safest way in. Insist on a car that stands level and has a dry rear main seal, because sagging suspension is a known weak point and oil leak repairs often mean taking out the engine or transmission.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Used car buying guide: Rolls-Royce Ghost](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars-used-car-buying-guides/used-car-buying-guide-rolls-royce-ghost) (Autocar)
- [1st Gen Rolls-Royce Ghost "Baby Rolls" (2009–2020)](https://www.octanefiles.com/cars/rolls-royce-ghost-1st-gen) (Octane Files)
- [Best and Worst Rolls-Royce Ghost Years: What to Buy & Avoid](https://carscounsel.com/rolls-royce-ghost-best-worst-years/) (CarsCounsel)
- [The Used Rolls-Royce Ghost Bargain Luxury Buyers Won't Admit](https://carbuzz.com/rolls-royce-ghost-bargain/) (CarBuzz)
- [Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.6 V12 Mk1 Reliability - Problems & Costs](https://www.carchecker.pro/reports/rolls_royce_ghost_mk1_6.6_v12.html) (CarChecker)
- [Recalls & faults: Rolls-Royce 664 Ghost (2010-20)](http://australiancar.reviews/recalls-faults-rolls-royce-664-ghost-2010-20/) (Australian Car.Reviews)
- [Rolls Royce Ghost Buyers Guide](https://ottoseuropean.com/rolls-royce-auto-repair/rolls-royce-ghost-buyers-guide/) (Otto's Luxury European Auto Repair)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the first-generation Ghost](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the first-generation Ghost

- [Used Rolls-Royce Ghost for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce/ghost) (131)
- [Rolls-Royce Ghost price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/rolls-royce/ghost)
- [Cheapest Rolls-Royce Ghost for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/rolls-royce/ghost)
- [Used Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce/ghost-series-ii) (42)
- [Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/rolls-royce/ghost-series-ii)
- [Cheapest Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/rolls-royce/ghost-series-ii)
- [Used Rolls-Royce for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/rolls-royce) (337)

## More Rolls-Royce buying guides

- [Rolls-Royce Ghost (second generation) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/rolls-royce/ghost-gen-2) (2021 on)
- [Rolls-Royce Wraith buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/rolls-royce/wraith) (2014 to 2023)
- [Rolls-Royce Cullinan buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/rolls-royce/cullinan) (2019 on)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Rolls-Royce Ghost news

- [Used Rolls-Royce market is cool to cold, and only Wraith is balanced](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/rolls-royce-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Asking prices on the three models with a trend held steady from June to October, and 87 of the cars for sale rate as great or good deals.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## first-generation Ghost: common questions

### What is the best first-generation Ghost to buy?

A 2014 or later Series II is the one to find. CarsCounsel rates 2014 to 2020 as the strongest years, and Octane Files says most buyers look for the Series II. Black Badge cars are the ones enthusiasts single out.

### What goes wrong with the first-generation Ghost?

The main faults are air suspension struts and compressors, failing injectors and oil leaks from the V12. Water can also get in around the screens. Early cars had recalls for the auxiliary water pump, which could short-circuit.

### Is the first-generation Ghost reliable?

Mixed, and the sources we read give no single reliability rating. They document trouble in the air suspension, the injectors and V12 oil leaks, and the 2010 to 2012 cars had water pump recalls. NHTSA holds just 1 owner complaint, about the engine, though complaints are reports and not proven faults.

### How much does it cost to run a first-generation Ghost?

Expect thousands a year, according to CarBuzz, though specialists can undercut Rolls-Royce. Autocar quotes £500 a corner for brake discs, £2500 for an air damper and around £5000 for an injector repair. Its three-year service package costs around £3500 without brakes.

### How much is a used first-generation Ghost?

Asking prices for the 112 cars we track for sale right now run from $57,995 to $225,100, with a median of $97,152. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the first-generation Ghost been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns filed for the 2010 to 2020 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for engine and engine cooling. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Rolls-Royce Ghost (first generation) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/rolls-royce/ghost-gen-1 (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.