Rolls-Royce Wraith buying guide

There was no single sweeping facelift. Marque says Rolls-Royce applied running updates instead, and that later cars are often listed as Series II, though equipment varies by build. Confirm what a given car has against its VIN and build sheet rather than trusting the listing.

CarsCounsel calls the 2017 through 2021 model years the strongest used buys and the most sorted examples. The 2014 to 2016 cars need a closer look for early electronic and air suspension calibration quirks, and for evidence that software updates were carried out. Marque suggests 2017 to 2019 cars as the pick of the range when they come with full dealer service, a Starlight Headliner and a restrained exterior color. Our Wraith price guide shows what each year costs.

Rolls-Royce added the Black Badge in 2016. It changed the suspension and transmission calibration, added a Low mode that sharpens the throttle, and brought carbon-composite wheels and a darkened Spirit of Ecstasy. Sources disagree on its output: some give 632 horsepower, others an unchanged 624 horsepower with torque raised to 642 lb-ft. Marque recommends a 2018 or later Black Badge for drivers, provided it has a clean inspection and recent suspension service, and says the premium holds best on cars still in original Black Badge color and trim.

Limited runs exist: the 2019 Eagle VIII Collection and the Kryptos Collection were each limited to 50 units, and production ended in 2023 with the Black Arrow, a run of 12 cars. Marque and Exotics Hunter both say Bespoke work hurts a car when undocumented and helps when fully documented.

The faults below are drawn from specialist guides.

Injector failure

Exchange and Mart says the V12's injectors are known to fail, and that the fix is costly at around £5,000 including coils and plugs (a UK figure). It adds that a poor tickover can also come from carbon fouling of the valve seats.

Air suspension faults

Air suspension is the most common expensive service item, according to Autos of Chicago and CarsCounsel, and cars over 60,000 miles should have documented service. A technical service bulletin covers ride height dropping overnight or after long parking, with a possible check control message, on 2014 to 2021 Wraiths.

Software and electronics

Three sources describe software and electronics glitches as the most frequent complaint, including frozen displays and faults with the power-closing doors. Early cars need proof that updates were done.

Oil leaks

The V12 is prone to oil leaks from the gaskets on its valve covers, timing cover and oil pan, and high-mileage cars may use more oil. Exotic Car Hacks is one source for this.

Coolant leaks

Coolant can escape from the radiator, the hoses or the coolant pipe under the intake manifold. Look for residue and a low reservoir before you drive.

Turbocharger wear

Exotic Car Hacks says the turbos can wear after around 100,000 miles, showing as oil leaks or a whistling noise. High-mileage cars deserve a specialist's opinion on them.

Autos of Chicago puts annual scheduled dealer service at $3,000 to $5,000, plus an annual inspection at $1,500 to $2,500. It reckons total annual ownership at $18,000 to $32,000, and says an independent specialist can cut maintenance and repair costs by roughly 30%.

The same source quotes $4,000 to $6,500 installed for a set of staggered 20-inch tires, which last 25,000 to 35,000 miles. A brake service is $6,000 to $10,000 and front control arm and bushing replacement is $2,500 to $4,500. VehicleStats' UK MOT data lists tires, wheels and suspension as 67% of categorized faults, with worn tires the most frequent.

Exchange and Mart's £5,000 for injectors is the biggest single figure the sources give for the engine. Weigh that figure against the service files before you commit.