How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Bentley?
If you’re fortunate enough to own a Bentley, then you’re likely doing well enough to afford the additional maintenance cost of ownership. The cost has nothing to do with the car’s performance or safety; it is simply based on how much it costs to maintain an expensive luxury vehicle.
Owning a Bentley can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be aware that maintaining such an exclusive car comes with a cost.
Although several factors can raise or lower the maintenance cost, there is no denying that owning a Bentley will become significantly more expensive the more you drive it.
The yearly maintenance on a Bentley will average $2500 per year. This price is based on essential services that you should have done every 10,000 miles or once a year. The yearly cost will range from $1,000 to over $10,000. This depends on how frequently you drive, how old your vehicle is, and what needs to be repaired.
In addition to the basic services, several issues can arise while owning a Bentley. Most of these problems result from the age and mileage of your vehicle.
If you own an older Bentley that has seen many miles, then there is a good chance it will need more repairs than a newer vehicle. We’ll go through some of the most common repairs that Bentley owners have to make, as well as the cost you can expect.
Is Owning A Bentley Expensive?
Of course, it is! Owning a Bentley will cost you more than owning a Ford or a Chevrolet. You will be spending significantly more on routine services, and you’ll spend even more if something goes wrong with it. The best way to keep your Bentley running smoothly is to make sure you routinely maintain it.
When it comes to luxury car brands like Bentley, each has its specific issues to be aware of. Along with repair costs that vary depending on age and mileage, owning a Bentley can become excessive.
With a starting price of almost $200,000, it’s understandable you might belittle the cost of maintenance and ownership. It would help if you also considered the likelihood of something going wrong with your vehicle and how much it will cost to repair.
When someone purchases a Bentley, they are constantly reminded of its expensive luxury brand status. But even more expensive is not knowing how costly it can get when something breaks.
Bentley Models and Their Price Tag
2022 Bentley Continental GT – Starting at $210,000
2022 Bentley Bentayga – Starting at $185,000
2022 Flying Spur – Starting at $200,825
These are the newest models from Bentley, but older models like the Bentley Mulsanne were over $300,000.
What Issues Do Bentley’s Have?
There are some common issues that many Bentley owners have experienced throughout their ownership.
Most Common Bentley Issues
- Suspension Issues
- Engine Failure
- Electric Windows
- Brake Light Failure
- Brake Hose Issues
- Power Steering Issues
- Oil Leaks
These are just some of the common issues that Bentley owners have had. Take a look at our complete list for yourself if you want to see more.
Bentley Routine Maintenance Cost
The routine maintenance of a Bentley is quite costly. You must stick to the scheduled services to avoid significant issues and repairs. The average yearly cost for scheduled services is $1,200 – $1,500 per year.
In total, the estimated 10-year cost of maintaining a Bentley will range from around $14,000 to $17,500. Remember, these costs are for basic maintenance and do not cover significant repairs that may arise.
Let’s run through some of the essential maintenance and their cost.
Oil and Filter Change
The scheduled service for an oil and filter change should be every 10,000 miles. A complete oil and filter change will run around $600. This cost can vary depending on where you get your oil change done and the type of oil used.
Windshield Wiper Replacement
Depending on the model you have, windshield wiper replacement can become costly. A set of wiper blades usually runs around $80, with an additional cost for installation.
Bentley Brake Pad Replacement Costs
Your Bentley is a high-performance vehicle, so it’s important to have brakes in good condition. The brake pads are crucial to maintain as they prevent damage to your rotors and help keep you safe while driving.
The brake pads will cost around $1300 for front and rear pads, depending on your model.
Tire Replacement Costs
Some Bentley models come with relatively expensive tires. Replacing your tires can be costly, but it’s important not to let them go too long without replacing. For all four tires, you’re looking at the cost of around $1,800.
Battery Cost
Replacing your battery is not as expensive as replacing the other components on your vehicle. Battery replacement costs around $300 depending on where you get it done and what type of battery you need to purchase.
Bentley Transmission Flush Costs
A transmission flush is vital as it keeps you and your vehicle safe on the road. This service will cost around $550, with an additional $100 for fluid used during the process.
Bentley Coolant Flush Costs
Your coolant system is just as important as any other component of your vehicle. Over time, this system can break down and lead to significant issues.
To avoid this as much as possible, you should get a coolant flush done regularly. A coolant flush for your Bentley will cost around $900.
Bentley Spark Plug Replacement Costs
It would be best to replace spark plugs every 30-60k miles, depending on use and how you drive your Bentley. If these spark plugs aren’t replaced when needed, you risk having major electrical issues in your vehicle. This service will cost around $1700 for all your spark plugs.
These are just the standard scheduled services. You may also need to get other more expensive work done depending on the model of your Bentley and how it is driven.
Cost To Repair By Item
The regular expenses of owning a Bentley can be expensive enough, but what happens when your vehicle breaks down? Some common issues tend to arise with these cars.
1. Blown Head Gasket
A blown head gasket can lead to various issues ranging from coolant leaks, oil leaks, and poor vehicle performance. This issue is most commonly seen in the Arnage due to its V8 engine failure.
This issue can be very costly as the head gasket replacement will typically run around $4300.
2. Cooling System Issues
Many issues can arise from your cooling system, which is why it’s crucial to maintain this system regularly. Some common problems include leaks and pressure build-up.
One of the more expensive repairs from having cooling system issues is if your Bentley needs a new radiator. This service will run you around $1,600, depending on which model you have.
3. Sticky Valves
A sticky valve issue is common in older models of Bentley’s and will cause substantial problems with performance. This issue can be very costly as you need to repair the sticky valve and put in new piston rings.
In some cases, a total overhaul of your engine may be necessary, which will run around $13,000 with an additional cost to replace the gaskets and seals.
4. Engine Replacement
You may need to replace the motor entirely with a Bentley with an old engine. This will cost around $34,000, and it’s not uncommon for these engines to fail, which can drive up costs even more. Depending on your engine, the price can be higher or lower. The main Bentley engines are the V8 and W12.
5. Transmission Replacement
In some cases, your transmission might need to be replaced completely, costing around $14,650. In other instances, you may have issues with the torque converter, and a rebuild of the transmission will cost about $6,800.
6. Window Motor Replacement Cost
Having an issue with your window motor can be a frustrating problem as they are one of the most common replacements.
Window motors will cost around $1,200 to repair and require removing or opening up the door panel, leading to other issues.
7. Power Steering Replacement Cost
When you have problems with your power steering, the first thing that comes to mind is having issues with your pump. This is a common issue, but it will not always cause problems with your power steering.
The cost of repairing or replacing this component will run around $2.600-$5,600, depending on which model you have.
8. AC Compressor Replacement Cost
Having an issue with your AC compressor can be a significant problem. It’s expensive to repair, and the system will need to be recharged, costing upwards of $600.
The cost of repairing or replacing this component will run around $3,750-$7,300, depending on which model you have.
9. Windshield Replacement Cost
Your windshield can be damaged in various ways, such as cracks and chips. The average cost of repairing the windshield is around $4,500 to $6,500. This is generally an expensive repair as you need to pay for the glass and labor as well.
These are some well-known issues that tend to arise with various Bentley models. Multiple parts can wear out over time and lead to other problems in your Bentley.
This is the average cost of the annual maintenance in America for a Bentley. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on your location.
Due to the nature of how these vehicles are priced, their parts, and labor, it’s best to have a specialist handle any repairs or replacements. They will accurately tell you if anything needs to be done and the cost.
Factors That Affect Maintenence Cost
One factor that can affect your cost of ownership is driving in an area with extreme weather. Driving in these conditions will put added stress on the components in your system and therefore increase the chance for something to fail.
If you have a heavy foot and drive in a fashion that is hard on the components of your vehicle, it can lead to additional costs when you need repairs and parts replaced.
Another factor that can lead to additional costs is how often you use your vehicle. Those who only take out their cars for special occasions will have fewer problems than someone constantly driving their vehicle.
The final factor that can affect your cost of ownership is how well you take care of the vehicle. Taking the time to maintain your car and being cautious while driving to avoid collisions can help ensure that you don’t encounter costly repairs or replacements anytime soon.
It’s important to remember that owning any luxury car comes with certain expenses. It takes more money to maintain a Bentley, but it can be worth it if you have deep pockets.
Does a Bentley Hold Its Value?
This question will depend on the model and year of the Bentley. Most of the older models tend to depreciate faster than their newer counterparts. Although, it should be noted that all luxury vehicles depreciate faster than non-luxury vehicles.
The average Bentley will depreciate by 45% over five years. This is almost half of the value. When you factor in maintenance and repairs, the value of your Bentley could feel as though it’s depreciating even faster.
Many new owners choose to lease a Bentley as it allows them to have a luxury vehicle without the hassle of expensive repairs or maintenance.
Conclusion
You will need to keep in mind that owning a Bentley isn’t cheap. It requires additional cash for maintenance, repairs, and parts replacements.
This shouldn’t be an issue if you have the money to spare. If you’re buying a used Bentley, make sure you do your research and talk to a specialist who knows the vehicle well. This way, you can determine what issues may arise before purchasing the car.
Anytime you buy a used luxury vehicle, you are at a higher risk of needing repairs or replacements. If the maintenance cost scares you, it may be best to consider a different car. However, if you have the money for you may want to look into leasing a Bentley
