# Rolls-Royce Ghost — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Rolls-Royce Ghost on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/rolls-royce-ghost

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: Standard Wheelbase
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £125,000

## Why this model

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the epitome of luxury, offering an unparalleled blend of comfort, refinement, and effortless performance. It's a statement car, providing a serene driving experience with its powerful V12 engine and legendary 'magic carpet ride' air suspension. While running costs are high, buying a used model means you avoid the massive initial depreciation, making it a surprisingly 'sensible' way to enter ultra-luxury motoring. It's built to last, but remember, maintenance is strictly specialist.

## What you should pay

A new Ghost loses a significant chunk of its value in the first few years. By looking at a 2019 model, you're past the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Prices for well-maintained 2019-2020 models typically range from £100,000 to £150,000, depending on mileage and specification. Our target price of £125,000 reflects a good balance for a standard wheelbase model with reasonable mileage.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Standard Wheelbase' Ghost offers all the luxury, performance, and presence you could ever want without the added cost and complexity of the 'Extended Wheelbase' or the sportier, more expensive 'Black Badge' variant. It's the sweet spot for value, providing the full Rolls-Royce experience without unnecessary extravagance.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension compressor and bags (can be costly)
- Electrical glitches (infotainment, sensors)
- Fluid leaks (power steering, oil)
- Brake wear (heavy car, expensive components)
- Tyre wear (specific run-flat tyres are costly)

## Running costs

Prepare for significant running costs. Fuel economy is around 18-20 mpg, meaning high fuel bills for the premium petrol it requires. VED (road tax) for a 2019 model will be £190 per year from 2025 onwards, as the luxury car supplement expires after 5 years. Insurance will be very high due to the car's value and performance, easily running into thousands per year. Servicing must be done by Rolls-Royce specialists, and parts are incredibly expensive. Expect annual maintenance to be in the low thousands, even without major issues.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 563-592 hp
- **Mpg**: 18-20 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good, but specialist maintenance required and parts are very expensive.
- **Safety Rating**: Not officially rated by Euro NCAP, but built to extremely high standards with comprehensive active and passive safety features.

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ghost Standard Wheelbase | £230,000 | £125,000 | 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 engine; Satellite-aided transmission; Air suspension with active roll stabilisation |
| Ghost Extended Wheelbase (EWB) | £260,000 | £145,000 | All Standard Wheelbase features; Increased rear legroom (170mm longer); Rear theatre configuration |
| Ghost Black Badge | £280,000 | £165,000 | More powerful 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 engine (603 hp); Darkened chrome exterior accents; Carbon fibre composite wheels |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £125,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £110,000 | 88% |
| 2028 | £98,000 | 78.4% |
| 2029 | £88,000 | 70.4% |
| 2030 | £80,000 | 64% |

The Rolls-Royce Ghost experiences its most significant depreciation in the first 3-5 years. By targeting a 2019 model in 2026, you're buying a car that has already absorbed the steepest part of its value loss. While it will continue to depreciate, the rate slows down considerably, offering a more stable investment compared to buying new or a very young used model.

Total value lost since new: 36%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Bentley Flying Spur](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bentley-flying-spur.md)
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach
- Audi A8 L W12

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.
