# Rolls-Royce Wraith — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Rolls-Royce Wraith 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-wraith

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2017
- **Ideal trim**: Wraith (Standard)
- **Target mileage**: 20,000–40,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £135,000

## Why this model

The Rolls-Royce Wraith is an absolutely stunning grand tourer, offering unparalleled luxury, a commanding presence, and effortless performance thanks to its powerful V12 engine. It's a statement car that delivers an incredibly refined and comfortable driving experience, perfect for long journeys or making an entrance. While running costs are high, buying a used model means you've bypassed the steepest part of its depreciation curve, allowing you to enjoy this level of luxury at a more 'accessible' price point.

## What you should pay

The Wraith experiences significant initial depreciation, losing over half its value in the first few years. However, once it hits the £100,000-£150,000 mark, the depreciation curve flattens out considerably. For a 2017-2018 model with average mileage, you're looking at a sweet spot where the initial hit has been taken, but the car is still modern enough to feel current and benefit from Rolls-Royce's build quality. Prices can vary widely based on bespoke options and condition, so always compare carefully.

## Which trim to buy

For the best value, the standard Wraith offers all the luxury and performance you could ever need. While the Black Badge offers a more aggressive aesthetic and slightly sharper dynamics, it comes at a significant premium on the used market. Many standard Wraiths were already heavily customised with bespoke options from new, meaning you can find a unique and highly specified car without paying the 'Black Badge' premium. Focus on condition and service history over chasing a specific 'trim' beyond the standard model.

## What to check before you buy

- Air suspension components (compressor, airbags) can fail and are expensive to replace.
- Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system or various sensors.
- Brake wear is significant due to the car's weight and performance.
- Tyre wear can be high, especially with larger wheel options.
- Soft-close door mechanisms can occasionally malfunction.
- Panoramic roof issues (leaks or motor failure) if fitted.

## Running costs

Running a Wraith is not for the faint of heart. Fuel costs will be substantial; with its V12 engine and typical real-world MPG of 17, you're looking at around 42-45 pence per mile for premium unleaded. Road tax (VED) for a 2018 model will be around £545 per year (standard rate plus luxury car supplement). Insurance will be extremely high, likely £3,000-£10,000+ annually depending on your profile. Servicing and maintenance must be done by Rolls-Royce specialists, with routine services easily costing £1,000-£3,000+, and any major repairs running into five figures.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 624 hp
- **Mpg**: 17-20 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Good (BMW-derived components, but complex systems can be costly to repair)
- **Safety Rating**: Not officially tested by Euro NCAP due to low volume and bespoke nature.

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wraith (Standard) | £250,000 | £135,000 | 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 Engine; Satellite Aided Transmission; Adaptive Air Suspension |
| Wraith Black Badge | £300,000 | £165,000 | Uprated 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 Engine (700Nm torque); Darkened Chrome Exterior Trim; Carbon Fibre Interior Accents |
| Wraith (Highly Optioned) | £280,000 | £145,000 | 6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 Engine; Starlight Headliner; Driver's Assistance Systems (Adaptive Cruise Control, Head-Up Display) |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £135,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £120,000 | 88.89% |
| 2028 | £108,000 | 80% |
| 2029 | £98,000 | 72.59% |
| 2030 | £90,000 | 66.67% |

The Rolls-Royce Wraith experiences a very steep initial depreciation, losing well over 50% of its value in the first 3-5 years. Buying a 5-8 year old model (like a 2017-2018 car in 2026) means you're past the worst of this value drop. While it will continue to depreciate, the rate slows down significantly, making it a more financially sensible purchase for a luxury car of this calibre. You get to enjoy the car without taking the massive hit the first owner did.

Total value lost since new: 33.33%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Bentley Continental GT](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bentley-continental-gt.md)
- Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe
- [Aston Martin DB11](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/aston-martin-db11.md)

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