Read the full story on Modern Car Collector
Maintaining a Bugatti isn’t for the faint of heart—or wallet. But one resourceful owner proved that not every hypercar repair has to break the bank.
Carl Hartley, a UK-based supercar dealer and former Bugatti Veyron owner, revealed in a recent interview that he once faced a staggering $15,500 repair quote for a faulty mirror switch. Bugatti insisted the job required replacing the entire door assembly, a standard procedure when servicing the ultra-exclusive hypercar.
Instead of accepting the quote, Hartley turned to a friend with a background in Formula 1 components, who quickly discovered the failing part was a Volkswagen switch costing just $1.20. Within 20 minutes, the part was replaced, restoring full functionality at a total cost of around $20, including sourcing.
Hartley, who runs Tom Hartley Cars, a dealership specializing in high-end exotics, said the experience highlights how off-warranty Bugatti owners can save significantly by working with reputable independent specialists rather than relying solely on official service centers. “These cars share components with other Volkswagen Group models,” he explained. “You just need to know where to look.”
While Bugatti’s official servicing remains the gold standard for owners concerned with factory provenance and resale value, Hartley said pragmatic repairs can keep running costs manageable for those who actually drive their cars.
The story serves as a reminder that, despite its seven-figure price tag, the Bugatti Veyron shares DNA with its corporate siblings—including some surprisingly affordable parts.
Comments