What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Silver Spirit (1980–1998) — Engine options included the 6.75L V8. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Wheel bearing excessive play (£300–£500 to address).
The wheel bearings support the considerable weight of this luxury saloon and are subject to high loads from the heavy body and suspension system. Age-related bearing wear is accelerated by the vehicle's weight and the hydraulic suspension loading patterns. Failed bearings create serious safety risks through wheel detachment or collapse. MOT data shows bearing failures at 41.3 times the national fleet average, indicating a significant design or loading issue specific to this model.
A completely failed bearing can cause wheel collapse and total loss of control. Even partial failure creates dangerous handling instability and increases stopping distances. The heavy weight of the Silver Spirit makes bearing failure particularly hazardous. Immediate replacement is essential once play is detected.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The brake system on these vehicles suffers from corrosion of steel brake pipes and reduced parking brake efficiency due to the car's age and complex hydraulic setup. The parking brake mechanism is integrated with the main brake system and subject to seizure from lack of use - these cars are often stored for long periods. 0 times the average, indicating systemic brake system deterioration.
Brake pipe failure causes complete loss of braking capability and is potentially fatal. Parking brake failure prevents secure parking on slopes and fails the MOT test. The heavy weight of the Silver Spirit makes effective braking systems critical for safety. Complete brake system restoration may be required on neglected examples.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The hydraulic system powers the self-levelling suspension, power steering, and ride height control through a network of high-pressure lines, pumps, and accumulators. The system operates at very high pressure and multiple seals, hoses, and connections are prone to failure with age. Leaks cause progressive loss of steering assistance, suspension drop, and environmental contamination. This is the most documented failure mode on Silver Spirit models, with MOT data showing failure rates 52.5 times higher than the national average.
Complete hydraulic failure results in very heavy steering and suspension collapse. The car becomes dangerous to drive and may strand the occupants. Hydraulic fluid is environmentally hazardous and expensive to replace. Total system rebuild can cost £3,000-£5,000 depending on component failures.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The self-levelling hydraulic suspension system uses shock absorbers and suspension components that are subject to high loads from the vehicle's considerable weight and complex hydraulic operation. Age-related deterioration of seals and mounting components affects ride quality and handling safety. The hydraulic dampers are expensive and difficult to source. MOT data shows shock absorber failures at 2.7 times the fleet average and suspension component wear at 2.1 times average, indicating accelerated wear patterns specific to this suspension design.
Failed suspension components compromise handling safety and ride comfort. The heavy weight of the Silver Spirit makes effective damping critical for stability and braking performance. Hydraulic suspension components are expensive and increasingly difficult to source, making repairs costly.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The exhaust system on these vehicles is extensive due to the V8 engine configuration and long wheelbase. The system includes multiple silencers, connecting pipes, and mounting points that are subject to corrosion from age and moisture. Failed mountings allow the exhaust to contact the underfloor or suspension components, creating noise and potential damage. MOT data shows exhaust failures at 8.6 times the fleet average, reflecting the challenges of maintaining original exhaust systems on vehicles of this age.
Exhaust leaks can allow dangerous carbon monoxide into the cabin and cause MOT failure. Loose sections can damage fuel lines, brake pipes, or suspension components if they break free. Complete system replacement is expensive due to the complex routing required on this long luxury saloon.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit common problems page.
Based on 6k real DVSA MOT tests, the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is fluid leak at 87x the fleet average, followed by power steering fault (53x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 3k miles) typically costs £150–£250 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include spark plugs (£200–£300).
See the full Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.