Lamborghini Murcielago

The Murciélago's been keeping a pretty low profile for the last couple of months. Two main reasons for this. Firstly, I'm trying to keep the mileage down as its replacement is due in the middle of next year (more about that later) and I don't fancy the thought of trying to part-ex the Lambo with more miles on it than the Millennium Falcon. Secondly, I foolishly decided after a couple of beers to work out the actual costs of 20,000 miles and a year's ownership of the Murcie. The results make entertaining reading (for everyone except me), and needless to say when I'd finished those beers I spent the rest of the evening in the pub. So, starting with the actual running costs since delivery on September 1, 2004, here goes: Insurance £2600, first service (7500 miles) £1128.28, second service (15,000 miles) £2908, third service (21,500 miles) £994.56, two additional oil changes @ £185 each, two sets of Pirellis @ £908 a set, set of brake pads £303, Tubi exhaust (optional but advisable) £2800, Alpine SatNav/DVD (£2500), petrol over 21,500 miles at an average of 11mpg, £7850. Total running costs: £23,269.84. Of course this doesn't take into account the depreciation (only realised on sale of course) of at least £35,000. And the fact that it's soon to be in the paintshop for a nosejob at £1500. Plus it's surely got to need a clutch soon at around six grand (yes, it's still going strong). So running a V12 Lambo for 20,000 miles has proved that, nope, it ain't like running a Daewoo Matiz. On the other hand I've had more problems with a newer Mitsubishi Shogun that I also run. So is it worth it? Well, I suppose it depends on your priorities in life. Funny how, since I've owned it, I know exactly which day of the month the bank statements arrive. On a lighter note, the Lambo has also undergone another Zymol treatment, but this time with its new 'Royale' wax (Cost? How about £5800 a tub?!). Authorised Zymol specialist Dave Bowerman is the only specialist to have the Royale and spent his usual seven hours preparing and waxing the Lambo for a few hundred quid. Result? Photos just can't do it justice; the depth of shine is like nothing I've ever seen before. If you want the same, go to www.sportscarprotection.com But back to the Lambo's replacement. Rumour has it the restyled, more aggressive-looking Murcie will be unveiled at Geneva in March next year. With the same 650bhp as an Enzo, it's sure to be a beast. With delivery set for June, I think this time I'll take it a little bit steadier mileage-wise...

Running Costs