Item: Used Audi A8 2003 - 2010
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

It's a fine car in its own right, but it's not the easiest of its type to live with

Used Audi A8 2003 - 2010

Only the 3.0 diesel and 3.2 petrol versions keep costs at a semi-sensible level. As for the rest, they are only for the seriously wealthy.

As ever on an Audi A8, stiff depreciation is an issue, but it's good news for a used car buyer. The first owner suffers the worst hit from new, leaving the second owner to pick up a relatively cheap executive car.

There's no escaping the high running costs, though. Insurance is group 18 for the smaller engines, group 20 for the rest. Be aware, though, that some companies won't touch the car because of its aluminium body - which is complex and expensive to repair - while others will load the premium. Servicing is also best left to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> dealers who specialise in the A8, which will make it dear.

Fuel economy ranges from the excellent 32mpg from the 3.0 diesel to 28mpg for the 3.2 petrol and 4.2 diesel, and 20mpg from the 6.0.

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It's a fine car in its own right, but it's not the easiest of its type to live with


The 3.0 diesel model makes most sense. Not only does it promise up to 32mpg - a good return for a big, four-wheel-drive car - but it's one of the cheaper models to buy. If that's not enough to persuade you, it also loses value more slowly than other A8s. Otherwise, the smallest petrol engine, the 3.2 V6, makes a fair fist of hauling the car quickly, while keeping buying and owning costs to sensible levels.

Whichever model you look at, you'll have plenty of kit, with sat-nav, leather seats and keyless entry on all. Parking sensors ease the worry of parking in town; they're a real boon, particularly on the long-wheelbase version.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

Luxury

Older Audi A8s aren't dependable, according to the What Car? Reliability Survey, while the average cost of repairs is well over £500. The A8 looks built to last, but the complicated air suspension threatens horrendous bills if it develops faults, so check it out thoroughly before you part with any cash.

Audi engines are proven and reliable, but the gearboxes and clutches will need overhauling once the miles mount up. We'd worry that those complicated electrics might give trouble, too.

Despite the cost, correct servicing is of paramount importance, while a full set of main dealer stamps in the service books is essential to maintain the car's resale value. Skimping on proper servicing now could cost you in the future.

The cost of fixing that aluminium body is an even greater concern. Regular crash repairers won't touch it, leaving just a few specialists to tackle the work - and charge you plenty for the privilege.

Four-wheel-drive (quattro) models should have all four tyres replaced at once to maintain traction and handling - a full set can easily cost £1000.

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The Audi A8 is a huge saloon that has much to offer anyone in search of a luxury motor that isn't a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/jaguar">Jaguar</a>.

The innovative aluminium body means it's lighter than many rivals, helping performance and economy. Four-wheel drive is fitted to most, as is air suspension, offering a choice between four settings.

The interior is vast throughout, while the boot offers more than ample space. The long-wheelbase version is rare but brings even more space in the rear seats. It's a very well-built car and the quality of the materials used matches, and sometimes beats, the competition's.

Even the cheapest models drive well, feeling smaller than they look, while the high-performance models are seriously quick. The diesels are state-of-the-art but the smaller petrols are accomplished, too.

There simply isn't any road noise and, while you'll hear some wind noise, it's completely silent otherwise.

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Used Audi A8 2003 - 2010 review

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Audi A8 saloon?