The Audi A8 is a remarkable car combining the build quality of a Mercedes with the driver appeal of a BMW and the sober styling of a Lexus. The result? A car that depreciates like an Alfa Romeo.

 

Four years ago the top spec Audi A8, the S8, had a list price of £65,000. Today with 50,000 miles on the clock it changes hands at auction for under £16,000. A loss of £49,000, 75% of its value. Bad news if you bought one new - great news if you want one second hand.

 

Introduced in August 1994 the car came with a V6 2.8 litre producing 173bhp or a 300bhp 4.2 litre V8. Cosmetically both cars were very similar, but under the skin were very different. With permanent quattro four wheel drive the 4.2 was unique amongst luxury cars whilst the 2.8’s was distinctly ‘un luxury car’ with a front wheel drive system. 

 

The following year Audi added another front wheel drive model, the 3.7litre V8 with 230bhp. And finally in 1997 came the 330bhp S8. Lighter than most of its competitors the car had the potential for greatness but costing £10,000 more than a 4.2 quattro Sport and with only 30bhp more power sales proved disappointing.

 

All engine sizes offer the buyer a choice of standard or Sport variants. Sports come with larger alloys, lowered suspension and electric recaro memory seats.  Second hand Sport’s command a £1,000 premium but try before you buy; the lower, stiffer suspension is not to every ones taste.

 

On the road the A8 feels sure footed and nimble and is particularly stable at high speed, whilst quattro models provide enormous confidence particularly in the wet. Audi steering tends to lack feel and the A8 is no exception.

Accommodation inside an A8 is amongst the best in class with head, leg and shoulder room all excellent. Open the boot and it will comfortably swallow a couple of sets of golf clubs plus your weekend bags. If that’s not enough since 1999 Audi have offered a LWB version of the 4.2 adding a further 13cm of space to the rear legroom.

 

Build quality is one of the A8’s trump cards, even on early cars you will be struck by the quality and finish with high grade wood, leather and plastics combining to produce an environment as good as anything this side of a Maybach. Exterior condition should also be excellent; repairing even minor damage to the all aluminium body is expensive and must be carried out by a specialist body shop so if you’re buying a car privately adjust the price you offer if you spot damage that needs repairing.

 

Four years into its life the big Audi underwent some major modifications as part of the 2000 model year changes. All models gained the quattro system as standard and engine power was up with the introduction of more valves. The 2.8 gained 19bhp, the 3.7 a useful 30bhp and the 4.2 sneaked up by a further 10bhp. But the biggest power hike was for the S8 which with a further 30bhp taking it to 360bhp and a £10,500 price reduction made it look the car it always should have been.

 

Servicing on all models is variable based on driving conditions but expect to see a dealer once a year or every 10,000 miles. Due to its aluminium construction Insurance premiums tend to slightly higher due to the complexity and associated cost repairs, it’s best to get a few quotes.

 

    

 

Check the following

• Air conditioning – standard on all cars can be adjusted to different temperatures for driver and passengers  

• Body work – Aluminium construction means that contact with incorrect tools during repair results in contact corrosion

• Tyres, brakes and steering rack - all prone to heavy wear on V8 and quattro models

• Transmission - check 4 wheel drive system for noise and oil leaks

• Accident damage – Always check the HPI register

• Panel gaps – if uneven walk away the car has been subject to a poor quality repair

• Tow bar – must be Audi approved item or can trigger contact corrosion

• Mobile phones – Aluminium body and double glazing makes signal quality very poor, car phone aerials should never be attached to the body

• ‘chrome’ effect trims – made from aluminium if cleaned incorrectly can turn milky white

• Seats – Electric memory seats on Sport models very desirable

• Interior trim – fantastic build quality, high mileage cars should still look fresh

• Wheels – 20 inch wheels available since 2001, car looks great but ride can be harsh

• Satellite Navigation – two systems, Nav plus system has TV and colour screen

 

The one to buy 

 

Audi A8 4.2 quattro Sport

1999 ‘T’ with 30,000 miles and full service history

Pay £18,395 at a dealer, £16,250 from a private seller

© Jason Dawe Productions Limited September 2003