Running costs - A8

[Dracoro]

Thinking of next car, will probably need to be sizeable, comfy and quick but interested to know running costs.

Looking at models £8k-£12k.

Main appealing car is the A8 4.2 petrol.
3.0TDi considered but not *too* fussed on economy as only c8000mile p/a but don't want less than 20mpg but the closer to 25/30 the better. 4.0/4.2 TDI appeals too but I guess more out of my price range.

Will a 4.2 petrol bankrupt me? Ignoring fuel/insurance/tax, I'm thinking of reliability, general costs for brakes/cambelt (aren't this gen A8s chains though?)/servicing etc. Any oddities that cost a fortune, e.g failing suspension, dodgy gearboxes etc. Or are these problems very rare?

Bearing in mind I'll use trusted independent so more wanting to know general cost of parts. Much more than A6 for example?

I assume it's not got running cost of a prev-generation RS6 (which I'd love but the A8 appeals just as much, albeit for different reasons).

Or should I wait for an S8 when they get to £15k, if ever

Not looking to buy right now, in the new year but I like to do my research then keep eye on relevant cars on the market. Also considering Lexus LS430. In a way, heart says A8, head says LS430.

ALTERNATIVELY, I may keep the Honda and get an OLD Lexus LS400 or A8 but if that happens, I think the LS is more sensible..

[whiley7]

You have to remember it's a flagship Audi so big costs shouldnt come as a suprise, however they tend to be few and far between, but make sure you budget for them - just in case.

Best advice is to buy from a dealer (preferably main Audi) and get the best condition you can afford. I wouldnt personally want to buy private unless knew the seller.

4.2 is good choice

[Dilligaf10]

Service cost for my 3.0TDi is about £350 per 20k miles. Tyres from the net about £85.00 per corner (17"). usually about 40 mpg. Not too bad really when you consider the type of car & equipment. Buy from a dealer to get a warranty though, it will pay for itself in the long run

[Dracoro]

TBH, I don't do the mileage so probably looking at the petrol (which I'd prob prefer anyway). Plus the tdi's command more money, probably more than I'd save given 8k a year mileage.

Regardless, are there any potential pitfalls? Anything I really NEED to check to prevent a big bill, anything to be scared of? I assume pads/discs and so forth aren't extortionate? I'm aware it has air suspension, is this reliable?

Is Tame Technician about? Any tips/observations from the audi workshops?

[Dracoro]

Anyone else?

[jamesc69]

Dracoro

I have had my 2005 3.0DTI since Oct last year. Bought with 50K on the clock.
Generally build quality is excellent will superb economy / performance for the size of car.

However, two expensive parts have failed during the term of my ownership.
- Air suspension failed (air suspension compressor pump) £1200 to fix. Only main dealer could do the job. Local specialist and garage did not want to know.

- Turbo looks like it has failed. Main dealor £1600, local specialist approx £1000.

Mileage now 60K. I must say that I have not been impressed that two expensive parts have failed within 10K miles of my use.

James

[Dracoro]

Thanks.

It's turbo related reliability that puts me off TDis (from nearly all manufacturers) so looking at the petrol V8 which, I assume, is less complicated and more reliable.

Air suspension was/is my other concern. Be good to know if failure is common or rare. If common I can budget £1200 for when it goes.

[billy5]

somethink you should think about is tyres,,
i have just got an a8 sports 4.2 53reg
and did not know about the importance of all tyres
need to be of the same,
just cost £410 just for the fronts rears to follow soon,
previous owner did not care by the look of it.
the air comp pump will take a battering if there is a leak off
in the system, i e air bag leakage or such,and not sorted out.
i can speak from experience with an allroad,
you have probably seen my postes regarding oil change [gearbox]
big issue it seems on sealed for life boxes.
they are nice cars,,

[remoh]

remember that audi do fixed price servicing nationally for older vehicles.....From my experience there is not much difference at those rates between the fixed national rates from audi and independants.....

[billy5]

a8s with chains instead of timing belt
where introduced in 05 with the new grill,
been down that road,
if you get a private one, take someone with you
with some a8 knowledge or use the AA RAC,

[Tame Technician]

A8's !!!!! Dont even think about getting one of the cheapo front wheel drive ones.!!!!!

You have to remember when the cars were new they were what £40k+. SO the runing cost are lots. Normal service items, tyres, brakes etc are really expensive. There may be a £80 labour charge to change a headlamp bulb, so get one with xenon's.

Auto boxes are good for 120k-140k or so, I'd have the 4.2v8 petrol over a 3.0TDi anyday. But listen for noisy chains on first start up.

There are alot of electronics and for Audi quite a complicated array of modules and networks, so when things go wrong they can take while to diagnose.

Typical problems we see on A8's

Rear wheel bearings, droning
Front wheel bearings, makes a cracking sound at car park maneuvering speed.
Gearbox output shaft oil leaks
Tyres going out of round, sounds just like a rear wheel bearing.
Turbos and inlet manifold flaps (TDI only)
MMI faults, often caused by after market phone and DVD kits, avoid none genuine electrics like the plague.
Battery going flat and needing charge often or getting dead cells after only 2 or 3 years (especially customers that do low milage or many short journeys)
Battery acting like its flat due to failed battery management ECU.


Other than that, we dont see to many of them.