Buying Guides

Audi A8 (1994-2003) Buying Guide

Pictures shown may not represent exact model specified

by Richard Dredge

After its ill-fated V8 saloon, the A8 should have done great things for Audi. However, despite the innovation of an aluminium bodyshell, buyers stayed away, tempted into BMW and Mercedes showrooms instead. Often overlooked and frequently under-rated, the A8 is a luxury car bargain if you buy well. And that's the trick; seemingly small faults can have large bills attached, so look at several cars before buying.

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We Like	We Don't Like
Top value Great engines Spacious interior Understated looks Innovative	Dynamically so-so Ride is too firm Bodywork damage costly to fix

Key Dates
10/94	A8 arrives in 2.8 and 4.2 quattro forms.
10/95	There's now a 3.7-litre option, with or without quattro.
9/96	A power boost for 2.8-litre car means 193bhp instead of 174bhp.
3/99	Facelift brings revised suspension, fresh headlights, reshaped bumpers and grille, plus side airbags.
10/99	A long-wheelbase version of the 4.2 appears.
10/00	The 2.8-litre engine is now available with quattro four-wheel drive.

Checklist
The alloy bodyshell keeps weight down, but is tricky to repair properly; look for creases and dents very carefully. The automatic gearbox can prove fragile, with failures all too common even at low mileages. Check all the electrics work, including things like the climate control, seats and stereo. These often give problems and can be a nightmare to fix. The brakes sometimes make annoying squealing noises; either live with it or experiment with different brake pads

Checklist

The alloy bodyshell keeps weight down, but is tricky to repair properly; look for creases and dents very carefully.
The automatic gearbox can prove fragile, with failures all too common even at low mileages.
Check all the electrics work, including things like the climate control, seats and stereo. These often give problems and can be a nightmare to fix.
The brakes sometimes make annoying squealing noises; either live with it or experiment with different brake pads