Audi A8 D3 (2002–2009) Price Guide

The D3 A8, produced from 2002 to 2009, refined the D2’s aluminium structure with a longer wheelbase and more elegant styling by Walter de Silva, adding the 6.0-litre W12 and a 4.0 TDI diesel that was remarkable for a car of this type.

The Car

The D3 used 3.0 TFSI, 4.2 FSI, and 6.0 W12 petrols alongside the 3.0 TDI and 4.0 TDI V8 diesels. The S8 used a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 producing 450bhp; the same engine as the Lamborghini Gallardo, shared platform. The 4.2 FSI petrol in long-wheelbase A8 L form is the chauffeur’s choice. The 4.0 TDI V8 offers remarkable refinement and torque for a large saloon.

Buying

The 4.2 FSI petrol or 3.0 TDI is the rational choice. The S8 V10 is spectacular but the V10 requires attentive maintenance and expensive servicing. The Audi air suspension is standard on most D3 variants, inspect all four corners for consistent ride height. Coolant leaks from the plastic water pipes on the V8 engine are a known maintenance item at this age.