AUDI A8 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 115 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
115
Avg Mileage
131,393 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 AUDI A8 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.
At 27 years old, 79% of AUDI A8s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 131,393 miles.
How does the 1997 AUDI A8 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 AUDI A8 has 131,393 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a AUDI A8?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1997 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1997 AUDI A8 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
AUDI A8 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98% | 170 | 35,071 mi |
| 2020 | 96% | 599 | 39,317 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 1,932 | 50,413 mi |
| 2018 | 95% | 2,387 | 59,736 mi |
| 2017 | 95% | 1,392 | 72,207 mi |
| 2016 | 94% | 1,876 | 80,025 mi |
| 2015 | 93% | 2,300 | 85,475 mi |
| 2014 | 94% | 1,889 | 98,201 mi |
| 2013 | 91% | 1,562 | 108,280 mi |
| 2012 | 92% | 1,468 | 113,405 mi |
| 2011 | 93% | 1,392 | 120,960 mi |
| 2010 | 87% | 933 | 124,272 mi |
| 2009 | 89% | 735 | 138,957 mi |
| 2008 | 87% | 1,332 | 140,305 mi |
| 2007 | 86% | 1,124 | 147,303 mi |
| 2006 | 85% | 748 | 146,966 mi |
| 2005 | 87% | 661 | 142,434 mi |
| 2004 | 80% | 349 | 134,086 mi |
| 2003 | 84% | 223 | 134,224 mi |
| 2002 | 84% | 166 | 137,356 mi |
| 2001 | 85% | 157 | 141,044 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 104 | 143,697 mi |
| 1999 | 80% | 192 | 140,354 mi |
| 1998 | 80% | 122 | 136,028 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 115 | 131,393 mi |
| 1996 | 74% | 31 | 135,336 mi |
Checking a specific AUDI A8?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 AUDI A8
The 1997 AUDI A8 is a premium performance with a 3697cc petrol engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 131,393 miles at 27 years old, AUDI A8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 AUDI A8 Fuel Costs
The 3697cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 AUDI A8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
AUDI A8 Reliability Trend
Newer AUDI A8s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 AUDI A8
At 27 years old, the AUDI A8 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Alternatives to the 1997 AUDI A8
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-1%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (+8%) from 3,668 tests
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+2%) from 3,443 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (same) from 2,442 tests