CarCostCheck

AUDI A8 (1999)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 192 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2771cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2771cc27 years old192 tests140k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2771cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2771cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

80% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the AUDI brand average of 90%.

At 27 years old, 80% of AUDI A8s from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 192 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 140,354 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars119th of 375(top 32%)
Rank among AUDI models968th of 1,079(top 90%)
vs national average-2%(82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average+5%(75% avg)
vs AUDI average-10%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

140,354

Average miles

vs

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 AUDI A8 has 140,354 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 1999 sits between the two at 80%.

AUDI A8 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202198%17035,071 mi
202096%59939,317 mi
201995%1,93250,413 mi
201895%2,38759,736 mi
201795%1,39272,207 mi
201694%1,87680,025 mi
201593%2,30085,475 mi
201494%1,88998,201 mi
201391%1,562108,280 mi
201292%1,468113,405 mi
201193%1,392120,960 mi
201087%933124,272 mi
200989%735138,957 mi
200887%1,332140,305 mi
200786%1,124147,303 mi
200685%748146,966 mi
200587%661142,434 mi
200480%349134,086 mi
200384%223134,224 mi
200284%166137,356 mi
200185%157141,044 mi
200077%104143,697 mi
199980%192140,354 mi
199880%122136,028 mi
199779%115131,393 mi
199674%31135,336 mi

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About the 1999 AUDI A8

The 1999 AUDI A8 is a premium performance with a 2771cc petrol engine. 192 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 140,354 miles at 27 years old, AUDI A8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 AUDI A8 Fuel Costs

The 2771cc 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 1999 AUDI A8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 1999 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1999 AUDI A8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 140k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 AUDI A8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
AUDI A8(1999)80%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£30
BMW Z3(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£30
MERCEDES SLK(1999)79%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£30
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2001)83%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£180

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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Related Guides

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