Audi A8 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 223 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4172cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4172cc23 years old223 tests134k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4172cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Audi brand average of 90%.

84% of MOT tests on Audi A8s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 223 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 134,224 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models61st of 429(top 15%)

Rank among Audi models895th of 1,066(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+12%(72% avg)

vs Audi average-6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

134,224

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Audi A8 had 134,224 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2003 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-2%

Porsche 911

2005 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+6%

Land Rover Range Rover

2003 · 3950cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

-7%

Rover 75

2004 · 4601cc Petrol

£3,503/year

69%

-15%

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About the 2003 Audi A8

The 2003 Audi A8 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4172cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 223 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 134,224 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi A8 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Audi A8 Fuel Costs

The 4172cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 Audi A8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Audi A8 Reliability Trend

Newer Audi A8s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Audi A8

At 23 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 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 134k 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 2003 Audi A8 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Audi A8(2003)	84%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche 911(2005)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(2003)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Rover 75(2004)	69%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503+£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Audi A8

Is the 2003 Audi A8 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2003 Audi A8s ended in a pass, from 223 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Audi A8 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Audi A8?

84% of 223 MOT tests on the 2003 Audi A8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 61st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 15%).

Which year Audi A8 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi A8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98% and the 2000 the lowest at 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Audi A8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Audi A8 is 134,224 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.