CarCostCheck

AUDI S8 (2002)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 45 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4172cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft
£4.99

Check a specific AUDI S8

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Petrol4172cc24 years old45 tests142k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4172cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4172cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

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

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this AUDI S8

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

82% 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 24 years old, 82% of AUDI S8s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 45 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 141,981 miles.

Got a AUDI S8 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars81th of 403(top 20%)
Rank among AUDI models942th of 1,079(top 87%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 2002 cars average+9%(73% avg)
vs AUDI average-8%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

141,981

Average miles

vs

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 AUDI S8 has 141,981 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific AUDI S8?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2002 sits between the two at 82%.

AUDI S8 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201399%8787,380 mi
200889%3795,286 mi
200778%6892,767 mi
200282%45141,981 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Check a Specific Audi S8

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2002 AUDI S8

The 2002 AUDI S8 is a premium performance with a 4172cc petrol engine. 45 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2002 cars for reliability.

With an average of 141,981 miles at 24 years old, AUDI S8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 AUDI S8 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2002 AUDI S8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2002 AUDI S8

At 24 years old, the AUDI S8 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 99%. Note: with only 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2002 AUDI S8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 24 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 142k 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 2002 AUDI S8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
AUDI S8(2002)82%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
PORSCHE 911(2004)88%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2003)77%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
ROVER 75(2004)69%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2597-£160
BMW 645(2004)83%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510

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.

Related Audi Models

Explore other Audi cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Audi S8.

Check a specific AUDI S8

Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Premium History Check

Buying a AUDI S8? Our premium check covers:

  • Stolen check (PNC)
  • Outstanding finance
  • Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
  • Previous owners count
Just £4.99 per check

Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data

Share this page

X
GB