Audi S8 (2002)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 45 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
4172cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
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%.
82% of MOT tests on Audi S8s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 45 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 141,981 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
141,981
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2002 Audi S8 had 141,981 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Audi S8 by Year
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About the 2002 Audi S8
The 2002 Audi S8 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4172cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 45 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 141,981 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Audi S8 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
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 £1,958 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 2002 Audi S8?
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 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. Note: with only 45 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S8(2002) | 82% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Porsche 911(2004) | 88% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| 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 |
| BMW 645(2004) | 83% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
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 2002 Audi S8
Is the 2002 Audi S8 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2002 Audi S8s ended in a pass, from 45 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2002 Audi S8 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 2002 Audi S8?
82% of 45 MOT tests on the 2002 Audi S8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 76th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 20%).
What is the average mileage for a 2002 Audi S8?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 Audi S8 is 141,981 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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