Used Audi A8 for sale in Europe

About the Audi A8

The Audi A8 is the brand's full-size luxury saloon. It has been built since 1994 and sits above the A6 in the range. Early cars were among the first large saloons with an aluminium body structure. Most examples have quattro all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

It suits buyers who want a quiet, comfortable car for long motorway journeys and who accept that a large, complex car needs careful upkeep. Most have a four-door saloon body, and many generations offer a long-wheelbase version. Engines range from V6 and V8 petrol and diesel units to a W12 and, in later cars, hybrid systems.

Listings run from mid-1990s cars to current models, and the range is wide. Older cars vary a lot in condition, so history and inspection count for more than the badge. Newer cars carry more electronics and driver-assistance systems, which are worth testing one by one.

Generations

• D2 (1994-2002) — The first A8 used an aluminium space-frame body and offered V6 and V8 petrol engines, with TDI diesels added later.
• D3 (2002-2010) — A new generation with a more modern interior and the MMI control system, offered with V8 petrol and diesel engines and a W12 flagship.
• D4 (2010-2017) — Introduced an eight-speed automatic gearbox, supercharged V6 and V8 petrol engines, V6 and V8 diesels and a hybrid version.
• D5 (2017-present) — The current generation adds mild-hybrid systems, a plug-in hybrid version and a much larger set of screens and driver aids.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings fall into clear steps by model year. The overall median is 22,700 euros, but that figure mixes very different cars. A 2010 car has a median asking price of 12,900 euros, a 2018 car 35,300 euros and a 2025 car 77,800 euros. Cars from the 1990s and early 2000s sit well below these, and condition and history matter more than age there. Within one year, trim, engine, mileage and long-wheelbase bodies move the price noticeably. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Audi A8

Ask for a full service history and view the car cold, so starting problems and noises show up. Test every electrical function, and have a specialist read the fault memory if you can.

• Air suspension condition

  Many A8s use air suspension. Check that the car sits level after standing overnight and rises promptly after starting. Look for warning messages, a sagging corner or a compressor that runs for long periods. Worn air springs or a failing compressor can be costly to put right.

• Aluminium body repairs · D2 and D3

  The aluminium structure needs specialist repair work. Look for uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint and signs of past accident repair. Ask who carried out any bodywork. Corrosion can also appear where aluminium meets steel parts, so inspect those joints and the underside.

• Engine oil and timing drive · V8 petrol engines

  Several V8 petrol engines are widely discussed for oil consumption and timing chain wear. Check the oil level, ask about top-ups and listen for rattles on a cold start. Confirm that oil changes were done on time.

• Gearbox behaviour · Automatic gearbox

  On the test drive, check for smooth shifts, no flaring between gears and no jerks when pulling away. Ask whether the gearbox fluid has been changed, as some owners and workshops recommend this despite long official intervals.

• MMI and electronics · D3 and later

  Test the screen, navigation, sound system, parking sensors, cameras, seat functions and every window and door. Faults in control units and wiring can be hard to trace. Look for warning lights and stored fault codes.

• Diesel emissions parts · Diesel

  On diesels, check for warning lights, rough running or smoke. Ask whether the particulate filter, EGR valve and related parts have given trouble, and whether any emissions-related software updates were carried out.

• Conversions and hybrid systems · LPG and plug-in hybrid

  LPG cars are usually aftermarket conversions, so ask for the installer's documents and the latest tank and system inspection. On plug-in hybrids, check that the charging port works and that the high-voltage system shows no warnings.

Frequently asked questions