Should you’re looking for a brand new automotive, and you’ve got a funds of near $30,000, you’ve a few decisions. Both you should purchase one thing new and mainstream, like a Honda Accord, or you’ll be able to take a little bit of a threat and get your self a barely used ultra-luxury sedan.

Whereas there are a selection of things that you need to take into account when making this selection, comparable to reliability and upkeep prices, you’ll be able to positively make your {dollars} give you the results you want on the used market. For the value of a brand new primary sedan, you’ll be able to web probably the most opulent sedans to have ever hit the market.

Taking a dive into the used market, now we have discovered one such instance of a full-size luxurious sedan that has depreciated to some extent the place it prices lower than a brand new Honda Accord. We discover how a lot you’ll find yourself paying for this high-end sedan, what sort of options you’ll be able to count on it to have, and what engine lies beneath the hood.

So as to provide the most modern and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Audi web sites and different authoritative sources, together with CarEdges, RepairPal, J.D. Energy, Automobiles.com, Edmunds, and TopSpeed. Common used pricing was sourced from Edmunds.

A 2018 Audi A8 Provides Trendy Luxurious at a Fraction of the Value

In comparison with its rivals within the luxurious full-size sedan section, the A8 has all the time been criminally underrated and far much less common. Because of it not being significantly common and the steep depreciation we usually see on giant luxurious automobiles, you’ll be able to choose up a 2018 Audi A8 at a ridiculous discount. In truth, it’s much more inexpensive than shopping for a brand-new Accord.

Common Used Worth

The common used worth of a 2018 Audi A8 at the moment sits at $25,527. That is past a discount for a full-size luxurious automotive. There are a selection of causes for the A8 being so inexpensive on the used market, beginning with aggressive depreciation. Massive luxurious automobiles depreciate at an absurd price, as does any automotive sporting an Audi badge. CarEdge estimates that when purchased new an A8 will lose 47 % of its worth in its first 5 years on the street.

One other issue to think about is that the 2018 mannequin is from the earlier technology of the sedan. The 2019 mannequin yr was the beginning of the present technology and comes outfitted with more modern technology, making it a barely extra enticing choice. Nevertheless, the 2018 mannequin nonetheless comes fitted with loads of options and trendy facilities, and it is definitely definitely worth the drop in worth. A 2019 A8 goes for a mean worth of $33,377, near $7,000 greater than the 2018 mannequin. When new, the 2018 Audi A8 had a beginning MSRP of $83,475.

Previous Homeowners Love the A8 and Applaud Its Reliability

As a model, Audi shouldn’t be identified for providing particularly good levels of reliability. Nevertheless, the easiest way to grasp a automotive’s reliability is to have a look at the critiques of homeowners. On this regard, the Audi A8 passes with flying colours. It’s rated exceptionally excessive in nearly each space and discovering an proprietor that had a nasty factor to say about this full-size sedan was tough.

Proprietor Testimonials

This can be a outstanding automobile in all elements, from magnificence to reliability. The consolation and softness of the experience is out of this world. This can be a magnificent driving machine.

When proprietor critiques of the 2018 mannequin yr specifically, it’s arduous to discover a unfavourable assessment. Homeowners had nothing however optimistic issues to say in regards to the automotive’s seems to be, experience high quality, and inside consolation. Many refer particularly to the reliability of the sedan, claiming that they have not come throughout any main points. The 2018 mannequin yr obtained 4.8 stars out of 5 for reliability.

Typically, it’s best to have a look at the entire technology of the sedan to get a greater image of its long-term reliability, particularly searching for homeowners who declare excessive mileages. Taking a look at all of the critiques, from the 2018 mannequin again to the 2011 mannequin, the A8 by no means obtained an general reliability rating decrease than 4 stars out of 5. That is regardless of RepairPal claiming the sedan’s reliability to be common.

Frequent Issues to Look Out For

Should you’re shopping for a second-hand Audi A8, there are a few issues you need to look out for to keep away from getting a dud. The most typical issues on an A8 are bushings which have deteriorated, oil leaks, and defective water drains. These points may be straightforward to look out for, although. When taking the A8 on a check drive, pay attention out for creaks or different noises. Audi’s sedan is supposed to be significantly quiet, so take be aware. When trying underneath the hood, search for any oil the place it should not be.

Audi additionally issued two remembers for the 2018 Audi A8. One was because of the seal across the engine compartment, which can come unfastened and phone scorching engine parts, the opposite was because of leaky gas rails. Be sure that the mannequin you have an interest in has had these points seen to.

Upkeep Prices

That is maybe one of many greatest caveats to purchasing a used Audi, significantly an A8. Whereas the upkeep prices on this luxurious sedan aren’t that rather more costly than the common luxurious sedan, you might be shopping for it late into its life, that means prices are going to be larger. CarEdge estimates that by its seventh yr on the street, the A8 ought to price round $1,373 to take care of yearly. RepairPal estimates an identical quantity at $1,298.

The 2018 Audi A8 Encompasses a Downright Opulent Cabin

The A8 is the German model’s flagship sedan, that means that it comes outfitted with the best supplies and the perfect expertise. Whereas it might not dwell as much as the most recent technology, you get so much for the money that you pay. Should you discover a mannequin that has been handled properly, it can ship you a driving expertise significantly better than many of the new automobiles in the marketplace.

Consolation and Cargo

The inside high quality of the Audi A8 is phenomenal, with high-quality soft-touch supplies masking nearly each floor, from the dashboard to the door panels. Premium leather-based upholstery covers each seat, with all seats having heating and the entrance seats having a massaging perform commonplace. 4-zone automated local weather management is commonplace within the A8, as is real wooden trim and refrigerated compartment.

The A8 used to return with both a brief or lengthy wheelbase, however by 2018 solely the lengthy wheelbase was on supply. Which means inside area is phenomenal, significantly within the rear. Relying on how the unique proprietor specced their A8, the rear seats can both are available bench kind or with an govt two-passenger format that provides one other layer of luxurious.

Infotainment and Know-how

Whereas the 2018 A8 is seven years previous, do not count on its expertise to really feel completely outdated. It comes fitted with an eight-inch infotainment display screen that may be managed through contact inputs or a mouse-like controller on the middle console. The one actual draw back is that it would not function Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, however with built-in navigation and Bluetooth performance, you do not actually need it.

For audiophiles, the A8 comes commonplace with a 14-speaker premium Bose sound system, which may very well be upgraded to a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen system as an alternative, which incorporates two audio system within the headliner.

Select Between a 333-Horsepower V-6 or a 450-Horsepower V-8

With regards to a premium sedan like this, the cherry on prime is often the powertrain. That’s definitely the case with the Audi A8, providing you a selection between two improbable engines. These refined powertrains each put energy down easily and supply a stage of refinement you would not have the ability to discover in a brand new mainstream sedan.

Efficiency Specs

No matter which mannequin you go for, you get Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive system and a silky automated transmission. Even supposing the V-8 comes with considerably extra energy, the V-6 solely takes 0.4 seconds longer to rise up to 60 miles an hour. What the V-8 does have going for it, although, is the completely lovely noise it makes if you put your foot down.

Whereas velocity is nice, a full-size luxurious sedan must be snug greater than anything. The A8 delivers an distinctive experience, particularly when outfitted with the non-obligatory adaptive air suspension. Additionally it is extra agile than you’d count on, capable of navigate backroads with confidence. The one unfavourable mark we may give it’s for its understeer because of its ahead weight bias.