Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - 2002-2010, Ultimate Buying Guide with Common Issues

differentcarreview.com/2021/0...
Buying a used Audi A8 (D3/4E) - produced from 2002-2010
How reliable are the engines? How good is this car? What are the common problems/weak points of these cars? What is the price for fixing the various issues? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions and more!
What to look for when buying a used Audi A8 D3 advice / guide
used Audi A8 D3 review
Audi A8 2.8 FSI, 3.2 FSI, 4.2 FSI, 3.0 V6, 3.7 V8, 4.2 V8, 6.0 W12, S8 V10 5.2 FSI, 3.0 TDI, 4.2 TDI, 4.0 TDI
0:00 - Intro + price
0:33 - Interior
1:55 - Body, rust protection
2:35 - Possible issues general
5:45 - Electronics
5:58 - Water leaks into the interior
7:03 - Suspension
9:03 - Petrol Engine issues
14:31 - Diesel Engine issues
16:47 - Timing chain/belt
17:25 - Transmissions
19:10 - Ending/Summary
==================================
different car review
Facebook: / timeline
differentcarreview.com/2021/0...

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

Audi A6, A8, Q7 STEERING LOCK ISSUE kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5vbgn-LlNeqaas Buying a used Mercedes S-class (W221) - 2006-2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5icd6xmh9GCg80 Buying a used Lexus LS (USF40) - 2007-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoukkJytg91_e9U Buying a used Bentley Continental GT, GTC, Flying Spur - 2003-2012 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gF67XmaLpL2YjMk Buying a used VW Phaeton - 2002-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHi7iZaehKuSnZY Buying a used BMW 6 series F06, F12, F13 - 2011-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6SbgpiMjr51bqc Buying a used BMW M5 (F10) - 2011-2017 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbSmqmkoZaEqLs Buying a used BMW M5 (E60) - 2005-2010 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSzfIVth6pqY6s Audi Q7 with 511 000 km - Full Walkaround, Review & Test Drive kzbin.info/www/bejne/h33RYqaJpbGMppo 2006 VW Touareg 2.5 TDI R5 - Detailed Review & Issues after 260 000 km kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvTlquwqZmZlck I bought the Cheapest Range Rover in the EU with 447 100 km kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5SUqHukpM6se9k Buying a used Audi Q7 (4L) - 2005-2015 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXSZ6KBZq9onK8 Buying a used Audi A6 (C6/4F) - 2004-2011 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJO3lomLZdCLopo Buying a used Audi A4 (B8) - 2008-2015 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6mnqKmQl7ynja8 1st gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues kzbin.info/www/bejne/laTSZ6yei5qkjqc 2nd gen 3 0 TDI ALL Issues kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGiVgXWGiLhlpNE Buying a used Volkswagen Touareg II (7P) - 2010-2018 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYe5epxra9OClc0 Buying a used Range Rover Sport L320 - 2005-2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6nMYXhmgpWSndk Buying a used Land Rover Discovery 3, 4 - LR3, LR4 (L319) 2004-2016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/npC3dI1vhcSEfK8

[@394pjo]

Little known fact. Studio Canal actually wanted to use BMW 7 series in the Transporter movie as they did in the first one. But when BMW saw the script that included crashing the car into a train and drowning it in a river they refused to supply any cars. So Studio Canal then went to Audi who read the script and said _'how many do you want?'_

[@pakee2352]

Based Audi.

[@AudiA8L3.0TDI]

Audi!

[@AceXun13]

He DEFINITELY has the best Audi reviews on KZbin hands down period.. Great GREAT review on Everything and if your an AUDI OWENER show this guy some appreciation..👍🏿👍🏿

[@mukikg]

I bought a 3.0 tdi over 500,000km and i can't describe my pain to you. Everything from the video greeted me and never ended. The investment was more than the price of the car itself :D

[@robertasviskupaitis9195]

finally! :D great job! when I see your video with a 20minute timeline I know this car is gonna drain the buyer's pockets :D

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

well, complex car, complex video lol, thanks for watching !

[@cipri198zero]

But it sooo worth it! 😂

[@46ValentinO46]

since i want to buy a 4.2 V8 i've been watching a lot of videos lately. This one is the greatest so far! Thank You very much!

[@evgeniichekunov5377]

As usual the best review on A8!

[@erfho8y]

Very extensive and in-depth review. Thank you very much!

[@NiallJones1986]

Nice one for this, looking at a 2008 with VERY low miles, 33k on a 3.0tdi and I just love the fact its so comfortable

[@Zalesie123]

Got a 4.2 MPI. The best description/diagnosis of the issues ever, THANK YOU!

[@danielfl.9347]

The 335ps version?

[@Kmasse8]

We bought our first Audi in 1992 (Audi 100 Quattro 2.8E) and finally sold it in 2010. Loved it so much we bought an Audi A6 Avant 3.0 Quattro tiptronic (2005-2018) and the car was superb. Very reliable too. I sold it, when it had nearly 300 000km. The only expensive repair was the air suspension that cost 4000 euros to repair when the car was 13 yrs old. Would buy a car without air suspension.

[@hancock_sam]

Absolutely brilliant video, so helpful, thank you. Subbed!

[@cco2277]

So glad to see your new update! Great job, bro, as always :)

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks !

[@flashmasstock]

yet another amazing review and montage from our Magyar buddy. Thanks a lot and keep it up!

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for watching !

[@Datsem]

I owned a 2009 4.2TDI for a year and my biggest expense was replacing the exhaust flexi pipes. The flexi pipe itself is cheap, but all of the front exhaust has to come out to replace them. If you get an exhaust leak, fix it as soon as possible to prevent DPF failure. I also had to replace a parking break motor. Just before I sold it, the AC started leaking and the leak was most likely inside the car, no leak seen from the engine bay. and both left side air springs started leaking. Trickle charging the battery can be smart especially if you do short trips or/and use the webasto. A few other weak links in the interior would be the door pockets. (the mechanism to open and close the pocket can go bad) and I remember the B&O speaker cover (the small one) on the rear door would come out if someone closed the door hard. The backup camera never worked. Fault code said module was bad. Last thing I wanna mention is the screws for the license plate lights. if you're lucky you'll get them off without rounding them or breaking them. I was not that lucky..

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for the additional informations !

[@FrAnCis239]

I was planning on buying one, now i just want to watch youre video's!

[@henrik4438]

I bought one at 280,000 Now 320,000 No problems apart from regular service Diesel

[@svenvanheun90]

I’ve been waiting for this one!! Amazing ♥️

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for watching !

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks !

[@twinshobbytwinshobby3863]

Super Video ! Thanks for the useful video !

[@Liveyourlifewithafatcigar]

Man!!! You know your stuff👍🏾

[@merc190uk]

thanks for making the review, this gave me the info i needed and the confidence to go out and buy my car. (3.0tdi) now a happy A8 owner.

[@plamendimitrov1163]

I'll buy tomorrow 3.0 TDI too 😁👍 300k km.. But A8 is A8..💪

[@merc190uk]

@@plamendimitrov1163 I'm still happy with mine 👍

[@plamendimitrov1163]

@@merc190uk Me too 😊👍

[@omeralibasic2384]

Hey, can you tell me some info how myc==uch km have yours and is it good ?

[@MBTIMemes]

Hi, still hapyy?

[@MandusahRamirez]

I Know a Woman who owns A 2009 4.2 V8 L & It has never given Her a Problem other That Regular Maintenance.

[@user-up4vd5ov8x]

Owned a d3 a8l and I loved it.

[@Marshallmiracles]

Great review! I like all the buttons on the console.

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

well, its still better than a full touchscreen, thanks for watching !

[@tooey]

As a pilot, I approve all the buttons 😊

[@user-xr1ru7xx2p]

The "Optional front seats" tho.🤣🤣😂😂

[@aldirfalheiros]

Great review as always! @DCR

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks!

[@carenthusiast1629]

Awesome job as always. Lots of reason not to even think buying a used AUDI.

[@davorin5428]

Proud owner of S8 V10 5,2L 2008, best fuc.ing peace of art I ever had, don't care about the cost - I spend more money on wifes A4 2016 diesel. One injector, one fan blower, one xenon balast and now one front air suspension bag to change ( 190eur ) in 3 years. Buy bmw and hope your neighbor is a mechanic.

[@Nyjawonder]

Man. I love this channel. Just subscribed. I have a 2005 W12. Beautiful car but what a PITA. The AC compressor has gone bust and I live in the tropics. You cant drive without AC, its even worse when it rains. The thought of having to remove the entire front end to change the compressor has had me frozen for almost a year. I will eventually do it this Xmas. Is there anything else I should consider doing while the front is off. The car has many electrical problems. The wipers have stopped working which I am told is due to a faulty earth. I have chaecked under the wheel arches and cleaned the ones there but still it wont work. Am I missing anything?. The beauty and speed of the car is what keeps me holding on to it. It moves like a jet fighter, what a car.

[@RF-qq1ud]

Perfect, thank you

[@YASUSH1_]

updated vid thanks!

[@graemeyetts3465]

I do like your videos. I've owned 5 Audis so far. A 2.7 Diesel A6 Avant,good car. I then bought an OK mileage A8 3 litre around 2014. Bad purchase bought on impulse from a trader. Too big and heavy for town driving. The turbocharger failed as did the pop up MMI screen's gear mechanism. I had a well maintained and well purchased A6 Avant,which was sweeter and nicer. The power steering failed. A4, no issues,other than tail gate struts, and on selling on the car was well past 60,000 miles.I told the new buyer that the cam belt had not been changed. A good but boring car. Then an A7 which was very good.

[@jhs5535]

PERFECT ! AWESOME !

[@user-pm3dx4te4f]

Thank you, wanna buy an A8 in a future

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

good luck !

[@1995RangeRover]

I've owned my '04 about a year and have plenty of maintenance done because of past neglect. I've been trying to sell her for 6 months and no one wants her. Looks like I'm stuck! I must admit, it's a comfy car to drive with lots of room.

[@johnmcguire9831]

I own a 06 - bought new to me in 09. - and these guys are 100% correct on the issues -l had the MMi screen issue, corrected by a salvaged unit for a few hundred, air shocks, non factory all around for $1000 and a bad sunroof drain that was maybe a couple hundred to fix. Here are other odd but not deal breaking issues I found with mine KEYFOB - Mine has a push button or key start - the battery or some such messed up the connection between the button and keyfob - so the push button wouldn't work - you have a choice pay Audi a grand to reconfigure or jsut use the key - Yeah I jsut use the key ARM REST : The arm rests are kind of funny, they have these little storage compartments in the upper rest above the main storage compartment - I must have pushed on one of them oddly and it broke - but an easy replacement from a salvage unit Trunk Gaskets : The trunk gaskets seem finicky, one day they work fine, other days not so much - you might need to replace - however if if non functional the remote will still pop the trunk you will jsut need to lift the trunk deck - For mine I just throw some WD40 on them when they get a little sticky and it works for a year. To replace them not expensive maybe $300 - but ehh I have Wd40 and 5 minutes. RADIO : The knob and power button on the center console gets finicky with age - some days it works, other days not so much - however you have redundant controls in the steering wheel GPS DVD : If you hit a funny bump in the car the DVD based GPS will go out - just stop the car, turn it off and on and it fires back up again - Also if you want updated MAPS you can get them there are guys on eBay who sell them for a hundred or so DEAD BATTERY NO ENTRY : This wont apply to a lot of people, but my 06 is one of many cars i have, ie not a daily driver - one time after leaving it sit for a while i jumped it, everything ok - I closed the door and trunk ( with the keys in it ) and then it decided to die - Make sure you have 2 keys - If you don't have 2 fobs a good locksmith can make you a manual key ( it wont start the car ) but it will allow access to the interior and trunk. AIR GASKETS : DRIVE or at least turn the car on for a few hours every week - I've found all cars with "bags" dont enjoy being left to sit. Overall if you stick with a NON TURBO car - these run and drive very well for a long time with regular basic maintenance. These are very comfortable aggressive luxury sedans and I'll keep it until I get a estimated bill above 2 or 3 grand :)

[@quaiacka]

Those drains under the fan motor housing are really important! i found out mine was clogged after visiting a carwash, i turned right out on the road after washing my car and water poured inside all over my shoes. this was just after i bought the car. and the problem has clearly been present a while since some of the actuators on the ac/hvac are stuck, only the rear right zone gets cold, the three other zones wont get ac air, just normal unheated air. really annoying in the summer, and a fucking pain to fix

[@EgTwizzy]

Bro thanks sm

[@dParakeet]

Whoever made this intro deserves a sub & a like & a funny comment

[@anttonev]

I was to give a thumbs up at the end, but with the "fly", I paused I wrote this comment and gives huge thumbs up.

[@tomantony716]

oh how I have become your fan @DCR!

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for the support !

[@giurgindemilan]

Hi can I ask the best struts for rear & front suspensions? I am evaluating a v8 petrol with the rear wheels low - compressor and who knows why it went off.

[@sullivanjohnson6392]

Without question best review of the D3 Audi out there. Mine has 260,000k on it and I bought it with roughly 70k miles. It was owned by an Audi mechanic so I took the gamble. I’ve experienced at least 90% of the problems in the review. Those damn rear lid mounted taillights are the worst piece of engineering I’ve ever seen. I bought the car after owning a ‘98 A8 which had it’s issues too. I fell in love with the look of the car but I really can’t recommend them as daily drivers. These cars are extremely over engineered and should be avoided if they have much more than 60k miles on them. There are few repairs costing less than $500 a pop and many which can run you $1500 to $2500 easily. I’m not fond of the Lexus interiors, but they are definitely better made cars.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I quite like the Transporter III movie.

[@nedmano]

You should do a video for a car that needs a short video :D

[@techdeeptechmnmlmedellin1998]

thank you, looking to buy a 2010 a8 3.0 tdi se quattro. are those the v6 engines ? cheers

[@miloudelmerraoui3145]

Bonjour moi j’ai un problème. Ma voiture A8 D3 de 2008 clignote de partout et le tableau de bord s’éteint et se rallume aussitôt… je cherche toujours le problème malgré les recherches ???

[@CarLifee]

This makes a range rover look more reliable am thinking of getting one but a 2006 a8 4.2 fsi with only 70k on it am having second thought now. 🤔

[@99ron30]

I'm looking to upgrade from my 2006 E90 320d, which has been very reliable for the 15 months I have owned it. But I want something more special, around 3.0 diesel and automatic. I can afford 2004-2008 era Mercedes CLS, E Class, CLK, S Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, 5 Series, 3 Series coupe. What do you guys think is best in terms of reliability?

[@RS-xe7yz]

Tank you

[@AristoPeiOfficial]

In all my research the 4.2fsi doesn't seem to have the same timing guide issue as the B6 4.2

[@SvetGolovkin1462]

He sounded like Sasha Baron Cohen from Dictator movie 🎬 and its cool

[@stephenpato5524]

Damn, I had my heart set on an s8 lol! I still think they have fewer headaches than an e60 M5 though....

[@julianwagners]

My Dad has a 4.2 TDi with 600.000km

[@martinverhoeve1372]

To prevent trouble with power steering.I want to.change the oil. What is the correct oil for my A6 3.2 from 2004? I hope you can tell me. Kind regards Martin. Loved the video by the way!!

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

G004000M2 - this is the part number of 1L genuine power steering oil for your A6

[@orbin100]

Pretty fucking good review.

[@JuanMartinez-zn8cd]

Where can I find the plastic parts that break easy you show them made out of metal

[@aappoolloo1966]

What´s the extra price for the fly on the Headrest? ;-D

[@graiggeraldmapfumo3205]

Looking for the 4.2 v8 or the 5.2 V10 petrol

[@jamiealfrey5593]

Is it worth buying an A8 I really want one looking at an 07 with 127k miles but there are mixed results all of the internet

[@NMRH258]

Thanks! I am now properly afraid of even thinking about buying the A8.

[@hofman1537]

Hey what do you think about the peugeot 407 and is a video coming about this model?

[@Angel-fz8dr]

It's trash 😂

[@raduconstantinescu6114]

There is also the 2.8 FSI engine...Not mentioned in the video !

[@jarek928]

It is time you start a TV show!!!!

[@mrlover4310]

I was going to buy the 3L diesel 2008 not sure now😢

[@hassanshukri7380]

Which is better audi a8 or Mercedes s class

[@geigercolten]

I’m looking at a 2009 Audi A8 4.2 at 31k miles looks very well kept. Should I buy?

[@borisyurinov4822]

Yes.

[@danielnjoroge1894]

very funny reviews

[@robertloughran6740]

I think i will stick with my A6

[@theempireofshawnno.3497]

Can you buy a used Rolls-Royce Phantom 2003-2017 and review?

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

those things are still very expensive, I have no money for that lol

[@ammarkaialy4762]

❤️

[@kophaziistvan6477]

Now, this is a good guide, i love it... and i will never buy any of these cars :D

[@user-du1dm2ch4e]

Do golf 7

[@joshua6244]

Optional front seats? I think all cars should come with front seats.

[@akibungi2633]

Well if you buy it for 10k used idk what you expect its 10k bc it was not maintainfe properly and driven forl like 300k km+ just do your research and get a properly maintained one and there will be no problems

[@Dreamlink91]

As long as the engine, gearbox, all lights work and has no rust im fine with that. Dont give a shit about sensors and remote opening and shit stuff.

[@bradbop767]

I though cam chain tensioner was only on the fsi engines? Very confused

[@bradbop767]

Ok i figured out the misconception, the A8 D3 from 2002-2005 had a 4.2 with a timing belt instead of cam chain unlike the other audi 4.2 offered in that time frame

[@bradbop767]

So the cam tensioner is NOT an issue for the early years of this model, only after 2005 or 2006, instead you had a timing belt to replace every 75k miles

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

the older 4.2 V8 petrol engine (NON FSI) has a timing belt, BUT it also has small chains at the end of the camshafts ! You can see one of these chains + the tensioner at 9:59 in the video on the right side. The other chain with the tensioner on the other cylinder head is located at the back side of the engine. And as I mentioned at 9:44 both of the tensioners will get worn - first causing that rattling noise.

[@bradbop767]

@@differentcarreview-dcr ahhhhhh i see

[@adam55719]

4:14 😂😂😂

[@lebtfurimmer107]

This cars is nowdays cheap for a reason.If you want a good A8 with proper maintance from previous owner you need to spend a solid amount of money because nobody wants to give a good car for free! This cars are not trash and they was a spaceship back then and normally parts will break,but parts on this cars is revolutional masterpiece of the time in terms of technology and sometimes it needs to replace them and the cost is not the same as on the passat for example.If you looking for a solid and simple vehicle which will take you from A to B in some sort of luxury you need w124 Mercedes and not a luxury ship mile burner just as A8.

[@hangdog7094]

This is the car crushers channel

[@jetknight7562]

I have a 08 audi a8l quattro 4.2l v8 brilliant black with amaretto upholstery and sports rims bang olufsen sound system everything he said not good HASN'T HAPPEN TO MINE AT ALL and for the record that can happen to All car's...

[@jetknight7562]

ALL cars don't last so what's the difference...

[@anarcomie]

should we buy it or not? it seems to be fuking broken fail everything...

[@TrustMeiamaD.R.]

I thought they were cheap. Now I know why!!! Vorsprung durch shiesenhausen..

[@goddesseddog]

Audi with its engine-tranaxle layout makes for the least DIY-able brand. Doesn't help with FSI, TFSI, and ridiculous engineering

[@alinevianna3923]

if you want to buy an old premium car there is only one choise MERCEDES

[@josipmatic4732]

By your opinion which is best used car? Since from your reviews I can conclude that every car is crap 🤪

[@Roderickdl]

Probably the car the Flintstones had.

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

best used car is myth lol I can't answer that, since we can say that some random toyota with some random simple petrol engine is the best most reliable/most reasonable used car, but plenty of people would never buy it because they need something bigger, faster, more comfortable etc. every used car has bigger or smaller possible issues, the only question is: are you ready to deal with more issues or less issues

[@_checkit]

Welp...guess I'm not buying it anymore

[@MartiniPinball]

This a generation of audi are so bad in the reliability department, i just don’t consider audi for second hand purchases

[@ammarkaialy4762]

do u know why all Audi gears so stupid?

[@MrLuba6a]

just Audi never trust them

[@-vv6pt]

truth @@MrLuba6a

[@TacticalLego]

Sooooo, long story short. Don't buy an Audi. Lol.... I had an Audi A4 3.0L 6 speed manual. Long story short I spent alot alot of money on repairs. Once the car had about 70k miles I started having many issues. Spent over 8k fixing issues over the next 2 years, and finally sold the vehicle. I love Audi but if you want to buy one I highly recommend selling it once the odometer hits 65-70k miles.

[@Kmasse8]

Sorry to hear about the issues you experienced. We had 2 Audis during the past 30yrs and both were very reliable (nearly 300 000km on both of them) The other one we had for 13yrs and the other one 18yrs. The worst car I bought was a mercedes benz ML350 that spent more time in repair shops than on the road. Currently have a mercedes E350 (2012) but the next car is going to be a Lexus.

[@d48248]

Run away AUDI( Always Under Diagnostic Investigation!!!" 😩😩

[@rafalzelazny9337]

Basically do not buy it, nothing positive about this car 😢

[@felipeiturreyes3385]

Woowww, totally nightmare cars....😱,

[@ngombetchristiannoah7598]

Motorized coffin

[@tg6831]

This is a vehicle you buy NEW and get rid of it after 4 years old .

[@Slikk750Blokk]

Sure! Buy it NEW at the MSRP of $90,000+ then drive the average 12k miles per year. After 4 years, it's a 48k German flagship that's depreciated 30% per year Trade it in at hopefully $70,000 with an ungodly amount owed on your original 72 month loan Smart

[@Avantime]

Before watching the video: NOPE. Halfway through the video: HELL NO. After watching the video: Who buys them anyway?

[@mannyalons8427]

Me

[@techdeeptechmnmlmedellin1998]

ofc u wont buy them when u know you wont take care of them & end up having issues, then obviously expensive repairs :) its ez

[@mannyalons8427]

I just bought one, in Silver with a black interior. The way it makes me feel when i drive it justifies the expenses it may need. From now on, it is my baby and i'm willing to work just so Audi can take my money.

[@jeremiahcharleschen8631]

Like any other rubbishy Audi..