Q: Thinking of getting 2009 A8 with mileage above 100k. What is the most frequent problem for used A8? And what's the average cost I

asked by on January 20, 2017

Thinking of getting 2009 A8 with mileage above 100k. What is the most frequent problem for used A8? And what's the average cost I will spend to repair and maintain used A8?

Any car at 100,000 miles or more can have any number of issues come up. The things I list may not be exclusively A8 issues, but issues you can expect as more miles and time accumulate. Air suspension issues can occur - leaking air struts, failed air pump,etc. One thing I have seen a few times is the drive mechanism for the MMI screen. From the frequent raising and lowering, they can break in time. Also, you will want to be VERY careful to not spill anything on the MMI controls as they can be quite expensive - as will most replacement items. If the engine is an FSI engine (should say right on the engine when you open the hood) then the engine has a timing chain rather than a timing belt. If it is not an FSI engine, then have the timing belt inspected to see if it’s been replaced. If it has not been replaced, then have a timing belt service done immediately. Also, if service records are not available, have the coolant and brake fluids flushed as well. Oil changes are synthetic oil and with the high oil capacity - 8-9 quarts, expect oil changes to be in the $100+ range.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

When jump-starting, there is a clicking noise
The first step would be to have the battery and cables tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-car-battery) to see if they are in need of replacement. If the vehicle is not supplying enough voltage, then the vehicle will not start. The battery may supply...
Loose Steering? 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
Hey there. I would suggest having the inner and outer tie rods (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/tie-rod-end-replacement) checked for looseness and replaced if any play is found. When checking the rack and pinion mounts and bushings there should also be no looseness. The steering's...
Remove tree sap
You will probably want to talk to a paint specialist, or paint supply store. They should know of products that will be strong enough to remove the sap without messing up your paint finish.
My car has the OBD-II codes P0030 and P0135 for the heater control circuit and sensor. Where is this sensor located?
This is a code that pertains to the heater side of your oxygen sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oxygen-sensor-replacement). The heater is required to raise the temperature of the sensor so that it can operate properly. Simply unplugging relays/fuses will not keep the code...
Interior lights won't turn off - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Hello. You are absolutely heading in the right direction. Finding out where the voltage is coming from might be easier to track with a voltmeter and wiring diagram of that circuit if you are equipped with such. This is the...
Headlight problems
It is common practice to replace both head light bulbs at the same time. The bulbs may have loose or burned connectors that should be inspected and replaced if bad. They would cause the bulb to fail quickly. Once the...
Hi my car won't let me put gas in it. It keeps clicking every few dollars or so. My check engine light is on .
Hi There, This is likely related to your EVAP emissions system and something called a purge solenoid. The EVAP system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system collects and temporarily stores the...
2005 Toyota Camry engine swap
The alteration in weight will require suspension/alignment modifications that will have to be engineered. The carryover of the PCM and all controls must be comprehensive but even if you can get it to work, you might run into issues using...

Related articles

P0613 OBD-II Trouble Code: TCM Processor
P0613 means there is an malfunction within the transmission control module often due too shorted, electrical wiring or harness.
P2700 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Friction Element "A" Apply Time Range/Performance
P2700 means the transmission friction element application needs attention, possibly because of a leak in the transmission or defective pump.
The Difference Between a Sports Car Engine and a Regular Engine
While they are similar in modern design, most everyday car engines are optimized for fuel efficiency and sports car engines for speed and performance.