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Now, if you're spending this amount on a motor car, running costs probably aren't your major concern, unless you're one of the luxury-hire firms which pick cars like this. Biggest running cost problem with the A8 and cars of its ilk has traditionally been depreciation, and we can't see that situation changing much, though it is expected to hold its value a bit better than the outgoing model. However, if, like many A8 buyers, you stick a private number plate on it and let the mileage rack up, this won't be such an issue. Fuel economy isn't great: the quattro four-wheel-drive system is heavy and high on friction, even if the rest of the car is (relatively) light. Audi reckons you'll see about 23mpg from both the 3.7 and the 4.2, while CO2 emissions are, unsurprisingly, in the highest tax bracket. The 4.0 V8 diesel will, unsurprisingly, work out the most cost-effective. Repairs to that aluminium bodywork could be dear, though Audi claims that these will work out cheaper than traditional steel structures and panels. There won't be any used examples of this A8 around for a good while yet, but buying a used example has always been the best way into an A8. The mammoth depreciation means you'll be able to pick one up relatively cheaply, especially if it's come off a luxury-hire fleet, but bear in mind that running costs are still those of a fifty-grand motor. Reliability and million-mile capability means that repair costs shouldn't be too bad, but if anything serious does go wrong, it's going to cost. But stick it on a private-plate, get a pleasant colour, and a used A8 is a serious piece of discreet used luxury car. No 1800kg, fifty-grand motor car is going to be the best-value purchase you can make, and the running costs are also an issue. Very few owners will actually care, though, because at this level, it's all about being pampered and worrying what the car says about you. Value is usually a mere aside. For the fleet operators... it is competitively priced against equivalent 7-Series, LS430, S-Class and XJ models, and depreciation is expected to be roughly similar.
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