2003 Audi A8 4.2L Petrol · OU03 CXK

This 2003 Audi A8 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 5 March 2025 at 67,604 miles with zero defects recorded. The vehicle has passed its last four consecutive MOTs, and the sole advisory cluster from March 2022 — perishing on both rear tyres — appears to have been resolved, as no tyre defects have been flagged in the subsequent three tests. This pattern suggests attentive ownership and consistent upkeep of consumable items. The mileage profile tells a story of exceptionally low usage. The car covered just 291 miles between March 2024 and March 2025, and only 77 miles in the twelve months prior to that. Accumulated over roughly 23 years, the total of 67,604 miles equates to approximately 2,939 miles annually — well below the UK average. Such low mileage can preserve mechanical components but raises its own concerns. Extended periods of inactivity can cause brake calipers to seize, tyres to flat-spot and perish, rubber bushes to dry out, and fuel system components to degrade from stale petrol sitting in the tank and lines. The tyre perishing flagged in March 2022 likely resulted from exactly this kind of prolonged standing. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on areas that suffer from disuse rather than high-mileage wear. Check the condition of all four tyres, including the sidewalls for cracking, regardless of the clean recent MOTs. Examine the brake discs for surface corrosion and test whether the calipers are binding, particularly on the rear axle where low-speed use is most likely to cause sticking. Inspect suspension bushes, track rod ends, and drop links for perishing or deterioration, as rubber components degrade with age and heat cycling rather than mileage alone. Inspect the underside for structural corrosion, paying close attention to subframes, sills, and jacking points, as a 23-year-old saloon that has spent long periods stationary may have developed surface rust that could compromise structural integrity over time. The clean MOT record and low mileage make this A8 an appealing proposition on paper. Buyers should verify that the mechanical reality matches the paperwork, particularly around components that deteriorate from age and inactivity rather than use. A thorough test drive covering varied speeds and a careful underside inspection will confirm whether this car has been genuinely well maintained or simply underused.