A BRAND new Audi A8 4.2 TDI Sport is £64,000.
But after three years and 60,000 miles, the Audi depreciation is so huge that the UsedCarExpert.co.uk average retail price is just £23,000.
About 40 per cent of the cars on the market have lower mileage than this, so it’s not that hard to pick up a 45,000 mile-specimen for £25,000 - the same money as a new Mondeo.
Most interesting of all, the best used Audi I found in my area was at a main dealer and cheaper than the specialists. So you get a year’s warranty too.
If you bought the new Ford, it will lose about £11,000 over three years. The used A8, over three years, will lose slightly less.
To me, and I wouldn’t blame you for disagreeing, the Audi is the ‘cooler’ car. If it weren’t for the higher service costs (nearly treble) it would be a no-brainer.
Audi A8
Super luxury, with all the gadgets you can name, including a TV. Feather-light steering, library-like refinement and plenty of power. Depreciation means it is affordable to lots of people, not just the chairman of the board.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk faults: 7
Warranty: 1 year (if bought at a main dealer)
Service costs : £800+
Ford Mondeo
One of the class leaders, the Mondeo is almost as well made as a premium German car. It handles and performs superbly in any situation and running costs, being a Ford, are friendly.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk faults: 13
Warranty: 3 years
Service costs: Up to £300