2002 Audi A8 Quattro Sport review from UK and Ireland

Squealing from the front brakes; new discs and pads fitted at no cost to me.

Front off-side brake caliper seals perished; replaced.

Rear near-side brake caliper seals perished; replaced.

Water ingress in front foot-wells; this was caused by blocked plenum tubes in the front bulkhead; fixed by removal of the tubes.

Rear exhaust mount failed; required new rubber mount.

Battery replaced at huge cost by Audi; 3rd battery in this car. Previous battery was installed by Kwik-Fit and was the incorrect rating.

Knocking noise up through the steering column; investigated by Audi but problem was never traced. Most annoying!

Having previously owned an Audi A6 2.8 SE, I decided to go for the more luxurious A8; I had always loved the shape and look of this car.

It turned out to be one of the best cars I had owned; it had everything I wanted in a car; the cabin was comfortable and airy, well equipped, excellent Bose sound system, quality leather, front / rear parking sensors, SATNAV, Ronal alloys which gave the car a lovely look, etc.

It wasn't an out and out performance machine; in fact, the 2.8 struggled from standing start but once it was rolling, it was quiet, smooth and efficient. It was quite economical as well. And the four-wheel drive set up with the sport suspension, and excellent Tiptronic 'box, gave it a reassuring ride on wet roads and in heavy rain.

I now have a Lexus GS which I'm still getting to know, so for now, I would say the Audi is up there with previous cars that I've owned (BMW 540, BMW 535 Sport and Audi A6 2.8SE).