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Audi A8

1483 messages,  Last post on Jul 23, 2010 at 11:27 AM

You are in the Audi A8 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, Sedan

Messages Page 115 of 149

#1133 of 1483 Used A8 feedback by monkstermann

Jul 04, 2006 (9:47 am)

Hi all. I'm interested in purchasing a well maintained A8 circa 1997-2000 and was wondering if there were any iterations to stay away from. And if so for what reasons; i.e. earlier engine probs; electrical gremlins; abnormal tire wear, etc. etc. whatever.
I currently have a 1993 S4 showing 280,000 on the odo and she still is a pistol. Don't ever see another one which I kinda like. Also, it's not stock with an upgraded Euro turbo and intake, 993 Big Red's, Magnaflow exhaust, 17" ASAs, XM radio, and 750 watt sub system with 12" JL Audios. Just want a change; getting older I guess!!!
 
Also does Audi still use the Space Frame??
 
Thanks!
 
Andy

#1134 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [monkstermann] by blkhemi

Jul 04, 2006 (10:51 am)

Replying to: monkstermann (Jul 04, 2006 9:47 am)
The '97-'03 A8's were some of the best cars in their repective classes. I owned a '03 S8 in which I was profoundly fond of, best Euro car for '03 IMO.
 
Yes, Audi still uses the famous SpaceFrame technology.
 
If what you're looking for is a pre-'04 gen A8, I'd definetely keep away from the pre '99's as those were the most troublesome. The '00-up A8L's were some of the most reliable European transpost during that era. And these cars can be had a relatively low prices, a good thing given all of the luxury that goes in them. I'd try to buy from a reputable Audi dealership in hopes of getting a warranty because, as with all luxury cars, there will be problems down the road. All in all, this vintage is one of those cars that was one of the best kept secrets in the biz. A very good buy. But with any used car purchase, always run a vehicle history report before buying.

#1135 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [blkhemi] by monkstermann

Jul 04, 2006 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Jul 04, 2006 10:51 am)
Hey thanks so much. If I might ask, why don't you still have the S8?
 
Also, is the VW Phaeton merely a VW badged A8. If so perhaps that'd be a better deal (steal?) given peoples reluctance to accept VW as a luxury marque. If there are differences do you know what they are??
 
Thanks again!

#1136 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [monkstermann] by blkhemi

Jul 04, 2006 (2:06 pm)

Replying to: monkstermann (Jul 04, 2006 12:58 pm)
I very seldom keep cars more than 2 years as I have so many. The S8 was a very nice(and rare) car, and I had a nice gentleman who was very interested in the car, so I sold it. And now, I've got a A8L W-12 that I'm very passionate about, with a new S8 coming in the fall.
 
As for the Phaeton, it does benefit from Audi's superb powertrains(4.2L V8, 6.0L W-12) and interior fit/finish. But that's where most of the similarities end. The Phaeton for the most part is steel v. the aluminum-intensive construstion of the A8. It is AWD, albeit not the exact same set-up as the quattro system in the A8. And there are some features not available on the V-Dub that the Audi possess.
 
The Phaetons right now are an incredible bargain. There is one around here that has only 1500 miles on the odo that the owner is willing to part with for 45k, with the original price of $71. And then there are some other examples at VW dealers that are CPO that are even better values.

#1137 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [blkhemi] by monkstermann

Jul 04, 2006 (3:36 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Jul 04, 2006 2:06 pm)
My gut told me there had to be a catch. So, I think I'll stay with the original. Moreover, I think the V-Dubs badging is gaudy. Over the top with that humongous insignia. What were they thinking? In the luxo arena understated is the way as far as I'm concerned.

#1138 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [monkstermann] by emauss

Jul 05, 2006 (3:13 am)

Replying to: monkstermann (Jul 04, 2006 3:36 pm)
I have an '06 A8L and am very pleased with it. My friend has the VW Phaeton (along with a CLS55), and he says the Phaeton is the best road car he had ever had. His last two 'road cars' were the 745Li and the S500 (about three years with each).
  For a long trip, the Phaeton is fabulous (I speak from experience)....but with VW discontuing it in the states, and limited dealers to begin with, I would worry about future servicing.
 
(e)

#1139 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [blkhemi] by anthonyp

Jul 10, 2006 (11:27 am)

Replying to: blkhemi (Jul 04, 2006 2:06 pm)
I unfortunately scraped the wheel rim today, and on checking it I noticed a chunk of rubber about the size of a fifty cent piece had been knocked off...I was wondering if I should get the tire replaced? And if so should I get them to put the spare and the new one on the front, or just replace to damaged one...I would seem as though I just barely scraped it, and the tire should have held up...Any suggestions Tony

#1140 of 1483 Trailer Hitch by richardgrbr

Jul 11, 2006 (8:06 am)

I am the proud owner of a 2003 A8L. Love it! I want to transport a kayak, but I am reluctent to use a roof rack. Although Audi says its OK up to 200 lbs, I am concerned about denting the aluminum roof. I am thinking about a trailer, but cannot find an aftermarket hitch. I have researched Audi hitches, but I heard they cost more than $1000.00 installed. Does anyone have a better solution?
Thanks for any help you can give me.

#1141 of 1483 Re: Used A8 feedback [anthonyp] by blkhemi

Jul 11, 2006 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: anthonyp (Jul 10, 2006 11:27 am)
For obvious safety reasons, I'd go ahead and get the tire replaced. If you're like me and cruise frequently use the interstate/expressway, then the tire would come more suseptible to blow-out.

#1142 of 1483 Re: Trailer Hitch [richardgrbr] by blkhemi

Jul 11, 2006 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: richardgrbr (Jul 11, 2006 8:06 am)
I'd be skeptic about adding that much weight to the already precious aluminum roof.
 
The hitches aren't the cheapest, but they are Audi specific, custom-fit to suit the A8, unlike the aftermarktet brands.

Messages Page 115 of 149

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