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Audi A8

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

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What is this discussion about? Audi A8, Sedan

Messages Page 126 of 149

#1247 of 1483 Re: If It's So Good .... [blckislandguy] by blkhemi

Oct 02, 2006 (7:36 pm)

Replying to: blckislandguy (Oct 02, 2006 6:21 pm)
Islandguy, historically, in the USA, the big Audi's have horrid resale values(except the rare and powerful W12's). Why? Plenty of variables. One, it is the lowest seller in the HELM market in the US, thus not making it enough of a popular model to warrant a lofty second-hand price.
 
Then there is the Audi name, admittedly by me, not quite as catchy in the US as in the rest of the world(please omit the Europe and Far/East doesn't count rhetoric, people).
 
Then of course the A8. It's just not as desired as frequent as the vaunted LS or S-Class.
 
But conversely, the S and RS model Audi's far outpace a comparable M and AMG ride(in terms of resale value, and in many aspects, performance) because of the absolute unattainablility and scarcity. Even Audi admits to keeping the model low in production to boost the value of the rides.
 
Such a shame that, in this country, a car company that's so careful in it's designs as Audi can't quite make the big car catch on. Most of the problem is relished on the A8 as the A6 4.2 currently resales for more than a GS430, M45, and RL, cars that are all it's Japanese competition. And it's on par with the class leader E500(the E550 data is N/A as it is a new model). Folks, this car is not the best selling luxury car in the world for nothing. And the A4 is one of the standouts in the class, particularly since it offers more variants than any other car in it's class. And with the latest round of inquiries about the interest of the car, Audi has no choice but to make sure they get this one right, also the A3.
 
As to the Bentley, that car doesn't have quattro. And at almost 6k pounds and a $180k base price(try finding one at this price), one would think that they'd drop the hammer and install the real deal and not an Volvo-based Haldex system.
 
The car also doesn't offer more in terms of useable features over a comparible W12 other than the even more supple interior and it's vaunted claim of a "195mph top speed". I think my W12's 155mph was illegal enough in this country.
 
I certainly prefer the styling of the A8 over the high-roof long body FS.
 
And the Bentley almost became my car to have, until I connected with the S600. WOW!! MBZ did not leave ANYTHING untouched in this car. Trust me, I had a week to look over the owner's S600 of our MB dealer. The Bentley just did not warrant enough features and useablility over the $50k less, faster, sleeker, sexier 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600. Folks, for the 4-door super-lux sedans, the S600 and W12's are the best in the league by country mile.

#1248 of 1483 Audi A8L resale by harbo

Oct 02, 2006 (8:16 pm)

Those folks who part with $80K/$100K/$150K + are not typically shopping for a previously owned vehicle or necessarily concerned about cash flow or in need of top resale value as it related to major buying decisions. As blkhemi indicates, the cache for Audi does not currently exist compared to MB, BMW, Bentley etc. That is good news for those who understand the excellent qualities of the 2004 and later big Audi, can appreciate a previously owned auto and will benefit by a wonderful buy on an outstanding automobile. After two Lexus I am now the proud owner of an Outstanding A8L with 40,000 miles $44K, 19" with Michelin Pilots and all the options. Happiness is half price.

#1249 of 1483 Yo..blkhemi...How's the S8???? by emauss

Oct 03, 2006 (6:48 pm)

#1250 of 1483 Re: If It's So Good .... [blkhemi] by blckislandguy

Oct 03, 2006 (7:36 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Oct 02, 2006 7:36 pm)
Blkhemi, thanks.
 
As a side point, can you give us the run down on why Quatto is superior to the Haldex system?

#1251 of 1483 Eric, Tony P, and IslandGuy by blkhemi

Oct 04, 2006 (10:49 am)

The S8, in short, is phenomenal. I just returned from a short jaunt to the city. I've finally got that seat comfort setting that took me a month to acheive in the W12, due to the numerous adjustments. This car is the best large sport-sedan in it's class, hands down, even over the over-hyped AMG and M models.
 
About quattro, this is the best going AWD system on any passenger car on the road today(excluding SUV's super-capable 4WD). For one, the system can detect, evaluate, and adjust wheelslip to any one wheel(not having to wait axle-spin, which splits the difference between accident, and no accident), TRANSPARENTLY! No other AWD system does this. Secondly, the hardware thats baked into the systems are basically bulletproof. And that's why you don't hear of any Audi's with AWD problems, from the smallest(TT Quattro), to the outright largest W12..

#1252 of 1483 Re: Audi A8L resale [harbo] by reality2

Oct 04, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: harbo (Oct 02, 2006 8:16 pm)
Even so, the cache is growing. You can see it in Los Angeles, where Audi is probably the hottest auto to own right now. It also depends on which resale value system you use.

#1253 of 1483 Re: Audi A8L resale [reality2] by anthonyp

Oct 04, 2006 (1:49 pm)

Replying to: reality2 (Oct 04, 2006 11:39 am)
It is nice to think others are beginning to appreciate Audi..Please tell me what you mean about the resale value system you speak of...Thanks Tony

#1254 of 1483 Re: Eric, Tony P, and IslandGuy [blkhemi] by anthonyp

Oct 04, 2006 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Oct 04, 2006 10:49 am)
Hi Blkhemi
 
What do you notice as different between the W12 vs S8....I would imagine a bit more tossable,,,Tony

#1255 of 1483 Tony P by blkhemi

Oct 04, 2006 (4:03 pm)

The long and short of it is that the S8 is an entirely different beast. Sure they share the same overall construction, but the S8 should be considered the first mass-market 4-door Lambo as it drives as tho it's on rails.
 
While the W12 is the absolute standard in ride/handling balance, the S8 is the reigning king of sport/comfort. Even on New York's urbine streets, the car still doesn't let ruts and bumps filter through the cabin, just like a regular A8, despite the ultra low 35 series summer rubber. I chose the Ghost Grey(6 layers of paint with 2 clearcoat- $2k paint option well worth it) with the matching interior with the all-suede ceiling and seat inserts and leather dash and door panels.
 
The interior of this car is a study of magical assembly and craftsmanship, as with all A8's. I ordered the Euro market-only flat-bottomed steering wheel to free up even more legroom. \
 
And the burble that exits quad exhaust upon start-up is elecrifying(think Ferrari snap, crackle , and pop, but more subdued like a Porsche flat-6) is worth the $115k check itself.

#1256 of 1483 Re: Tony P [blkhemi] by anthonyp

Oct 04, 2006 (5:59 pm)

Replying to: blkhemi (Oct 04, 2006 4:03 pm)
Thanks---That sums it up nicely.....On my car, as I wash it myself, I notice the paint to be much higher quality than my past Lexus , Mercedes, or BMW...I didn`t get any more than the sold only color choice, which was a bit more itself...Interesting how you notice such a change between the w12 and S8....I look forward to your opinions of the Mercedes vs the W 12, as the S8 really doesn`t compare...Tony

Messages Page 126 of 149

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