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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 31 of 149

#296 of 1483 Get the A8 by bertram60

Nov 26, 2001 (10:37 am)

By far the best sport sedan on the market. 2000 saw an increase in hp and decrease in weight (more aluminum used throughout), so they're a little quicker. Most definitely by whichever of these from a reputable dealer as these are both frighteningly complex and expensive cars to own and maintain. Brakes were the reason for my separation from my beloved '00 A8. I'd make sure the car was under Audi Advantage if at all possible. Also see if you can pull service records to see what's been done. FYI my 2000 was sold (traded) for $39,500 with 40k miles in excellent shape and loaded (nav, phone, warm weather, cold weather, premium sound, comfort, xenons, everything) so I'd look for a '00 if at all possible. Take advantage of the rather high depreciation due to this spectacular cars unrealized potential in the US.

#297 of 1483 A8 Audi by garybsi

Apr 15, 2002 (7:22 pm)

Wife and I took an A8 for a test spin last weekend. Started with the A6 and then the 8. Unbelievable experience, disguised and well kept secret.
I was looking at the Lexus after listening to my Lexus friends drivel, but after driving an A8 I think my mind is made up. In the snow belt everyone with the Lexus complains about the rear wheel drive. Not a problem with the Audi.
As technoligically advanced the Audi is, my only complaint was that there is no automatic turn off for the headlights when you exit the car ( even Chevy has that feature). I find that amazing when you consider all the other toys the 8 has to offer. Not a major problem but it really surprised me it was missing.
The dealer was even surprised that it wasn't either standard or an option for the Audi.

#298 of 1483 garybsi by mbnut1

Apr 18, 2002 (4:10 pm)

Did you try the A6 4.2 by any chance? One of the fellows on the boards has owned both it and the A8 and seems to prefer the A6 4.2.

#299 of 1483 garybsi by bertram60

Apr 23, 2002 (6:22 am)

One of the reasons I loved my A8 was that is was a wonderful little secret. It's both the upside and down side. I had more than one person get in my A8 and start drooling, then we'd go for a drive. It is by far one of the most competent vehicles on the road.
 
The A6 4.2 is also a tremendous vehicle, albeit somewhat smaller inside. If you need the space of an A8 (as i believe only the long wheelbase models are around other than the S8) that go for it. If space is not a priority you should look into the A6 4.2.
 
Happy Hunting!

#300 of 1483 by garybsi

May 11, 2002 (7:40 am)

mbnut1, I did drive the A6 TT but found the seats a little short for my legs. Considering the fact that I am need the extra length in the legs from the hip to the knee I am opting to get the A8. Other than that, i thought the A6 TT is quite a nice vehicle. In my opinion, the A8 is much better than any MB I have driven.

#301 of 1483 My '98 A8 by automan227

May 11, 2002 (7:03 pm)

I have had my 1998 A8 4.2 for about a year now. I picked it up Audi Assured about a year ago. Since that time, there have been no really major problems with the car and love the car. Could just used a little more power....pre owned s8 here I come.
 
Anyway I thought I would just clarify some of the problems that other owners have had and that I had.
 
1) Radar detectors/garage door openers not working. This is caused because of the fact that the body is all aluminum and that until 2000 the A8 was manufactured with a windshield that had lots of metal in it therefore causing such devices not to work. I even had to get a handsfree phone kit so that I could use my cellphone in the car, because otherwise I would not get a signal.
 
2) Transmission shifting in a funny way.
The A8 is equipped with a feature known as Adaptive Learning which learns your "driving habits" and then...well...tries to adapt to it to get the best gas mileage. My service manager told me to bring the car in and he could fix the shifiting problem. As he did it (let me watch) he explained to me this whole adaptive learning system. When he gave me the car back he said that the problem should be gone, but that I will notice a minor loss in gas mileage. Sure enough when I got back in the car and put my foot down on the gas, the thing flew forward- Something which I was not expecting since I had gotten used to that other shifting pattern.
 
Since then I have had basically no problems reliability wise.
 
Hope this helps any perspective buyers.
 
AS

#302 of 1483 New A8L pricing question by garybsi

Jun 04, 2002 (9:20 am)

I recently ordered a new A8L 2003 for delivery in October. In view of the fact that the A8 will experience a re-do in the summer of '03, I am wondering what the effect will be on the current body styling when the new style hits the market next summer.
I visited another dealer this week and they were willing to knock $3000 off the list price which I felt was inadequate for a car that is going to have a make over next summer.
 
What thoughts do any of you have about the pricing for the current model in view of the make over. If I purchase a new A8L I am somewhat concerned about the depreciation issue in view of the changeover. That leaves Option "B" - leasing.
The new pricing schedule is out for the '03 and Audi apparently has put together a $1950 package which includes the Navigation System, Front and Rear Parktronic, Tire pressure Monitoring System and 17" forged wheels with All season tires. The Solar sunroof option remained at $850 as an option. The effect is a $1490 savings over the '02 model for those options.
 
Also, does anyone have any idea of what the "new" body style will be, or where it can be seen?
 
Thanks,

#303 of 1483 garybsi by merc1

Jun 04, 2002 (10:36 pm)

Easy, just picture the VW Pheaton with some slight changes and there you have the next A8, or the Audi Avatissimo Concept car. The Audi is destined to look better than the already good looking Pheaton, inside and out.

http://www.germancarfans.com/photos.cfm?PhotoID=3020523.002

http://www.audiworld.com/ (you'll have to search for the Avatissimo on this site)

M

#304 of 1483 by l943973

Jun 05, 2002 (6:29 am)

thats a pretty nice VW. I've also been thinking about an A8L, but I'm going to hold off and see what the next redesigned model has to offer.
 
Does anyone know when this VW is available in the states?
 
thanks,

#305 of 1483 by merc1

Jun 07, 2002 (11:30 pm)

Well VW is saying next July, but knowing them and their terrible product launch history I 'd say early 2004.
 
On a different note I rode past the VW store around here, and I don't see how they'll be able to sell a 70K car. VW must have a dealer revamp plan in the works??? Anyone know?
 
M

Messages Page 31 of 149

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