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Audi A8
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In any event, I just purchase a brand new R500 MB and the Audi is now by "beater" . .. I'm torn, I'd like to keep it just "cause I don't need to be careful with it anymore. MY new R500 is black on macadamia with EVERY conceivable option. CAn your send pix, here? If not, go to my westsite.
I say this as you didn't leave a name for reference.
BTW: I just purchased an S600. BUT! I will always have an Audi in the garage!!
They hug and support you in all the right places. The lateral and lumbar support that they provide is something akin to a Ferrari or Lambo.
But the rest of the car tells the story. I'm now sold on the SWB, particularly when it's time to park. Even with the Parktronic sensors front and rear, the W12 was a chore to parallel park in busy NYC streets. And this shorter wheelbase moves better with more responsive transitions, but at the cost of ride quality. This is the L's strongest point, along with the tremendous room on the inside. But the ride is far from harsh, just more taut, like a German car really is supposed to be. The Audi air-suspension does an excellent job of filtering bumps and ruts, and despite the low-pros, the car never feels jittery or jarring.
And man can this thing carve a corner. You'd think 4k pounds worth of aluminum would hurl over in the corners, but not this car. It asks to be driven hard in the twisties, and I ablige with a huge smile.
On another note, my daughter tells me that the oil change message popped on for the first time today in the W12. She freaked out because I told her that whatever happens to this car, she has to let me know. So off to the Audi dealer I go for the free scheduled maintenance, and to my surprise, the owner of the dealership was there. And what does he pull up in? A German-spec W12 SHORT WHEELBASE!! I thought, why didn't they import this car? Then I discovered that would've rendered the S8 pointless. But he was just as amazed to see an S8 and W12 on the lot today that I owned. He was taken back by all of the special order stuff on both cars. He was really interested in the zooted-up W12 with it's leather-everything interior and Bang & Olufsen sound system.
He checked the records of all W12's in the states, and it appears that this is the only one in the US in this color combo/interior scheme. That's pretty interesting when you come to think of it....
Eric, Tony P how's it going?
BTW: I finally got a buyer for my daughter's S4. He's buying it Monday for $45k, which is slightly above value, but these cars are red hot here in the NorthEast. I told him that Audi charges 1k to transfer the warranty over to the new owner and the LoJack will be discontinued once I sell it if he doesn't pay the transfer fee to them. So he then says that he'll cut a $50k check to cover everything. This has never happened to me as I do sell a lot of my cars privately, but then again there is a first time for everything....
I just went thru this whole process myself, having ordered a 2007 A8L w/ a variety of options, 1 1/2 months ago. As an aside, re your mentioning speed: I am not entirely sure why people are so hung up on this issue. The A8/A8L has a 0-60 rating of about 6.3 sec (some say that it's faster), which might be slower than some cars, but, then, what difference does 0.5-1.0 sec. make for most of the places that we drive? More pertinent is acceleration on an expressway setting; passing capacity; and, more certainly, the comfort afforded by a well-appointed luxury sedan. I was interested initially in a MB E550 4MATIC, but besides the fact that the Quattro system has advantages oves 4MATIC, the new E class, while quite "fast", felt too small for my purposes (this, after having owned a 2002 S430 for the past 5 yrs).
As for price: granted, I had a variety of options added to my order, which brought the MSRP up to $89K, but via a consumers' buying service (CarQ.com), I am acquiring the car for $1K over factory invoice...which represents a savings of $5-6K (I don't have the exact figure in front of me). Shopping around DOES pay!
shrinkrap
I was a bit skeptic about driving it on the unforgiving roads of the Interstate, but the car took it like a true champ. In fact, it wallowed much less than the W12 at high speed(90+), no doubt given the fact that this car is about 400 pounds lighter and has a tighter sport suspension.
The whole 2200 mile journey(roundtrip) was drama free, and no Tony P, I did not ruin my bumper in the process.
There was a guy in Ft. Lauderdale that had a new Benz S63, and he had previously had interest in the S8, but he plunged for the way more expensive Benz, but after giving my car the once over, he quickly began to realize the Audi's potential. It's not as fast as the Benz, but it does handle better and is more comfortable.
As many of you know, I also just recently purchased an S600. Now this is the Benz to buy if just have to buy one. This is the most opulent car in the class, yes, even besting my beloved W-12. But at $150k, it had darned well better. My wife is overseas and has yet to see it, as this is supposed to be her car, the one we sold the CLS for. But after driving an S8 in Holland, she may think otherwise.
Tony P., Eric and the rest of the gang, how the hell are ya??
Now, I have an inquiry on the A8. We (as in my wife) are looking at the A8 SWB, the Jaguar XJ8 and the Mercedes E350 4Matic (and possibly even the 750i or 530xi) on Tuesday. I have a feeling that we'll end up with the A8, because she wants AWD, it has the best interior of the group, and since this would be my fourth Audi from the same dealer, I know the place.
Now, I also know that A8s aren't in huge supply (especially the SWB) and are not exactly flying off the lots.
With that kind of dealer-familiarity, would they give me a good deal? There's a good chance that it would end up at about $76K, with the Premium Package, 19" 12-spoke rims are a must, and one stupid option, the massaging/ventilating/heated front seats (I hope that includes heated rear seats). Would I be able to get it for under $70K? We're not getting it until after the first of the year, so I have some time to wait- but the reason we're driving them now is because we're going away for awhile on winter vacation.
Any suggestions? I won't have any problems with the XJ or E's price, but the A8 is a little pricier, and though it's worth it for the best car, I simply do not want to spend over $70,000 on the sticker.
Thanks.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Much success.
I might bring myself to put an order on one before years' end, but I don't want to buy the car (I buy, never lease) until after the first of the year. Would I still get a good deal?
Also- I've read how salesmen that you're familiar with actually rip you off. There's a larger, more comprehensively backed-up Audi dealer in my area, and I'm tempted to get an offer from them first. Should I?
Just got back from a blast to the Catskills in the S8. In short, I wish the trip didn't have to end.
Esf, my advice to you is, since you've bought serveral Audi's from this same dealer, to bargain for the lowest price possible.
You're right, these cars aren't flying off of the lots here in the States. But in some areas, particularly here in the NE- New York area, the cars are scarce, mainly because of their huge versatility factor, and of course all-out luxury.
One thing is for sure, you'll have to order an '07 now as they've halted the production of the '06's, and that lessens the bargaining pull you'd have. Did you see a SWB on the lot in the color scheme that you like? Or excuse me, your wife?
If there is a '06 left there by now, I'd scoop it up in a heartbeat as there are no major changes to the '07 and you can get a heck of a deal on it. Don't by for over $70k.
BTW: I see you have an S4 Cab. I just sold my daughter's Cab. It was a heartbreaker to have to do so. She's now enjoying papa's W12. I'm really thinking of asking for my W12 back and tossing her the keys to the S8 as I really miss the W12, but both are excellent cars.
Although I'll probably end up driving it a lot, because not only is it ultra-luxurious, but a lot of fun to drive, this will be my wife's next car. As it happens, she's very short (5'1" or 5'2"), and behind her seat, it still feels like an A8L!
In a spontaneous idea, we drove it last night. She was mightily impressed by its cushy ride (this was with the 19" rims that she wants, those beautiful polished 12-spokes), fantastic interior, speed, technology and superlative features (comparing it to the E350 4Matic and XJ8).
We drove the E350 4Matic today. It was pleasant, but she wasn't impressed. Just as we were walking out, she whispered to me, "I still want the A8."
That's my girl.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
I do have to ask you- is there a significant performance difference between the S8 and W12? They have equal horsepower, and the only advantage I can think of for the W12 is the extra legroom. That, and the "snob appeal". I don't see why anyone would spend the extra $27K for the W12- but I'm sure you bought the W12 before the S8 was released.
I'm hoping you have the four-seat package. So cool.
Because my wife has a Lexus, she's used to perfect reliability and a perfect dealership. Although she may not quite get the same dealership experience at Audi, I'm hoping the reliability will measure up. This will be the fifth Audi for the family, in a timeline of...
'00 A6 2.7T quattro, no problems except for a headlight washer cap that flew off (traded in on a lease)
'98 A4 1.8T quattro bought used for my son, only had an oil leak (sold)
'05 S4 Cabriolet, still owned, no problems, I love it
'06 A3 2.0T, no problems in my eleven months of ownership (and counting)
I myself have experienced trouble-free Audi models, and I know that this is a rarity. It would be a shame if the A8 disappointed us in this way, especially because we'll be paying over $75,000 for it. It's a lot to swallow, and I expect nothing less than the best.
Other than these things, no problems. He's been happy with the car, and is glad that he bought it. Due to poor service from his dealer I doubt he will buy another one, but that's a local issue and doesn't have anything to do with the car itself.
One funny thing: while driving to a golf course we had never been to before in Tyngsborough, MA, the navigation system brought us to Carlisle! Not even close! Once we figured it out, I had to use an old fashoned map. We barely made our tee time.
The question regarding the S8 and W12 is that they are very different beasts. The W12 is much more of a cruiser, while the S8 is much more performance orientated in its handling and set-up. The S8 is also a SWB vs. the W12 that is a LWB. So the S8 is faster.
http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publish/Audi_News/article_2705.shtml
However, we'll be using a different, more convenient dealer for her, that's just been redesigned- aptly named the Audi Exchange. I bought my first Audi there, the A6, and had an okay time with that dealer, but hopefully things have changed since the reconstruction.
On your answer about the S8- you mentioned it was faster. I still don't see why anyone in their right mind would buy a 2007 S8 over a 2007 W12, because the S8 still has all the luxury features you would find in a SWB A8, and that is a mighty fine car. I realize that you bought yours before the S8 was out, but I'm talking about now, now that the S8 is out.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
So I'll breathe some life back into it.
The S8 is doing splendidly well. I drove it through a 2ft snow drift the other say and the car never stop driving it's wheels. Very inpressive, especially one with 30 series rubber for tires.
Someone mentioned something about why one would take a W12 over lesser Audi's.
The answer to that has to either be that the owner wants total opulance at it's greatest, or just wants the best A8 on the market.
True, some of the options are totally frivilous. Rear-fridge(never used) and so many buttons that it takes a NASA space engineer to configure it all. But the overall presence of the car is what drove me to buy one, then another. The W12 is so impressive, that I still am debating which is more opulent, the S600 or W12. Never before has anyone had to ask such a question.
Tony, Eric(total stranger ) and everyone else, how are the Audi's....
"you're back...", and I'm still waiting! My car advocate called yesterday to say that my A8L has been assembled, but it won't reach me until late Dec-early Jan. That's not bad, considering: 3 1/2-4 months for my special order. I'm just hoping for no really bad weather assaulting my SL500 before the Audi arrives. I might end up having to rent a Jeep!
More news will be forthcoming after the Audi arrives.
shrinkrap
The wait time that you're going through is very typical. Audi has sometimes put some people through as much as 8 months to wait.
But trust me, it's way worth it.
And just remember, that SL won't be too happy hoping along on snow chains...
Curious, which Mazda do you have? I ask this as my neighbor just bought is 17 year old son the new MazdaSpeed 3 hatchback.
I don't know about you, but this may be the best $23k anyone could spend on a car. Very solid car.
One dealer said TWO MONTHS for custom order.
The one I usually go to said three- and I thought that sounded like a lot.
I'm a little annoyed. My S4 only took about three months, and I'd expect the A8 to take about the same time.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds Inc.
Most AWD/4WD cars and trucks use a universal system that reads wheel movement and articulation at all times.
In the case of the Audi, the superior quattro traction does have some tendencies to do what is called "bind", the transfer case is sending maximum torque the wheel(s) with the most traction, and that's what keeps the car moving. A small price to pay, IMO.
My W12 did, so does my S8, and both did it from day one.
Even my AWD Jeep SRT-8 and Commander 4X4 HEMI do it. Turn the wheel lock-to-lock and give the car some gas, and the binding starts. This is all perfectly normal. No need to worry.
The W12 is now back with me. My daughter thought the car was to big(I think she just didn't want to be seen in a huge car), and so she returned it back to me. Not so much as a scratch on it, and she even had it serviced and detailed before returning. What a daughter, now if I can just get the wife to.... Guess what she bought herself after selling one of the biggest pieces of real estate in the Hamptons($29 mil, you do the math on that commission)? You guessed it. A spanking new loaded to the tilt '07 Audi RS4. She couldn't wait on Audi to send the RS6 over, so she got the next best thing. She wanted an S6, but as you know, they're fresh out for quite some time.
Anyway, the S8 is a running champ. This thing is incredible, way more substantial than my '02 S8. Nothing is overlooked.
I had a guy in a S55(W220) the other day take a second look before trying to overtake me in a lane. I had that "It ain't gonna happen" look on my face and he proudly stepped behind me. When we got to the light, I put the car in neutral and gave it a little gas to show him this isn't a regular A8. Needless to say, I he didn't tail behind to close.
BTW: I've gotten the car over 1,000 miles, so the entitled me to take it to the top end- 161 mph exactly. I'm taking it to my Audi hotspot here in New York to get the limiter taken off, just as I did with my S600 and W12. It's amazing how fast these cars are, being 2 tons and all.
Glad to see you're ripping up the PCH, 101 or the I-5 out in Cali with that V10 soundtrack in your ear.
You are right the HELC is a nightmare lately, all that fuss over a Lexus. Not even a true premium marquee. It's become like an invasion of the Lexus pod people.
Congratulations to your wife (and you in hindsight) on the RS4! What a very nice ride. Let us know your (I mean hers) impression of the RS4 once you open him up on your favorite road. We just got my mother an S4 to go with her A6 4.2. Although she is 75, she knows how to pilot an Audi as she grew up driving the German autobahns...probably better than most drivers. Anyway, I can see how your wife couldn't wait for the RS6. I'm traveling to Geneva in March for the auto show and specifically to see the premier of the RS6. I'll try to put some pics on here along with the report.
The S6 continues to elicit some major driving pleasure. The combination of that S6 "V10 soundtrack" with the its speed, agility, and refinement is priceless. I can only imagine the fun you are having with the S8. Glad you showed the S55 guy who's boss. We get that kind of behaviour here in LA all the time, but it comes from BMW drivers mostly who seem to think they are entitled to the "right of way".
Although, I thought the S6 would be a stealth driver, it garners quite a bit of attention and questions. Yes, I hear it is hard to get an S6 as they are presold, but since LA is a very "hot" Audi market right now, there seem to be some available directly off the dealer floor. I know my dealer has two extra (maybe one as think they sold it over the weekend), but you can get one here if need be. The PCH is always a great road for ripping up with some beautiful West Coast scenery. V10 always helps. Glad your W12 is back. It's just such an imposing HELM.
Got to sit in the R8 at the LA Auto Show a couple of weeks ago as a guest of Audi. Definitely, a must see in person. Pics do not do it justice. Sitting still it is moving. Ran to my dealer to put a deposit on it. Will replace the A6 4.2 of my wife with it and let her drive the S6. What you think?