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Audi A8

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Comments

  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    I have nothing but praise for my 2005 A8. I felt the same about my former A8 (a 1999). My next car will be an Audi, as well. As for the high speed comfort and the ability to use the phone while driving, I am extremely pleased, with one minor exception. When I am on the open road between LA and points east, such as Albuquerque, I go briskly. With the assistance of my trusty Escort, I am often approaching the century mark and occasionally see ten to twenty mph above that. The Bluetooth phone system can be used at all speeds that I have attained.

    The minor exception is the occasional inability to end the call. If I end it quickly enough, ON THE PHONE ITSELF, no problem. If I do not end it quickly enough, it sometimes will not disconnect and the phone needs to be turned off and turned back on later. An annoyance. Audi blames Motorola, Motorola says it is not the fault of the phone. A standoff that has not been resolved.

    The car itself is marvelous for high speed long distance trips in comfort. I am approaching 70 years old and can drive this thing for 12 hours at a clip and still want to go.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    You go ..... approaching 70 man ! I'm 71 and gaining.

    Just made the N Sctsdle to Palm Desert 311 Mi. in 3 hr 20 min. Don't tell.

    2004 A8L. Over 20 mpg cruising. Amazing.

    Getting some tire "cylical" vibration from the 19" Michelin Pilot 255 ZR's. Michelin is covering under warranty. Good people.

    Drive on ......... and try "geronimo's" restaurant in Santa Fe.

    Which is the best hands free tele' to use with the audi system?
    \
    Thanks ......
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    I am familiar with Geronimo's. While in ABQ, you might try Zinc, Savoy, and Seasons restaurants - all under common ownership, but each with different ambience and menus.

    Yes, the A8 is incredibly efficient at highway speeds, especially for a heavy V8. I have actually seen 28 mpg while at "normal" highway speeds and 24 - 25 overall on a high speed run of 800 - 1,000 miles.

    I did the math on that 311 mile trip you described and am very impressed. However, do be cautious out there. If one of Arizona's or California's finest stop you, you'll have a tough time explaining such speeds. "Gee, officer - there must be some mistake." I don't think that one will work.

    As for your last question about the best hands free phone for an Audi, I don't have an answer. I have only tried the Motorola Razr (a very early model). This might be a good question to put out there for general comment.

    My best to you
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    Season's is pretty good in abq. You need to try the firehouse, los quattes, and maybe even frontier to get a feel for central avenue.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Thx for the tips.

    How about the Artichoke Cafe in abq? I have not been there is years. Quaint quiet old house.
  • michmportmichmport Member Posts: 10
    This forum was helpful in my recent purchase of an Audi A8L.

    The car currently has 45,500 miles on it. I purchased it for $32,000.

    The dealer wants to sell me an extended warranty for $4988\ 4 yrs or 50K additional miles.

    does it make any sense to buy the warranty or should I just invest the money and pay for the repairs myself. If you have a horor story regarding repairs needed on the Audi A8L it might help influence me. Thanks for any comments.

    Miguel
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    That seems high. Those prices are negotiable, by the way, since the dealer makes such a high profit on each sale. I was quoted a 3 year warranty on my 2005 A8, one year shorter than yours, for almost exactly half your price. Only you can say what peace of mind is worth. On my previous A8, my extended warranty paid for a transmission that cost nearly the price of your extended warranty. When I sold that car to an individual buyer, he was pleased to receive some warranty with the car. You might try shopping around and don't forget to ask the shop forman what warranty companies they like best. In the end, it is a real tossup. Good luck.
  • rpmfreaksrpmfreaks Member Posts: 1
    what car show you think has information on the audis i see no show wit info, but there was this one called , rpmfreaks.com. It was pretty informational and as a A8 driver
  • hearthawkhearthawk Member Posts: 9
    I have owned 1999 A8 for past 6 years. Routine services had been with a local reliable mechanic as I lived 150 miles from the nearest dealer. I made the mistake of scheduling an oil change only with
    Dwight Jepsons Sunflower Audi in Topeka, Ks. I unfortunately didn't ask ahead of time what the price would be. It took 90 minutes for an oil change only (no other fluids, no wash or vacuum) and I got a bill for $180.77(including 75 minutes of labor charge at $94 per hour). What a rip. The service manager said it is a hard car to service with an oil change and they only used "certified mechanics". If these guys were Audi certified, it wouldn't have taken 90 minutes. He then discounted to $156.33. The last time oil was changed at another Audi dealer, they charged me $79. The real kicker, I just bought my wife a new Audi from the same dealership in Nov 07. Fortunately, there is a service contract on that vehicle. Just wanted anyone who might be interested to avoid this dealership and their service at all costs. Also appreciate any thoughts about other experiences. Has anyone had any luck contacting Audiusa or other regional Audi representative.Thanks.
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    That charge is high, although the 1999 A8 is a bit more difficult to do an oil change, in part due to the canister type filter and the lower engine cover that must be removed and replaced. Here in LA, the hourly rate at my dealer is $120. Even so, an oil change would be less money and you would go home with a newly washed car and would have been served freshly baked cookies. Come to think of it, maybe the car wash and cookies are one reason for the high hourly rate. Humm.
  • hearthawkhearthawk Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for input. Just to make matters worse, I discovered an oil leak since the oil change and noticed that they hadn't reset the oil warning signal. I took it back to them yesterday. You guessed it, 90 minutes later they informed me they couldn't get the warning signal reset and I would have to take it to another dealership. They hopefully fixed the leak by tightening the oil plug. I now have even bigger concerns about competency of the service dept. What a nightmare.
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    What a nightmare. And for just an oil change. It sounds like another dealer is the place to go. Try to locate one with a technician specifically trained on A8's. If you should ever go to a non-dealer for oil changes, make certain they use the factory specified oil. No substitutes.
  • dr_j_bostondr_j_boston Member Posts: 7
    Miguel-

    I am looking into a "pre-owned" A8L in the Boston area. What year was your A8L? ALso, did you end up purchasing the extended warranty? if so, can you share how much?

    Appreciate any feedback.

    Thanks.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Purchased a 2004 A8L with 40K. 6 Yr. 110K. The extended warranty cost about $650. It was a Audi Certified Pre-owned etc. Great car. Two Lexus previous. The Cup holders suck but at least the German's finally figured out "the Americans drive 600 to 800 miles on a straight road just to get across one state" and want some JUICE at their side. Just ran 640 miles at 90 / 95 mh @ 24 mpg.

    Signed, an old 356 & 550 driver.
  • dr_j_bostondr_j_boston Member Posts: 7
    very nice. Thank you for the info. debating between an 2005 or 2004

    Thanks again. good luck w/ the ride. sounds awesome.
  • michmportmichmport Member Posts: 10
    Yes I purchased the warranty - $3800.
    One of the mechanics convinced me we he said althought the trans rarely goes out on one of these - it would be $10,000 or more to replace the parts plus the labor cost. I didn't ask about the engine that was enough for me.

    Mike
  • michmportmichmport Member Posts: 10
    I have a 2004 A8L and sometimes it does not turnover (start) on the first turn of the key. When I take the key out and start it again - it starts right up.

    Dealer has changed out the ignition $400. But it is still happening. Dealer was only able to believe that it was happening because it happened to them while they had the car. Otherwise it was not showing up on the diagnostic.

    Any advice before I take it back to them.

    Also,
    My rear vanity mirror won't stay closed. Dealer says $300 to replace the vanity component - does anyone have a less expensive fix.

    Also - does anyone have a good mechanic in the chicago Illinois area.

    Would welcome any help.

    mike in chicago
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    I have had the same situation with the ignition key on my last two A8's (1999 & 2005). If my engine does not start on the first attempt, I have to remove the key and reinsert. This has been the case since they were new. I have been told, and since it has been the same on two cars now, I believe that this is designed into the car. Perhaps a theft deterrent? The fact that the technician did not think of it somehow does not surprise me.

    As for your second and third questions, I can only offer sympathy. These days, repairs to something like a vanity mirror probably means a complete replacement. On my wife's Audi, for example, a small tear on the front of a radio knob resulted in a complete replacement of the radio, CD, tape player assembly.

    When looking for a good repair facility, ask if they have a technician specifically factory trained on the A8.

    Good luck.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Same issue here. Solution appears to be as you say, Pull out key and start over. Dealer indicates if it happens regularly, they will reprogram or replace. As long as I have been aware of the situation, the A8 has never failed on the 2nd attempt.

    I am running Michelin PS Pilot Sport A/S 255/40 ZR 19 96Y which have a cyclical vibration that can be felt (seat of pants) as well as heard on smooth asphalt. Anyone else with this tire issue ?? Initially I felt it must be an axle bearing or universal joint because of the cylical nature of the vibration. Not tires or wheels out of balance or out of round. Upon switching rims / tires etc on different A8's and my own, it appears as though the tires are the culprit. Anyone else have this issue with this particular Michelin (or) other tires ??

    Thx ........ Harbo
  • jetrcmspjetrcmsp Member Posts: 1
    Any one have experience with the above problem.
  • madradmadrad Member Posts: 32
    Does anybody have any info as to when Audi A8 might have real time traffic info, as is available from NavTeq and others?
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Previous no start issue was solved by pulling the key, reinsert and after one or two try's it would fire up. Now it is completely dead. Battery is fully charged. Radio, trunk, lights work. Nothing to the starter. Audi roadside assistance could not get the vehicle out of park and into nuetral to pull it out of my garage. HELP !!
  • michmportmichmport Member Posts: 10
    Has it been everyone's experience to always change the rotors whenever changing the pads during the brake maintenance on the A8

    Mechanic is suggesting that when the "brake pad" light comes on the rotors are already probably damaged. So, they usually replace them at the same time.

    I would think the warning light would warn you well in advance of impending damage. any advice would help with my discussion with the mechanic.
  • michmportmichmport Member Posts: 10
    Has it been everyone's experience to always change the rotors whenever changing the pads during the brake maintenance on the A8

    Mechanic is suggesting that when the "brake pad" light comes on the rotors are already probably damaged. So, they usually replace them at the same time.

    I would think the warning light would warn you well in advance of impending damage. any advice would help with my discussion with the mechanic.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    At 50,000 we replaced the pads ...... warranty. The rotors were fine.
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    To your first question, I say absolutely no. To the statement of the mechanic, I say not true. This sounds excessive, depending on the type of driving you do. Rotors can be measured for thickness, and if they are not worn extensively or warped (which can normally be felt through the brake pedal), they should be fine. In the event of warping, which is usually caused by overheating, they can be "turned" on a lathe once and driven further. Turning does, however, remove some metal which does hasten the wear factor and reduce the ability to disperse heat somewhat. So, if absolute optimum braking effectiveness is not a major concern, have them measured by a technician you trust and possibly save a few hundred dollars. At least for awhile.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A reporter from a large finance magazine is looking to speak to consumers who just purchased a new Audi A8. If you’re interested in speaking to the reporter, please contact Chintan Talati at ctalati edmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than June 23, 2008.
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Hi Karen, What is the website (or) e-mail to make the contact?
    Thanks ...... a happy A8L owner.

    Chs [email protected]
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's [email protected]. Go for it and let us know what happens! :)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'm looking at picking up a used A8L but curious if there are any items to look for on a used 05 or 06 car.

    -mike
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    Almost nothing to report about my 2005 A8 with 33K miles. Minor problems only (trunk adjustment, upper suspension boots replaced once. My only suggestion is to have some sort of extended warranty to cover any catastrophic repair. This car, like all luxury models with some age, can strike your wallet hard. Transmission repairs, for example, are usually not repairs at all but complete replacements. Not that this car is especially prone to transmission problems, but you cannot take it to AAMCO.

    Good luck. I think you will love the car.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Thanks for the info. The previous gen A8 from what I heard had tranny problems at 80k miles. The newer gen ones 04+ have been better. I will go for a CPO w/extended warranty.

    -mike
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Just came back from a 2,500 mile run into Colo on my 04 with 53,000. Runs beautifully, fast and good mileage. Safe quick passing in the Mountain area's. 24 to 28 mpg. Mostly in the 75/80 range. Some higher speeds (90+) and some Mt roads at 25. With 19" rims I find the vehicle is sensitive to tire type. Michelin PS2 and Perelli P Zero seem good (the summer tires). All season's may buzz slightly at higher speeds. Not noticable to most folks and only noticable to me on very smooth blacktop. I've run Michelins for 40 yrs. The Audi dealer is absolutely outstanding. Enjoy !
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    Is it true that you can get a CPO 05 A8 for about $35k? I heard about it at other forums but havent been able to confirm it.
    Thanks
  • theanimaltheanimal Member Posts: 29
    Not only can you get a CPO 05 A8 for $35, but I've been finding them even less depending on mileage. Right now I am very close to buying an 05 A8L, CPO with 42K miles for $31K. Has premium, 19", cooled seats, amaretto on black. Not a bad deal (of course, 6 months from now I bet this same care is closer to $25K, but I've been waiting for what seems like forever for a 'new' car).
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    As the proud owner of a 2005 A8 (standard wheel base) with only 32K miles and the very same options you listed, I am disappointed to learn what they are worth on the market. However, for you this sounds like a real buy and I would take the deal. I would also want an extended warranty for the peace of mind, knowing what repair costs can be on any large German car. A single major repair can cost twice the price of a warranty and make it easier to sell later.

    Best of luck.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What does a CPO Audi give you? I was looking at an E500 4-matic CPO and MB gives you bumper to bumper warranty to 100k on all CPO cars.

    -mike
  • pmichaelmdpmichaelmd Member Posts: 8
    Audi gives you a limited warranty for 2 yrs and up to 100k miles from original in-service date. Example: 2007 A8, 23k miles, originally sold 12/30/06, resold as CPO vehicle. New owner has full factory warranty until 12/30/10 or 50k miles. Whenever either milestone is reached (4 yrs/50k miles), the CPO warranty kicks in. Realistically, you have a limited warranty until 12/30/12 or 100k miles.

    MB has a similar limited warranty, but it's only 1 yr and up to 100k miles. Same E500 CPO, purchased in 12/06 would have its warranty expire in 12/11 or 100k miles.

    Interestingly, have owned the E500 and traded it in recently for my A8L. It was a very nice car, but the A8L is in a different league, as it should be.

    Cheers,
    PMMD
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    "Different League" What do you mean, can you elaborate?

    -mike
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    ck auto week, my bible, for the A8 compared to the BMW 7 and MB 550.
    That's the different league. Harbo aka [email protected]
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Oh so no real life info, just bench racing stuff? Give us the goods, I'm sure I'm not the only person reading here that is cross-shopping these 2 cars.

    -mike
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    Just as the other guy stated I went from an E500 to an A8 and it was a signifcant upgrade. I will not say anything bad about the E500, I actually really liked it but it didn't really offer inspired driving. It was a very good car that did everything pretty well but left no feeling of passion.

    The A8 (mine was not an "L") did a few things very well. First I had the Sport option with the paddle shifters and air suspension. It made the car a lot of fun as you could use the shifters to play with the power band. The car also handled very well, not just in messy weather but overall it was really fun to drive. It also has the nicest interior of any car in its class. The quality of the materials and their finish as well as the design was great. I had the Amaretto interior which was stunning with a black exterior. The final thing is that you don't see an A8 coming and going all day, it is a unique car that rewards the owner throughout the entire experience. I'll continue to drive audi's after the A8 expeience.
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    My last experience with an E500 was enough years ago that a valid comparison would not be possible. But, when I left the last E500 for an A8 (previous generation), the difference was dramatic in terms of driving fun and comfort. The E500 was almost trucklike compared to my previous A8. And my current A8 was another step up in performance and luxury.

    For anyone shopping for an A8, I say seriously consider the standard wheel base model. Unless you are operating a limo service, why have an unnecessary 5" in the back seat and 200+ pounds of dead weight to carry around. My back seat passengers think they are in great luxury without it. The performance difference is noticeable.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    THanks for the input guys. I'm still a year or so out so I'll keep my eyes posted for more impressions as time goes on.

    I really like the Audis, but have read/heard/seen the reliability be pretty poor on em :( That's really the only thing that would stop me from diving in.

    -mike
  • raglawraglaw Member Posts: 3
    Has any Audi owner with new car warranty up 50,000 miles been sold extended Audi warranty for up to 100,000 miles, and was not told that the term of the extended warranty does not run from purchase of the extended warranty but from January of the year when you first got the car, eg 2002. The Audi brochure was deceptive and the dealer told me I had six years from July 2005 purchase but in fact expired 12/31/07. I paid almost $3,000 for extended warranty that lasted one year past my original five years and less than 20,000 miles after my original 50,000 miles.
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    for all infos. I actually prefer the 06 A8, since the big grille actually looks cool on it (unlike the A4's). but I was a bit shocked by the price difference, $44k for 06 vs $35k for 05.
    I'm thinking beige interior, but err... what's amaretto? I prefer dark blue exterior though, black 2nd.
    I'm aware of Audi's horrific reliability record, so do you recommend an extended warranty? I mean an 05 will have no original warranty left, logically.
    I'm about 3 months away from purchasing. Thanks
  • ayyateayyate Member Posts: 53
    Amaretto is Audi's saddle color, although slightly darker and richer looking than most saddles. I have it and love it, especially in combination with the wood (not too dark not too light) that comes with it. I am not sure it is available with the blue exterior, however.

    I would not characterize Audi's reliability record as horrific at all. Not as good as most cars from Japan, maybe, but what German car is. Porsche perhaps. In the last J.D. Power initial quality survey, Audi had come up to 10th (a tie) I believe, so they may be improving. The initial quality survey does not answer long term questions but may be an indication of better quality. I am still a proponent of extended warranties for any luxury car.
  • theanimaltheanimal Member Posts: 29
    m4d_cow, I agree with you that the big grill on the 06 does look very nice on the A8 compared to the other Audi models. Just this past weekend I finally took delivery of my preowned 05 A8L after watching the market for them drop over the past 2 years. 04's can be had very cheap but I was unwilling to take a chance with a first model year car, along with the fact that I wanted the smart key system.

    All of the dealerships by me have the 06 for at least $10K more then the 05, often times with few options. I would recommend a late model 05 as those have the bluetooth system built in instead of the non functioning OnStar. I was able to get my black/black A8L, with Premium, Cold, 19"s, wood steering wheel with paddle shifters, ventilated seats, parktronics, self closing doors with 39K miles for $32.5K. Warranty still good for 11K miles or 9 months, then 2 years of CPO after that. I know that next year I could get an 06 at the same price but I was just too tired of waiting.

    Regarding the blue exterior, you can get both the dark blue as well as Northern Blue Pearl with the Amaretto interior, as I test drove several A8s in that configuration. I love the Amaretto but the deal I had for at a local dealership fell through so I went for the Black/Black. Best of luck.
  • acenjacenj Member Posts: 58
    OK,

    I've seen some ebay cars (new) discounted 10-15K off sticker. There is obviously some factory to dealer $$$ out there. Edmunds doesn't have it listed, nor do any other sites, i'm assuming Audi is actually doing a good job of keeping this news private.

    Does anyone out there know what the actual incentive currently is?

    Ace
  • m4d_cowm4d_cow Member Posts: 1,491
    I'd love to know more too...

    I'm still about 3-5 months away from purchasing. Do you think the 06 prices will be lower by then?
This discussion has been closed.