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Audi A8
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The '01 A6 4.2 utilizes the engine found in '99 or older A8's. In 2000 the A8 recieved a minor facelift, revamped suspension (more liberal use of aluminum components), and a new 5v 4.2 litre engine which makes some comparisons difficult unless the A8 is a '99 or '98.
Any suggestions? (Looking at a '97 Quattro with 33k miles for about $35-36k.)
Q: How smooth and how noticeable is your AWD system in a) dry weather, b) wet weather/snowy weather, c) aggressive, sporty driving and in accererations while cornering.
I know this isn't a 4-matic forum, but I do appreciate all who respond!! Thanks
Pete
I almost never notice my 4WD, until I get into my FWD Mazda 626 and try to take the same turn at the same speed, particularly in the rain. That's when I realize how much I love quattro. The A6 4.2 is so "point-and-shoot" that you begin to depend on it. It never growls or complains...it just goes where you tell it to. Get into another car and you can scare yourself at how out-of-control it feels. The A6 goes right down the center of the lane in a hard turn, other cars do well, but you're at the outside of the lane with the rear slightly out of line. It could only get better with 4-wheel steering.
I didn't notice this until I drove my A6 for 8-9 days without swapping cars. I was a skeptic, now I know I'll never buy another car without quattro, unless I can't afford it.
That reassures me, and validates what my dealer told me about the 4-matic operation and design. I knew I would appreciate the AWD after going from a '96 C280 to the '99 E320. The C280 came base -- no ASR or ESP, and it was a nightmare in winter weather. Now, I love to punch it past rear-drive germans and japanese in the snow w/ the 4-matic.
BTW, if you want a busy BBS, try the A6 forum. Bye. M
If I were you and wanted to do something short term, I'd probably do either the S4 or A6 2.7. My 2.8 was very, very, very slow, beautiful, but slow.
I too am waiting for '03 and the new S8. I bought my A8 from a friend and saved on the lux tax, not quite like buying brand new, but at 12 months old the car was hardly abused. I can't wait for some real info (supposedly a 12cyl model RS8 will be availble too). I love the L, but the short wheelbase handles like a sports car and is bigger than my A6 (although the trunk is actually smaller than the 6.
Whatever you do, enjoy and share your experiences with others.
Ciao, Randy
The A8's ride and handling and acceleration are tremendous. The A6 2.8 is a lot slower, feels as though it's heavier and doesn't have the crispness of the A8. The A8 gives you more interior volume, but a smaller trunk. The A6's styling is more up-to-date, but some people don't like the rear end. The A6 should still have some original service (either 3/36 for '99 or 4/50 for '00) and could probably be a certified-pre-owned car if you are willing to pay for it.
I would call your local Audi dealer to see if they will certify a car for you (the dealers are wonderfully cooperative) and if the cars are local, see what history they can pull up on them (you will need VIN numbers) also check with a source like carfax.com to see if there have been any major problems with the car (again you'll need VIN numbers). Then, drive them both on the same day of possible. My choice would probably be to get the A6 due to warranty issues and the chance of extended factory warraties being available. I fear that the A8 could be pretty costly to maintain, and if there are problems, the're going to be expensive.
Good luck and let us know you final decision.
Randy
I am a bit concerned about the potential running costs though, tyres, electrical and mechanical problems, etc.
Does anybody have any guidence for me.
Thanks
peter
This story will touch on the following trends:
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I saw that picture on line a while ago and use it as my backgorund. Thanks for the heads up, I'm sure my Automobile mag is at home. I hope the new A8 ends up looking good in person, hard to tell from the picts.
Asking price is $37k; it's a lease return, very clean.
Does this sound like a decent deal?
Are there hard to find bugs that could cost me down the road.
I figure since it's still under mfg. warranty I should be safe.
Can someone tell me if all scheduled maintenance is included up to a certain
time and milege on this car?
Thanks,
I have never owned an Audi, so I will not be much help to you. I am hoping an A8 veteran will assist both of us regarding this technological wonder of a car. I love the 300hp and quattro system!
I have not driven the A8. I drove an A6 over the weekend but did not have time to drive an A8. I liked the A6, but my wife likes the look of the A8 better, and I like the idea of a larger car with the bigger engine. My only concerns are maintenance for this complicated machine, and the fact that an all new A8 will be on showroom floors in the spring of 2003. I know that is quite a ways off, but it will kill the resale value of the current body style.
Please share your test drive experience and what you consider the pros and cons to this car.
My best friend (and previous owner of my car) has an '01 S500 sport that I had last week (poor soul took delivery of his new 996 Turbo) and can say that while the Audi doesn't have the street recognition of the MB, it is certainly much more enjoyable to drive. My buddy agrees, and wished that he hadn't passed on his '01 S8 and bought the MB.
If you can have the cars certified by an Audi dealer, can get a hold of the service records and don't plan on owning the car for more than 3-4 years, I would highly recommend the A8. Remember even Audi's CPO warranty is from the date of initial delivery of the car. If you are worried about the costs associated with owning a high end, complicated sport sedan (it is all of these), then don't bother even driving one. It makes the A6 feel like a poorly designed slug, and NONE of the competition can compete. A8's are the best kept secrete around! MHO
I really need you opinons and advice on this subject. Thanks...
Jon
It is advertised as having all options but for the cell phone. I have searched but can't find a site that will give me detailed info re: standard equipment and what optional equipment was offered on the '99 model. I would like help in finding out what options this car should have. Additionally, any input from owners of the '99 model would be appreciated (pros/cons). The 2000 and 2001 sound great, but my budget is in the '99 range - although the newer 310 hp engine would be nice!
They also just replaced the tranny in my car - also under warranty. It shifted funny between 4-5, slipping a bit. And it did something very odd at high speeds (+70) when I let up on the accelerator. It kind of thumped, let go briefly. Wierd. Service mgr couldn't believe it either and they changed chip several times, went back and forth w the factory, etc. Finally they just swapped it out. Solved the main mechanical problems but since they changed the chip it still acts odd when in 5th gear. It still shifts weird, even w the new tranny. I'll have to take it back again. This is my 6th Audi and I've never had problems before. I love this car, but this problem is getting tiring.
M
The best deal seems to be a previously owned 2000 A8, with the latest improvements. Anyone know if the 2000's had the Hot option with the solar sunroof/ air exchange system and insulated glass?
Also - for a very active A8 forum, please see the one on the Audiworld site. Don't know why this one is so slow - the A6 forum is very active here. I guess we are just too exclusive.
M
The front rotors have been a problem but Audi has taken care of any issues. The original Goodyears were sorry, now replaced by Michelins. You will enjoy the Audi.
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.
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!
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
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,