Hey guys.....I am new to forum but have wanted a A8 for a very long time. I am finally in the position to buy/lease one.

I am a little concerned at the last comments, what should I be looking for regarding service records for my future A8?

In other words...if the 2004 are POS should I be looking for a 2005? Or should I be looking for any 2004 models that have had certain work done?

Any input would be really appreciated.

Thanks

nv00021

 

I'd steer clear of 2004's alltogether. Depending on price range get an '05 or '06 totally up to you. the '06 has a new face on it. I like the old face and grill so I chose an '05 and absolutely love it

 

Thanks for the feedback.....any other technical issues I should be looking for in the 2004 or 2005's?

Thanks

 

From my experience, from owning the car with 53k miles, (currently at 58k). The car runs amazing, quick, so comfortable, and amazing ride. Only problems that I have or have had are a wheel clicking, i asked around and it seems to be a part of the break that has popped up and just needs to be adjusted. One time the passenger side window wouldn't work correctly (i.e. only rolled down an inch) after leaving car off for 10 minutes, it worked perfectly haven't had that problem since. Those were the only problems I have come across. Make sure what version of the A8 you want. the short wheelbase is much cheaper maintenance and to purchase. This is solely because of the tires the A8L has different high load tires that are much much more expensive a tire. Hope this helps!

 

To circle back with everyone...

On the 55K maintenance.. Have the dealer break down the costs per item. The $850 turned into $544 for me. I did the following.

* The dealer normally has a $75 labor special for the oil which breaks down this way
-> 8qts synthetic at $10.88 each (dealer markup.. bleh) =~ $90
-> Labor - $75
-> Oil Filter - $22
* Air and pollen filter - bought the part and installing myself. Each of the filters were around $50. Labor was quoted at 30m each which means an hour total. Saved about $120 by installing myself.
* Spark plugs were $13 x 8. The rest of the cost was labor at about 1.5h
* Overall inspection and resetting service meter included. Everything on the car was in tip top shape. No issues.

On the topic of quality, I have been very happy with my 2005 A8 (regular wheelbase). I have only done maintenance. The parts cost is par for the course for a luxury brand. I have had no issues with the car and it was CPO. The only thing that has been any issue is the level of expertise of the techs at the dealer, especially with respect to electronincs. It might just be my dealer, but I had the same issues when I owned a BMW. Luxury brands seem to hire service advisers that like to tell you that a car is so technologically advanced instead of "I don't know, but I will check on it for you."

So my dealer experiences have been my only issue.

 

Great feedback, thanks so much

NJV

 

C'mon, the 2004 is not a POS, it just needs more TLC.

IMO the biggest thing to look for if you're getting an '04 is to get a good price and to make sure that it has been maintained properly and comes with a full set of service records. In other words, a private party sale would probably be more desirable than getting the car from a dealer. It's what I did, and I'm very satisfied so far.

l8r)

 

Does anyone know of a connector device I can use to attach my PC (Apple or PC) to the AUX female connector in the A8 (2007) glove box? I want to have the audio of DVD movies playing on my PC go through the car's sound system (AUX)...the kids or my wife are watching the movie on the PC... any ideas anyone?

 

Follow the link below and buy your cable

http://www.audipartssuperstore.com/c...roducts_id=410

 

i have an 04 a8l not a pos first of all i have had a bad ignitor on the drivers headlight for the low beam also new rear brakes new tires new electric brake switch mine was broken some oil in the car new spark plugs and a fix on the air bag light from the driver side air bag