Audi A8 vs. VW Phaeton....thoughts??
 

I have been set on looking for an A8 then I came across a Phaeton. I am assuming the engine (v8), transmission and awd system are the same. Any other thoughts on maintenance differences or problems?

Pretty much the same car but has all of the 04 A8's faults, so its not very reliable in terms of design. If you want to buy an A8 that won't cause you much trouble then go with a 05+ A8, Phaetons aren't even made anymore, plus they don't look as nice IMO.

I am not sure I could afford an '05 A8. I was looking at 2000-2004 A8L. I want to spend under $15k.

Phaetons were imported to the US '04-'06. They are SUPPOSED to be available again in the US for the '09 model year.

If your looking to spend less than 15K for an A8 go with a D2 pre 03 so you can afford the repairs down the road. The D3 04+ will most likely bankrupt you unless you have an extra $4k a year to spend on repairs. Although the D3 usually costs around $5,000 to fix the transmission.

So auditech79... Are you saying the D2 model years are the cheaper ones to maintain, if your budget minded? In the D3 models, aren't the bugs worked out(mostly)?

The D3's have more recalls and TSB repairs then any audi ever released! The bugs are mostly all worked out in the 06+ models but you would still spend 40k+ for one.
A D2 A8 is the easiest to work on, parts are cheaper, and the quality is just as good as a D3 A8. The only thing you have to look out for on the D2 is the tranny, other than that the car is bulletproof.

So since I'm looking to buy CPO in two years or so (2010-2011), if I read you right the 06+ model years may be the right way to buy? The D2 to my understanding the tranny would have to be "recoded" correct and is this an expensive process?

If your looking to buy in a couple of years you could get an 05 probably in the high 20 thousands which would be a good deal. Right now the 04's are in the high 20's. The 05 has lots of improvements that the 04 A8 needed, there aren't many (if any) problems on the 05 A8, im looking to pick up an 05 A8 in the next two years as well. The 06 just has better goodies on it like; and upgraded MMI, FSI engine with more power and better gas mileage, back up camera as standard equipment in most cases etc.
As for the D2 and the transmission, if it has been serviced every 60k and hasn't been driven with any leaks then it should be ok. The problems with the D2 transmissions are usually caused by poor maintenance and not checking for leaks which happen pretty frequently on that car for some reason..

I like phaeton rear lights more than a8, but i hate phaeton gear knob - very annoying for me. I'd choose a8 without a doubt

As I recall, the Pheaton does not have the aluminum space frame which adds lots of weight. If you want a car that drives smaller, the Pheaton would probably feel more like a tank than the A8. Resell value is no comparison. Maybe a Ronin Style S8 from days old would be a good car to look into. You can get them under 20 and they are real cool.