Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

I totaled my car the other week, and im now looking at a replacment. Ive seen the A8 and i like it. The one im looking at is a 2001 A8L, with 116k and the guys wants about 12k for it. What can you guys tell me about this car? What should i look for. And is there any performance mods for this (Chip, intake, exhuast) ?

Thanks
Kris

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

First of all, 12K is rather steep for any D2 A8 with over 100k on the clock, for $11-14K you should be able to get something with half that mileage.

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

well I looked around.. It seems that a 2000 A8L with 129k is going for about 14995 around here.. my zip is 06415 and i did a 200 mile search through auto trader

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

any idea's?

Kris

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

Well, there are a few there with 60-70K miles for $12-15K, I would concentrate on those. When it comes to getting a D2 A8 in that price range, and other D2 owners I'm sure will tell you the same thing, its far more important to get a vehicle with a good service history and as few miles as possible.Its not really worth it IMHO to go after the 2001 and later D2s with all the options, or to try to hunt down a car with the exact color and options that you want.

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

Yeah looks like ill just have to spend a little more then. Any 2001/2000 A8L under 75k is going for more than $20k. I have yet to find anything like the price range you said. But im still looking. On these cars whats the most important thing i look for if i buy from a dealership?

Kris

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

Buying from the dealer - no significant advantages there, just have to cover all the basic stuff like service history and CarFax. Dealers do take good care of the used A8s they get, mostly for the purpose of charging more than an independent used car dealer. Nevertheless, you can find A8s with good service histories at independents as well. Depending on the mileage, check to see that all the "big" stuff has been changed up to that point, like belts, etc.


Hmm, there seems to be a pretty sizable price gap between the swb A8 and A8L compared to a year and a half ago during the gas crisis. I didnt think the market would rebound so fast. Still, this is probably the best state in the nation to shop for an A8 selection-wise (though probably not price-wise). You're not too far from me, I live in Waterford. I bought my 99 A8 with 68K on the clock for $14K in Mass, all the A8s around CT and NY were either too shady or overpriced at the time.

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

haha wow, i work in groton. lol. Ive look in pretty much all of North east. Im really looking at an L, whats the D2 and D3 that you are referring to? i know that.. 2000 is the 1st year for the L version. Is the L really worth the extra money? Ive seen the reg a8's go for around 10-12 with reasonable mileage. I just think the long verson is so nice.

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

D2 - 1994-2003 A8 (1997-2003 for the states)
D3 - 2003-current

IMHO the L version is not really worth it, unless you're going to be chauffering people over 6' tall in the back on a pretty regular basis. Having tried the back seat in borth the swb and lwb versions of the old A8s, the difference (which, if I'm not mistaken, is 5 more inches of legroom for the rear passenger) is not all that profound. The difference in handling, on the other hand, is somewhat noticeable. I've test driven the swb and lwb minutes apart, and the L version was a tad bit more ponderous. But if its rear legroom you're after, you're probably better off looking at the lwb 7-series and W140/W220 S-classes ;)

I too wanted the A8L at first, but I soon realized that the price premium was just not worth it for me. Yeah, they look somewhat more stately than other D2 A8s, but who's going to be able to tell the diff? The only benefit of getting an A8L, appearance-wise, is that the post-facelift 2000-2003 models had some more chrome accents around the bumpers, single-piece headlights, and other cosmetic changes that, lets face it, even most A8 owners dont know or care about.

RE: Looking at a 2001 A8L
 

HEY! *I* know, and CARE!!! When I can spare the loot I'm gonna give my pre-facelift D2 a facelift!!!:D