Audi A8

Price Paid:  $72000.00 from Lavery

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Audi A8-L

Strengths:
The car lives up to all the positive reviews in regard to performance and looks.

Weaknesses:
In this instance, unreliable. Major service problems remain unresolved in brand new car. Audi's dealer support seems inadequate to resolve technical (i.e., computer/electronic) problems.

Summary:
The car has been in service for almost five of the nine weeks which I have owned the vehicle. Repeated electronic failures attributed to "the computers" have baffled my local service department. These failures have affected at least six different electrical systems including battery failure. Parts, I am informed. are on back order and need to be shipped from Germany. Audi has (finally) verbally agreed to replace the car. (My promise to picket their booth at the Detroit Auto Show may have influenced their decision.) I am concerned about future problems with this model, however and remain uncertain whether to accept their offer or insist on refund.

Similar Products Used:
Audi A-6T, Porche, Infiniti, BMW

Price Paid:  $64000.00 from Exchnage -Highland P

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 A8L

Strengths:
Fit and finish Great Dash/Lighting Passenger room (back) Smooth and consistent performance Classic style, exclusivity

Weaknesses:
Brakes could have a bit more heft Driver armrest could extend out further No day-time running lights

Summary:
Vault-like smoothness. Handles corners in road-holding fashion that belies its size. Not a jack-rabbit, but smooth, constant acceleration. Everything is in the right place eergonomically. I have no problem with the steering. Light Silver color compliments the lines. 18" "pie-plates" look great.

Similar Products Used:
Lexus Gs400, Q45

Price Paid:  $67000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 /A8L

Strengths:
Quattro system with ESP is undeniably the BEST - blows Jeeps' system away on ice and steep drives. Aluminum construction shines - mileage on most tanks: 23 mpg average! Only production sedan of it's size with 6.7 0-60 acceleration.

Weaknesses:
Acknowledged bug in GPS (won't default to miles), Exhaust system sensors with OBD III diagnostics are too sensitive - triggered warning lights at outset. Also, don't drive with polarized shades - the GPS and radio controls are dimmed, if not totally blacked out as the savants at Audi polarized those screens also.

Summary:
Until Mercedes has a 'quattro' S series sedan - and even when they do; the A8 provides unmatched value and time tested Quattro heritage. Drove A6 4.2 for a year before the A8L - no comparison to the A8's finish, fit, feel and handling. A8 is just as fast as the A6 4.2 (6.7 second) and handles BETTER with the aluminum frame despite it's size (weighs about the same still).

Only wish Audi was more forthcoming about the new redesigned A8 coming out in 2003 - see Automobile Magazine 6/01. There are a few things on the A8 which were tempermental at first - OBDIII exhaust sensors tripping check engine lite - resolved now. Also, acknowledged bug in GPS where it won't default to miles instead of kms. Last, wearing polarized shades yield dimmed, if not blacked out, GPS and radio instrumentation - tach, speed, etc, gauges are fine.

Minor, minor problems at first with this car - Audi USA is adament about making the customer happy. Dealers should be giving A8 owners rides, cars above the A6 as loaners, etc - bending over backwards according to a field rep for Audi - complain if your's isn't!!

Similar Products Used:
A6 had auto-up rear windows - A8 doesn't. A8 throws shifter or telephone controls on wheel where audio presets were on A6.

Price Paid:  $67000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 A8

Strengths:
Quiet ride, smooth and powerful engine, Amazing interior quality, styling and comfort. The stereo system is the best I've ever heard anywhere. Trunk space is vast. This car is inspiring on twisty roads. Quality construction is evident everywhere.

Weaknesses:
Styling is understated but unique

Summary:
Quality, grace, comfort and subtle style. The Quattro all wheel drive system and the ESP control gives a very safe driving impression and amazing driving performance. Engine power is abundant. It's been snowy here in the North East and the Quattro system is very effective, even in 10 inches of snow. Amazing! If you want a go anywhere, anytime, in any condition with grace and style car, this is the one for you.

Similar Products Used:
Much improved over 1999 A8 that I owned previously. Blows away the two different BMW 7 series I owned in the not so distant past.

Price Paid:  $57000.00 from Online

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 A8L 4.2 Quattro

Strengths:
The car is very wide so there is plenty of space. The interior design and layout is better than a BMW or Mercedes. The engine is strong. Rear space on a A8L is ample, a bit cramped on a A8(much like a A6). Trunk is large on both models. Quattro. In dash CD and CD changer. The Navigation is more difficult to program cause of the sleak input design, but better in actual use, cause its safer. The Nav display is right on the dash between the tach and speedo. And the instructions are verbal so there is no looking over to see a display. Dual armrests. Great Acoustic parking system. Solar powered sunroof keeps the AC fans going when the car is parked. All aluminum frame makes the car much lighter and faster than it looks. The car is perhaps the safest passenger sedan on the road with dual front 5 star ratings. Dual front, Side impact airbags front and rear and Curtain airbags over the side windows coupled with aluminum space frame arguably make this car the safest on the road. Incognito styling makes this car luxurious without being arrogant.

Weaknesses:
Rear seats need recline option like BMW, Very bad Blindspot at 5 o''clock on A8. Incredibly bad blindspot at 5 o''clock on A8L. The blindspot is caused by the thick C column and Rear headrests. It''s not really a problem with the right mirror set correctly. Steering is over-assisted and makes the car too "tourey", but my wife likes it cause its effortless. The car shifts out of 1st too quickly. On some years, the stock tires are terrible and make the car squeel very easily in corners. (ditch the goodyears) Audi has a reputation for making great cars and having terrible dealerships in the United States. Well I can say its True. Their dealers are horrible. You have to use them cause the cars have a 4 year warranty that covers maintenance. So be aware.

Summary:
I''m an Audi nut, but I''m going to be objective as possible. A stunning car. The interior buttons and controls are intuitive and easy to use. The Bose stereo is excellent and easily outperforms everything but the most expensive aftermarket units and systems. Seats are extremely comfortable for a 6''2" driver (I can straighten my left leg). I used to have a 2000 A8 and traded it in for the 2001 A8L for the extra 5" of rear leg room and the more imposing look. The A8L is a real head turner of a car, amazing considering the older exterior styling. There just aren''t that many on the road. More impressive than a 7 series or S series because of their rarity and size. The 310 hp engine is extremely fast and the ride is impeccible and quiet. The Quattro is an absolute must if you drive in the rain. I''ve seen BMWs and MB at a complete standstill when launching from a redlight with their tires spinning on the wet asphalt or their engines revving down to re-establish grip, while my Audi screams away.

Similar Products Used:
BMW 7 series (A very nice car, needs AWD) A6