These superb vehicles cater to the desires of driver and passenger with equal discernment. Behind th
These superb vehicles cater to the desires of driver and passenger with equal discernment. Behind the wheel, effortless power thanks to compact, light-yet-strong engines underpinned by the confidence and control of legendary quattro® all-wheel drive. Throughout the cabin, cocooning luxury, down to the last immaculate detail. The Audi A8: Masterpieces of design and engineering.
With its integrated Multi Media Interface (MMI), the A8 offers a complete revolution in interior dynamics, giving the driver a simple, direct method of control. But it goes much further - every technological detail of the A8 is advanced. Always smart. Always simple. Technology that makes driving as pleasurable and as safe as possible.
Summary: I have owned my 1999 Audi A8 for 3 years.
I have put 40,000 miles on it and the car has been flawless. It is, hands down, the most incredible car on the planet. It swiftly carries me and my passengers anywhere we want to go, under any road conditions, in comfort and style. It is supurbly sporty, yet elegant and understated.
My 99, despite being nearly 8 years old and with 80,000 miles on her, still looks like a brand new car. People are shocked when I tell them it's a 99.
There are no rattles or squeaks and the fit and finish are still better than a new BMW I drove last week. It is a very well engineered car.
Strengths: The 4.2 V8 is bulletproof. The interior is beautful and user-friendly. It is an incredible value when purchased pre-owned, especially under the Audi CPO program.
Weaknesses: The armrest will break if you or your passengers lean on it too hard when exiting the vehicle. The transmission has been an issue for some 97-99 owners.
(not me)
This is not a Camry or an Accord. Parts are expensive and the car is far more complicated. It is a high performance luxury German sedan.
A timing belt at 90,000 miles will cost you $1,500.00.
Similar Products Used: BMW 745i
Lexus LS40
Infiniti Q45
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Summary: I drove many vehicles before deciding tto purchase a 2001 Audi A8L. The cars included slightly used Mercedes E and S class examples, new VW Tauregs, Lexus LS, VW Passatt, Audi A6, Audi A4 and many others. All left me cold except the A8.
Strengths: The A8 feels great. It stayed level in turns and while braking (it reminded me of the Porsche 968 I used to own), it feels extraordinarily rigid and planted to the pavement. It is quiet and so comfortable. Long drives seem shorter. The V8 has plenty of pull and it sounds great. I love this car and to date it has needed only minor repairs which have been covered on Audi's pre-owned two year or 100,000 total mile warranty. This is a car that is fun to drive and extremely comforable and luxurious. I also like the A8L understated aesthetics also. I wouldn't mind driving this car for the rest of my life!
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Summary: As other readers have noted, the A8 is probably one of the best sleeper cars out there. What do I mean by that? Well, it has build quality that rivals Rolls Royce, features in a 98' that New cars are just starting to include, performance and handling to rival the best sports sedans out there and hardly anyone knows anything about it! Until the new A8 came out, noone I talked to even new Audi made an A8. Most of these were corporate executive fleet cars and the mileage and extremely nice condition of these used cars reflects that. The only downside that I will agree with others about is the goofy Audi Electronics that seem to have a mind of their own. The climate control does whatever the hell it wants, the sunroof will open occasionally for no reason (but easily closes) and more disturbingly, the transmission will just electronically lock up and prevent the car from moving on occasion with hard driving. Other than that, the car is an AMAZING deal at $10-$20k for a higher mileage vehicle. As long as you make sure the key service points had been done, you should have a great car for years to come!
Strengths: Amazing build quality, Quattro is best handling AWD out there. Performance is amazing. Great gas mileage for big car. Refined luxury at a bargain price.
Weaknesses: Audi parts and service is VERY EXPENSIVE! Transmission is clunky and suspect on many older A8s. Resale value is poor.
Similar Products Used: Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 Roadster
Pontiac Vibe GT
Nissan Maxima SE
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
Chevy Prism LSi
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Summary: I would agree with everyone that this a8 is amazing car to drive. It has so many accesories that I have never seen in other cars. The handling is super the fastest the I was doing on the turns is 50 miles in 90 degree turn with fully pressed gas pedal and it is amazing, never experienced anything like that. In here CA I have visit 4 audi dealers all of them are friendly but I was just buying the parts nothing else. I'm fixing or trying to fix it myself and so far I had to rebuld the left front drive axle and it cost me $75 at NAPA just to rebuild it which is excellent, also planning to change oil in trany and rear deff. will see how is that going to be. Other than that it's a real luxury car, you won't be disapointed I have 110000 miles on it and no complaints for now except the gas mileage but we all know that alway you gotta pay for comfort because it's never free.
Strengths: HANDLING, design, body, suspension, interior leather, driving at more than 120 mph.
Weaknesses: left arm rest, gas mileage.
Similar Products Used: avalon, mercedes e320, maxima.
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Summary: This is by far a unique auto, and an engineering marvel. Smooth, quiet and full of power. I agree with others in this forum that there is a serious visibility issues and blind spot in the rear. Average is 24.5 MPG which is great for the large V8. The solar panel in the sun roof is very creative. It came with Goodyear tires which were trashed at 28k miles and were replaced with Continental tires. I was very pleased with tge results in tire change. Not very pleased with Audi corporate customer support as they are nothing more than clerks screening calls and protecting the inside management from dealing with customer issues.
Strengths: Smooth as silk ride. The seats with the back support are the greatest.
Weaknesses: The rear gear clutch module in the transmission failed at 56,000 miles while all other gears work properly. Car has a good service record but is out of warranty. Transmission cannot be repaired but replaced at a cost of $6,000.00. Audi parts are the only option. Audi won't participate financially in the repair unless another Audi is purchased. They don't stand behind the product.
Similar Products Used: Meercedes
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