1998 Audi A8 Consumer Discussions

Audi A8

• How reliable is a used 2006/2007 A8?

  Written by: djt21 on Jun 15, 2009 8:08:36 PM

  I have several friends with older 1998-2003 audi's of various models (with moderate mileage - about 60k), they often complain or electrical gremlins and various other component failures with their cars. I'm looking for feedback from 2006/2007 A8 owners and their reliability experiences.

Buying a Used Audi A8

• Re: 1998 Audi A8 4.2 quattro [iankzoo]

  Written by: dstehle on Nov 19, 2008 12:16:41 PM

  I'm considering buying this car as well. 95K miles. How was your experience? David dstehle@icnsystems.com

• 1998 Audi A8 4.2 quattro

  Written by: iankzoo on Sep 30, 2008 4:16:57 PM

  hi, what do you guys think. A dealer has an audi A8 4.2 with 100.500 miles on it selling for $6500. When typically you change your timming belt for A8? is there anything i should know besides carfax report?

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: ljflx [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 25, 2005 11:05:23 AM

  Interesting points, as always. I do think you're looking at from just a hp/price standpoint and I think it will take more than that and a fuel economy edge to crack the market at the high end, especially on a proposed 600hp car. Mercedes has played their hand as far as the S600 and S65, you're right they aren't going to get any cheaper. However we really need to see what ... Read More

• Re: ljflx [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 18, 2005 8:02:31 AM

  Yes there was a 6-cylinder 735i at one time from 1988-1992, just before the last S320 came out. The previous S320 made up 40 percent of S-Class sales during certain years from 1992-1999. The Audi S8 is/was performance model and doesn't "die" like you say it does. Its the same has MB not having an E55 from 1996-1998, or BMW and M5 from 1997-1999, those models always come a few years ... Read More

• 2005 Detroit Autoshow Report!

  Written by: merc1 on Jan 19, 2005 2:22:47 AM

  Fear not! Your annual Detroit Autoshow Report is here!   First off I'll say that the show is getting to crowded. There simply isn't enough space for every maker to display all their products. Only the luxury brands will be elaborated on here.   Audi - Each and every vehicle seemed to be a winner to everyone there. I personally love the new A6, grille and all. Ditto for the updated ... Read More

• lexusguy

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 12, 2004 9:44:18 PM

  "I've always been curious about something, why cant the Germans manage to put in-dash CD changers in their cars? That is something that Nissan and Honda were doing 10 years ago, and yet just recently Audi managed to actually put one in a few of its cars, and cars that just came out like the Taureg still have it shoved in the trunk. Whats up with that?" I'm going to surprise ... Read More

Audi A8

• New A8L

  Written by: irisht on May 18, 2004 10:25:48 AM

  It has been almost 3 weeks since I took delivery of my new A8L and I it is great. This 2004 replace a 1998 A8 (yea I like them) and I have no idea what lab4 and others are talking about. This is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven! One little issue has cropped up and that is the trim on the floor of the rear driver's ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• ljflx

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 2, 2004 9:32:50 PM

  Your post # 4309 is right on the money. They built cars for the long term, and thus were appreciated for such. Now the competition has forced shorter production cycles and more people are leasing so the first impressions are more important than 10 year qualities. Gee, that is exactly the point I was trying to make, and you understood it perfectly. The root of MB's problems is having to adjust ... Read More

• Aluminum a mistake in mass-produced cars?

  Written by: johncalifornia on Feb 28, 2004 11:48:47 AM

  In response to Pat's request for discussion of other marques, I pose this question: Is Jaguar making a big mistake building their new XJ series in aluminum? I think so, because: 1) The XJ is already the lightest model in its class, so losing weight need not be the updated model's first priority. 2) Aluminum vastly increases the costs of manufacture and repair. Even though Ford are setting up additional aluminum ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: merc1 on Nov 20, 2003 9:59:45 PM

  Yes, even I the survey detractor have to look at the Audi sideways, only because my own personal observations haven't been good concerning the V8 drivetrain in the A6 4.2 and the previous A8 with the same engine. They are known for drop their transmission from time to time, especially the A8. A friend of mine was looking at a 1998 C280 at a Audi dealership, but Audi couldn't sell him ... Read More

Audi A8

• Problems with a 1998 A8 4.2

  Written by: alobo18 on Jun 28, 2003 4:14:23 PM

  Just wanting to share some of the problems i'm having with my 98 A8. Perhaps some of you have had similar problems and could confirm them and tell me how the dealership handled them. Luckily the car is still under Audi Assured. First there is the transmission which has jerk when decelerating in the 55-66 mph range. The dealership claims that they cant find a problem, although last time I took ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: hage45 on Jun 13, 2003 12:41:30 PM

  Paul-I also have a Lexus, LS430 Custom 2001, but my previous car was a 1998 Audi A8. How do you compare the new A8 to the Lexus.

High End Luxury Cars

• 1487

  Written by: merc1 on Nov 4, 2002 10:29:22 PM

  You've somehow let the others confuse you. Where did I use "ownership experience" in any of MY posts? Though since you bring up the concept, why don't you take a look at the SL500 board and see what the owners have to say. Are you saying that every SL has to go back to the dealer and that all MB dealers are arrogant? If that is the case all of Cadillac's ... Read More

Audi A8

• My '98 A8

  Written by: automan227 on May 11, 2002 7:03:54 PM

  I have had my 1998 A8 4.2 for about a year now. I picked it up Audi Assured about a year ago. Since that time, there have been no really major problems with the car and love the car. Could just used a little more power....pre owned s8 here I come. Anyway I thought I would just clarify some of the problems that other owners have had and that I had. ... Read More

• Audi A8

  Written by: ccrawford22 on Nov 9, 2001 2:57:35 PM

  We have a 1998 Audi A8 with 52,000 miles. Other than rotor warpage, taken care of by Audi, and sorry Goodyear tires when new, it has been an excellent high performance sedan. Good fuel economy on the open highway, 23 to 24 mpg at 80+, and reasonable around town, 17. This is the type of car that quietly sneaks up on folks and is extremely competent. I recommend switching to Michelin ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• ljflx

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 18, 2001 11:23:50 PM

  Never say never, you're right.......I just might one day drive an LS430 myself just to see what all the hoopla is about it. I haven't driven the LS since 1998. The last Lexus I drove was the IS300 last summer. Nope not Mercury. Merc is short for Mercedes of course. xjs5, That probably as good as it's going to get for an S8. The Audi dealer here can't keep them, but ... Read More

Audi A8

• 1998 A8 4.2

  Written by: lostwages on Oct 26, 2000 1:13:15 AM

  I have never owned an Audi (Volvo and BMW) but am considering a 1998 A8 4.2 w/ 18,500 miles for $40,000. I have liked this car for some time, but I do not know much about them. Could someone give me insight as to dependability, is it fun to drive, what you like best about the car, what you like least, and anticipated cost of major tune, etc. Any info would ... Read More

• 98 A8

  Written by: stheodd1 on Jul 3, 2000 11:48:06 AM

  1998 A8 - 16000 miles - asking $47000 from a dealer. Is this the right price? I have not owned an Audi before but I am interested in this car. Would appreciate any feedback or thoughts on this. Are there any financing deals from the factory? Will watch for posts or contact s.theodoredis@att.net

• My not so joyful A8 experiences

  Written by: norwind on Aug 10, 1999 1:41:40 PM

  Hello All, I own an A8 4.2l 1998 and have some non theoretical experiences to share. 1. It takes a hell of a long time to get the AL automobile fixed. I was run off the road at a high speed clover leaf access and what looked like a safe run off zone had a hidden 4' deep drainage ditch. Over three months w/o my ten day old car. Cost to ... Read More

• My not so joyful A8 ownership

  Written by: norwind on Aug 10, 1999 1:27:04 PM

  Hello All, I own an A8 4.2l 1998 and have some non theoretical experiences to share. 1. It takes a hell of a long time to get the AL automobile fixed. I was run off the road at a high speed clover leaf access and what looked like a safe run off zone had a hidden 4' deep drainage ditch. Over three months w/o my ten day old car. Cost to ... Read More