1999 Audi A8 Review

1999 Audi A8

Written by: Paul on 11/11/2009

Vehicle

1999 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro 4WD Sedan

Review

Drives like a dream. Good handling. You have to step on the gas when taking off from a stop but once going, it's ready to fly. Very comfortable especially on long trips. Expensive to repair. Lots of features to go wrong. It has 3 or 4 ball joints per side. I replaced 3 one side. The arm rest just broke and I haven't priced that out but I heard it could cost up to $500. I'll look for a used one. Recommended timing belt change between 80K and 100K cost was around $2K. I bought it with 18,000 miles and now have 102,000. It looks and feels better than most new cars. The blue book is only around $7K. I think it would be a steal at that price.

Favorite Features

It is the most comfortable and best built car I have owned. Not one rattle. The sound system and quattro drive are great.

Suggested Improvements

Cheaper replacement part cost. Automatic head lights. Sunglass holder in front of moon roof. Automatic garage door opener like my A6 had.

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78,000 miles, 10 years old, Still Great

Written by: Larry Vale on 06/02/2009

Vehicle

1999 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro 4WD Sedan

Review

I've had no problems besides the front rack a few years ago. ($2k). Just scheduled maintenance involved and PM changing the transmission filter and fluid a few weeks ago. No door dings or rust with the Alum body. No squeaks or rattles either. Undervalued in the market.

Favorite Features

Very tight nimble feel.

Suggested Improvements

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Deep pockets required

Written by: nomoreaudi on 02/26/2006

Vehicle

1999 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro 4WD Sedan

Review

A beautiful car; smooth and quiet ride. Was looking forward to several years of ownership and driving pleasure. However, transmission trouble, numerous MIL error codes and gasket leaks generated enormous shop bills, (primarily the labor to diagnose problem & access components for servicing). There are few options for service outside of the dealer network. Yet, dealers and independent shops that specialize in German automobile service alike seemed puzzled by some of the issues this car presented. At purchase time, it looked like a bargain in comparison to the Lexus LS400. However, long term cost of ownership is outrageous. 1 year repair/maint. costs exceeded $7K with no end in sight.

Favorite Features

Timeless exterior styling; roomy, comfortable interior. Smoothest, quietest ride I've ever experienced. 300hp delivers awesome performance on highway. Fuel economy not bad for a car of this size/strength. AWD great in snow, though little clearance. A pleasure to drive, when it felt like running

Suggested Improvements

Absolutely must improve on long term mechanical reliability. Can't hold a candle to Lexus in that regard. In fact, most American cars fare better mechanically at 80K miles. Parts hard to come by; too few service options. Don't need/want a car that spends ~20% of its time on a lift in the shop.

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Cost of Disappointment

Written by: Blair on 01/21/2006

Vehicle

1999 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro 4WD Sedan

Review

This car, while I love the styling and driving it, is the largest disappointment I have ever had in a car. In the 19 months or so that I have had the car, I have had over $12K in repairs in the car. Between depreciation and cost of repairs, the car has cost me nearly $2K a month to drive, not including gas and insurance. I could have gotten a new BMW if I had wanted to pay that kind of money each month. The transmission went out on the car at 92K miles and it is $5500 to replace through Audi. Nothing from Audi has more than a 12 month/12K mile warrantee. That is pitiful considering the cost and that there are no other replacements.

Favorite Features

I like the get up and go when it is on the road.

Suggested Improvements

Build a better quality car and have confidence in what you are selling by backing it with more than a 12 month/12K mile warantee. Show that you are worth the cost that you demand or will at least stand behind your product for that kind of cost.

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Sad state of affairs

Written by: Audi Owner on 06/06/2005

Vehicle

1999 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro 4WD Sedan

Review

These cars are really nice cars, however this particular model (mabye not the newer ones) has depreciated GREATLY over the years and has a ton of mechanical problems that are out of warranty and not cheap to fix. BEWARE of having to fix this car, it will NOT be cheap. That being said, it is a great car to drive and looks and handles very well.

Favorite Features

The ride is very smooth, and it has a nice power to weight ratio.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the prices on parts, 189.00 for a radiator hose!(call the dealership) is kinda steap. or 200.00 for an ABS sensor, or 450.00 for a idle speed sensor, or 650.00 for a front bumper cover.. These are just to name a few, and obviously they all needed repair at one time on my car.

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