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Re: How reliable is a used 2006/2007 A8? [djt21]
Written by: ayyate on Jun 25, 2009 6:29:40 PM
As the past owner of a 1999 and a 2005 A8, and now an S8, I can say that my experiences have always been favorable. However, I have not had a high mileage car, generally parting with them at around 50k miles or so. In spite of the car being more technologically advanced than the smaller Audis, it seems like they have fewer problems. I should add that my wife and ... Read More
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Re: NAV Discs [mclovin4]
Written by: ayyate on Feb 27, 2009 3:46:05 PM
Normally when I do not know an answer, I stand aside and let someone more knowledgeable take it. But since you directed your question to me, I will just tell you that I am not sure. But, since the system is DVD-based, requiring no software upgrade like a PC might, it seems you can safely jump over versions. On the 2005 A8 I currently have for sale, I went from the ... Read More
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Re: A8 Oil [mclovin4]
Written by: ayyate on Jan 24, 2009 5:52:17 PM
On the subject of oil for the 2005 A8, here is what Audi said in my 2005 owners manual: "Use only synthetic oil with the quality standard specification VW 502 00." Audi further recommends Castrol synthetic with that specification and the "viscosity SAE 5W-40 across all temperature ranges for normal driving conditions. However, if viscosity SAE 5W-40 is unavailable, you can also use viscosity grade SAE 5W-30 or SAE 0W-40 as ... Read More
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Re: New Owner (FNG) [mclovin4]
Written by: ayyate on Jan 21, 2009 6:55:52 PM
As the first owner of a 2005 A8, I have had very few unpleasant experiences. One pointer given to me was when my car had accumulated about 36K miles and suddenly started overheating. My dealer (a high volume LA dealer) said the A8 thermostat tends to fail at around 35 - 40K miles for some odd reason. So, if yours has not been replaced, you might want to consider it. One ... Read More
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Re: 2004 A8L Ignition [michmport]
Written by: ayyate on Mar 9, 2008 3:52:06 PM
I have had the same situation with the ignition key on my last two A8's (1999 & 2005). If my engine does not start on the first attempt, I have to remove the key and reinsert. This has been the case since they were new. I have been told, and since it has been the same on two cars now, I believe that this is designed into the car. Perhaps a ... Read More
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Re: Used Audi A8L's [robin23]
Written by: ayyate on Jan 6, 2008 11:47:41 AM
I have nothing but praise for my 2005 A8. I felt the same about my former A8 (a 1999). My next car will be an Audi, as well. As for the high speed comfort and the ability to use the phone while driving, I am extremely pleased, with one minor exception. When I am on the open road between LA and points east, such as Albuquerque, I go briskly. With the ... Read More
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Re: Used Audi A8L's [harbo]
Written by: ayyate on Jan 3, 2008 5:17:30 PM
I am surprised you heard about wind noise in the A8. My 2005 A8 is very quiet, except for tire noise at low speeds that has developed recently, which I attribute to flat spots on my original tires with 30,000 miles on them. I will be replacing them soon, for that reason. Buy the A8. You will be glad you did. I am on my second A8 and have been happy. ... Read More
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Re: Well, [dewey]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 24, 2007 10:52:29 PM
Where on earth did you get Mainland China Audi A8 sales stats from? Or is this A8 figure of yours just a pie in the sky guess? Ignorance often breeds arrogance. I happen to have a decent working knowledge in this field. What a proof? Here's a link from Audi's own website: http://www.audi.ie/audi/ie/en2/about_audi_ag/news/press_releases/Audi_continues_- - to_thrive_in_China.html As you can see, in 2005, total Audi A8 import into Mainland China and Hongkong combined ... Read More
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Re: Well, [blkhemi]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 24, 2007 6:14:17 PM
Oh and by the way, when China(not if) gets their way, they will be the number one market in the world by 2010/11, and what is the number one selling HELM in that country. Yes, it's true, the very second-rate, non-worthy(as you'd put it) Audi A8. Okay, let's put some numbers into perspective. How many A8's does that supposed #1 in China amount to? less than 2000 cars in a year. ... Read More
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Re: Doc [tagman]
Written by: brightness04 on Jan 24, 2007 5:55:34 PM
Audi market share in HELC is not just small; it's next to non-existent. You can find the most recent monthly and annual sales number: http://www.aicautosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp Lexus LS460/430 sold 3865 in December, 26k in 2005; MB S class 2987 in December, 16k in 2005, 31k in 2006; BMW 7 series over 2k in November, 18k in 2005; Audi A8? 323 in Dec, 557 in Nov, about 5k for both 05/06 Audi is ... Read More
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A8L (2006 or 2007)
Written by: iamtheid on Jan 7, 2007 10:44:33 PM
I know that I had the best deal in my 2005 A8L, the last year Audi covered everything, not just scheduled maintenance, and sold the tire/wheel package, and had OnStar, etc. But my car was almost $90k plus extra options. How can yours be so cheap? I had the 19" wheels, but I also had every option "except" the solar sunroof, plus the tire/wheel 48 month option, Auto-Armor, VERY IMPORTANT in ... Read More
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2007 S8 / 2005 A8L
Written by: iamtheid on Jan 7, 2007 4:16:36 PM
I always lease because of the huge deduction on my company or myself, personally. I can write off 100% of the payment, the insurance, the gas, etc. I do have several cars but always treat the Audi as my "business car". That being said, I helped the dealership that sold me my A8L by selling another 40 cars to other friends of mine, albeit A4 Turbo's, A6's, and about another 8 ... Read More
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My '06 Jaguar XJ Super V8
Written by: garysandiego on Mar 2, 2006 6:02:23 PM
I just wanted to chime in with my great experience with my '06 XJ Super V8. I am not a die hard Jaguar fan, have not dreamed about owning a Jag all my life. I did not intend to buy a Jaguar this time around. But having done so, I am really happy. Here is my story. I had owned a two Cadillac Eldorado STS from 1995 through 2000. I enjoyed ... Read More
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2006 Detroit Autoshow Report!
Written by: merc1 on Jan 18, 2006 11:23:29 PM
Well I'm back. I see I haven't missed anything, but 325+ posts about the same stuff we've been arguing about for years now it seems!! I may or may not go back through all of those posts to respond to some of the more curious items. Anyway, down to business. This year's NAIAS was without a doubt the best I've ever been too. The sheer number of new cars and stunning ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [merc1]
Written by: oac on Jan 9, 2006 9:06:14 AM
This is more like it, Merc1... Good one. On paper at least the LS460 makes the S450, 750, A8 and XJ all seem pointless, but the proof is in the driving and real world evaluations... There are core MB, BMW, Jag, Audi buyers regardless of what the other competition is doing. However, its the swing buyers that can really impact this sector's leadership. Seemed like we do agree tho' that the ... Read More
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Re: 2005 sales [oac]
Written by: merc1 on Jan 9, 2006 1:36:43 AM
Oh, wrt the new LS460, so far I have stayed on the sidelines reading everything before commenting. I wanted to read many opinions and see lots of pictures. Appears that overall, MORE people like it than not. That is good. Me, I got my check in hand now. My search for a replacement for my '99 LS is over already. The newly styled LS460 SWB with its 380bhp, mid-20 mpg, 8-speed ... Read More
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AUDI MMI PROBLEM
Written by: len3 on Sep 22, 2005 12:52:36 PM
MY MMI Locks up. ONE Dealer says he has had 40 similar problems AUDI says customer is at fault. It seems that dust gets in between the buttons Audi caims it is NOT THEIR FAULT Sounds LIKE A BIG DESIGN FLAW. If Audi doesn't stand behind their design errors they are no better than Mercedes. Would like to hear from others with MMI problems .This defect sounds like a CLASS ACTION ... Read More
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Re: Surely [anthonyp]
Written by: zangelina on Sep 11, 2005 7:50:24 AM
I test drove both the sports and standard suspension versions for the 2005 A8 and ended up choosing the standard suspension for the 2006 A8 I ended up buying. In my opinion, the sports suspension version did not handle much better than the standard one and I found the ride of the sports suspension model to be rather rigid and uncomfortable. So far, I have primarily been driving using the automatic ... Read More
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Re: thinking about a new 2005 A8 orA8L [rfliam]
Written by: jjb94941 on Sep 7, 2005 3:22:18 PM
I encountered a similar stuck throttle problem with my 2005 A8L (purchased in December 2004). I pulled off from a traffic light quite briskly and the car immediately went to full throttle. After two blocks of fighting the engine with the brake, I resorted to turning the engine off (which of course resulted in loss of power steering and braking). The car was towed to a local Audi dealer, they kept ... Read More
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Audi A8 L - Lease Terms?
Written by: audibuyer on Aug 12, 2005 8:50:45 PM
I am in the process of negotiating a lease for a 2005 Audi A8 L...what do you think about these terms? $76,570 :MSRP $70,570 ($1,000 Below invoice) : Agreed SALES PRICE $2,000 :Down payment Dealer is paying for Taxes Dealer is paying $574 Destination .0009 : Money Factor 56% : RSV 36 Months 12,000 Miles MONTHLY PAYMENTS: $864.50 (I am trying to get them down to $850) Do you think this ... Read More
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Re: AUDI SERVICE IS HORRIBLE [stang22]
Written by: liferules on Jul 11, 2005 10:42:41 AM
"I personally need a very reliable all-season car for the winters and all,and don't have alot of money to spend." I agree with rjlaero, the A8 is a great car, but I don't think even the greatest Audi enthusiast would consider a '97 A8 with 152k miles as a safe buy for reliability, especially if you need something that is cheap. It would be a fun weekend car, or something that ... Read More
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Have a look
Written by: pat on Jul 5, 2005 7:08:11 AM
Follow-Up Test: 2005 Audi A8 L W12 was posted last week - whaddya think?
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Re: Sports Setting [anthonyp]
Written by: zangelina on Aug 31, 2005 6:44:00 AM
I just took delivery of a fully loaded 2006 standard wheel base A8. I test drove both the sports and standard suspension versions. I ended up buying the standard version and have been driving using the automatic setting for the adaptive air suspension. The automatic setting is perfect and is not at all squishy. The lift mode is awesome if you have to drive on any dirt roads. I did not ... Read More
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Re: unreasonable expectations?!? [joelk01]
Written by: esf on Apr 20, 2005 7:03:44 PM
I just cannot believe this: So many people are having problems with their A8s, and while I don't have an A8, the worst I had on my prior Audi ('00 A6 2.7T) was that the headlight washer caps came off when they were opening in a high intensity storm! I'm about to own a brand new Sprint Blue S4 Cabriolet (coming next week), and I don't think it'll have any significant ... Read More
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Re: 2006 A8 [audios2]
Written by: esf on Apr 20, 2005 6:51:21 PM
Wow- you're making a big step up from your A6 2.7T. I recently traded mine in, and we're waiting for a Sprint Blue S4 Cabriolet, at about $60,600; to come next week. It's absolutely gorgeous- I was thinking of a 2005 A6 4.2 or S4 sedan, but after I drove the S4 Cabriolet and saw the looks of envy and admiration from others, I knew there was nowhere else to go. ... Read More
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Re: 2006 A8 [loslobos71]
Written by: audios2 on Apr 3, 2005 12:18:16 PM
I am on the waiting list for the new 2006 A8 short wheel base, and my dealer also said that the car would be getting the trapezoidal grill similar to the new 2005 A6. He never mentioned anything about the back appearance. I have driven Audis since 1986 and love the car. I have had the 4000, 90, 90cs, A4, A6, and am currently driving an A6 2.7T. I wish they ... Read More
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Wow
Written by: ljflx on Jan 14, 2005 10:34:38 PM
That Audi just blows away the Lexus - huh. http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/audi/a8/index.html?tid=edmunds.n.- - - mmindex.content.num3.0.audi* http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/lexus/ls430/index.html?tid=edmund- - - s.n.mmindex.content.num6.0.lexus* http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/bmw/7series/index.html?tid=edmund- - s.n.mmindex.content.num4.0.bmw* http://www.edmunds.com/new/mercedesbenz/index.html?tid=edmunds.n.- mainindex.content..0.* Guess I'm missing the subjective stuff because the math sure doesn't add up.
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Re: Audi A8 [flyfisher1]
Written by: syswei on Jan 14, 2005 5:18:34 PM
"most enthusiasts do not even put the lexus ls in the same category as the A8, 7 series or S class" While there is a handling difference between the LS and the 7, for you to say that performance-wise the LS "isn't in the same league" as the S is a bit of a strech: 2005 LS430: 0-60 5.9 sec, 290 hp, 320 lb-ft 2005 S430: 0-60 6.9 ... Read More
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Re: S430 4Matic [loslobos71]
Written by: ljflx on Nov 30, 2004 6:02:03 AM
Good news, bad news. First the good - I just got something from MB in the mail with a cover page that said there were special deals and incentives on the S-class (which I hear are not selling well right now) as well as the E and C class cars. I have seen S430 deals (generally $77K stickers) at $799 per month on a $12K lease deal with $2K down advertised ... Read More
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Jaguar XJ8 L
Written by: houstonmerc on Sep 6, 2004 4:47:31 PM
I am considering getting a 2005 XJ8, and particularly like the idea of the L version. On Jaguar's web site, the L is listed as being 5 inches longer, but the dimensions are otherwise basically the same as the normal version, except for rear legroom being increased by 0.6 inches. This doesn't make sense. For the BMW 7 and Audi A8 (both cars I like but can't afford) the L versions ... Read More
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Jaguar XJ8 L
Written by: houstonmerc on Sep 6, 2004 3:24:27 PM
I am considering getting a 2005 XJ8, and particularly like the idea of the L version. On Jaguar's web site, the L is listed as being 5 inches longer, but the dimensions are otherwise basically the same as the normal version, except for rear legroom being increased by 0.6 inches. This doesn't make sense. For the BMW 7 and Audi A8 (both cars I like but can't afford) the L versions ... Read More
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davieboy1
Written by: ksurg on Feb 29, 2004 7:16:21 PM
I drove the A8L and 745i. Both are great cars. Right now the A8 is only available in long wheel base form. Though the prices on the A8 are better, residuals are worse. All in all you will get a better lease deal on the 745i. You can get the present lease specials on BMW of NA. The deal quoted above is probably real but a little optimistic. Markets also vary ... Read More
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merc1 - Your # 3876 Post
Written by: jamesfletcher2 on Jan 7, 2004 7:43:18 PM
merc1, Interesting observations from the Detroit Auto Show press/industry previews. I actually attended the Washington DC Auto Show this last weekend and am planning on going to the Detroit Show the weekend of the 18th. I will also be going to the NYC show in April since it is just a quick train ride from my NYC/NJ apartment. At first, I was puzzled by the new MY06 GS but the more ... Read More
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A few observations and questions for the board....
Written by: merc1 on Jan 7, 2004 12:13:09 AM
Just curious to know what the group here thinks about some of the new luxury debuts at Detroit. It appears that Audi is going to step to the major leagues with the new A8L 6.0 W12 by the end of the year, it will priced around 115K. Yikes! Double yikes because the Phaeton W12 (10hp less btw) is priced at 88K. On paper it makes the Audi version look like a ... Read More
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no title
Written by: pablo_l on Dec 12, 2003 11:26:45 PM
I don't get the discussion about sales volumes here - what's that got to do with cars' qualities? If sales volume proved anything, heck, buy a Beetle while you can. On the sales volume side, the Beemer 7 series lost 10% volume to 40k up to last September, while the S-class shipped 56k. Jag XJ and Audi A8 shipped 22k and 13k, respectively. So Merc's doing alright in the luxury segment. ... Read More
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New A8's coming???
Written by: oriente on Nov 28, 2003 9:11:33 PM
The item below comes from Autoweek, yet I could not verify the news at the USA Audi site. Can anyone confirm? (2239 Nov. 27, 2003) Audi says shorter-wheelbase A8, performance variants likely on way to U.S. The 2004 Audi A8 L will probably have some company soon. (Photo © 2003 Ingo Barenschee) Don’t look for Audi to stand pat with its 2004 A8 L in the North American market. Though ... Read More
