2005 Audi A8 Consumer Reviews

I love this car

Written by: mike on 01/26/2009

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I bought a certified pre-owned 2005 A8L and have enjoyed every element of this car, from the handling to the styling. I will say that the cost of repairs is high, but probably comparable to others in its class. I had to replace a rear view mirror and one arm rest and was quoted $500 for each repair. I also had an issue with the automatic trunk not staying down. Thankfully my certified warranty covered these items. The car is truly a looker and I still get compliments. I have recently replaced the tires and it drives like new. I love this car.

Favorite Features

MMI, comfort, handling, styling, performance, beauty.

Suggested Improvements

My 2005 has the OnStar telematics, which are no longer in service as OnStar disavowed its analog vehicles in 12/07, truly a disappointment. Now I cannot use my integrated telephone. Also, there is no bluetooth for this model year, another disappointment. Audi should kick in for the replacement.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best car for the money

Written by: theanimala on 11/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I loved the A8 since the D3 model was first shown. I waited patiently for the pricing to drop to a level I could afford (preowned). I have had my CPO car for 4 months and 5K miles, and I still love it. It is not as reliable as my 98 Lexus GS400 which had almost nothing go wrong with it after 145K miles. I just had a number of things replaced at the 45K mile service, such as the trunk hinges (common problem), parktronic sensor, airbag sensor, and one softclose door sensor. Even with these little problems, I love the car. No serious issue that will leave you stranded, but still something small that requires a trip to the dealer. I do not regret my choice, regardless.

Favorite Features

Interior design and comfort. Ventilated seats are great in the summer. Drives sportier than my GS400, which is supposed to be a sport Lexus. Feels much smaller than it is, while offering supreme comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Ipod connectivity didn't come until 07 (I added it but it was costly). Slightly more power would be a bit more fun. More reasonable service costs (for after warranty ends), rear headrests unadjustable, larger sunroof, better voice activated system, better GPS system.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Happy Owner

Written by: Dave L on 08/23/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I purchased the A8 to replace a BMW 740I and never looked back. The fit and the finish as well as the ride comfort, overall performance, quiet ride and responsiveness of the A8 have made me happy for the last 31/2 years. After a couple of electronic issues in the first 3 months, I have simply changed the oil and replaced tires. I am ready to downsize to a smaller sedan and will make a beeline to my Audi dealer for the new A5.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

Unbelievable car for the money

Written by: Midwest Audi Owner on 07/25/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

Second owner purchase of a loaded 2005 A8 with the standard wheel base (not "L") and 37,000 miles. With the remaining factory warranty then Audi CPO warranty until 2011 combined with the features on this car (keyless entry, power trunk, XM, Parktronics, heated front/rear seats, nav, rain sensing wipers, etc. etc.) this car is an amazing value! My A8 drives both like a sports car and a luxury ride (with the 19" wheels) simultaneously. And, with the attention to detail in the interior, it is hard to get out of the car after the trip is done! Many similarities to the A6 that I traded, but you will quickly notice this is an entirely different car than the A6 platform.

Favorite Features

Styling - both exterior and interior are incredibly elegant, yet understated (but still gets attention on the road). Handling is really amazing for the size and girth of the car (the standard wheel base helps too!). Adaptive air supsension is cool. Electronics (MMI interface) intuitive and robust

Suggested Improvements

Germans and drink holders simply do not go together!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Don't buy the Audi

Written by: Audi Owner on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I have owned the car for nearly 4 years. The electronics in car have been a mess. It has been in the shop over a dozen times and they still can not seem to get it right. Many of the problems are episodic and not constant. At times, the lights will not go off unless you restart the car and drive it around for a few minutes before turning it off. At other times it will tell you a tire is low on air pressure when it is fine. I have given up on trying to get them to fix it and will be disposing of it for a Lexus. Don't buy one. They look great but the reliability is just not there.

Favorite Features

Quatro drive is great in the snow and bad weather

Suggested Improvements

Fix the electronics

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

My Wife Will Miss Me

Written by: Reggie in Atlanta on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

I love my wife. I really do. I try to miss her as I drive my A8 (that I just purchase 3 days ago). So far, no luck! This is an amazing car. Mine is black and loaded with every available option. 36k miles, lease turn in, certified w/ 6yr-100kmile warranty. Used is the way to go; especially if you aren't completely sold on the new grille yet. I have owned a 1999 A8 and a 2001 A6 (for the aforementioned wife). Enjoying this one and looking forward to the next one.

Favorite Features

Ventilated seats! It was 95 in Atlanta today. God bless ventilated seats. Power, control, MMI, automatic unlocking doors, push button start. The look on the faces on BMW, Mercedes and Lexus owners.

Suggested Improvements

None so far

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Second owner

Written by: David on 02/06/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

We needed to replace a Volvo S90 and decided to try a used A8 after looking at the new models of Volvo, the Audi A6, and the 5 series BMW. This A8 was a one owner with reasonable miles (40k). It has been an impressive auto from performance to comfort. The 19 inch wheels with low profile tires are great for handling, but with our non-aggressive driving, we will opt to go the the 17" with A/S for lower noise and less road feel. If buying used, be aware of the high cost to maintain, especially at the dealer. Aftermarket parts are not much of a savings. And all the bells and whistles could add to the cost of ownership due to maintenance.

Favorite Features

Big car feel and ride, with excellent acceleration and handling, while maintaining a sense of pure luxury. The adjustability of the seats, interior finish, and the memory functions are tops. The back seat comfort is such that our friends want us to take our car over their large SUV.

Suggested Improvements

Since this is a 05, Audi probably has heard of the needs. The outside mirrors should be larger. If buying used, spend the money and have a local Audi dealer run the pre-purchase diagnosis (or a German speciality repair shop).

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A8 L worst car ever owned!

Written by: gene gopon on 11/24/2007

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L W12 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl 6A)

Review

I cannot begin to list all the electrical issues I had with this car. Beginning right after it was delivered. Audi North America gave my wife and me a free weekend at a resort to compensate us for our troubles. I got rid of this car and bought a Mercedes, which I had owned before. Don't let anyone tell you the A8 is as good as the S Class. Simply not true, and Audi service stinks! The final straw for me was when the MMI buttons all stuck and Audi refused to cover it under warranty - both the dealer and Audi North America accused me of spilling something on the console to cause the problem. You will spend a lot of unpleasant time in the Audi dealer service department if you get an A8

Favorite Features

Interior finish.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the electronics. Get rid of all the blind spots by redesigning the window area. Car is huge and there are serious safety issues because of the blind spots caused by pillar placement, window size and rear headrests, which do not drop down.

5 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best Of Class

Written by: willman on 10/11/2007

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

The Audi A8L is the best 'value for the dollar' vehicle on the road today. Hands down, no contest. Beautiful inside and out in a sophisticated kind of way. Elegant in presentation and powerful of stance. Handles better than any other car in its class. Rain, snow, whatever the weather, drive with complete confidence. Big and strong going down the highway. When those four rings appear quickly in your rearview mirror, MOVE!!!

Favorite Features

ALL OF IT !

Suggested Improvements

Bigger better cupholders. Bigger and higher front armrests.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

One problem after another

Written by: Ali on 10/06/2007

Vehicle

2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

Review

From the first moment I got this car it has been in the shop. Over the past two years I have taken this car in 16 times. Problems include navigation inoperable, passenger window makes too much noise, trunk would not close properly, unless force was used. And the car died and would not start at all on one occasion and it was towed to Audi dealership. It took them three days to figure out the battery needed to be replaced. Very surprising that the battery needed to be replaced within the first year. The only good thing I have to report is that service has been accomodating and have provided loaners on every occasion.

Favorite Features

Quattro 4 wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

Quality control needs to be improved significantly.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post