Mitchet Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 (edited) Crikey - it's been a while since I've been on TSN!!! I've had my 2004 A4 (B6) for almost 4 years now, and of course I'm getting itchy feet and looking around at changing the car. Perhaps not helped by my brother snapping up a fantastic 56 plate A6 Avant with over £10k of options (Xenons, Electric Tailgate, Blah blah) with 91k miles and FASH for less than £14k (with oustanding bodywork condition too!)... Anyway... I've been looking at the A8 (D3 - if that's the model prior to the single frame grille ones?), but had mixed reports from dealers, and even some who won't touch any A8's due to the repair costs. One garage told me the average repair cost of an A8 is twice that of an A6?! The main reason for looking at the A8 is I'm a bit fed up of the harsh ride quality of my A4, which has sports suspension. Plus, although the A4 feels reasonably spacious when it's just me in the car, it feels like too small when carrying passengers. I'd consider an A6 (saloon or avant), but trying to find one with the specification that I'm after for the money I want to pay it very tricky. Whereby, the A8 pretty much comes loaded with most toys, and a few come with the really high end toys! The A8 I'm looking at right now is a 2004 (54) 3.0 TDi Quattro Sport with about 120k miles. Fully loaded with gadgets and full Audi service history. What do you guys and gals think about the reliability / servicing / repair costs of these cars? I'm prepared that cars of any make will go wrong at some point, and that repair bills are inevitable. But is the A8 really above average for reliability? Servicing would be done at my local specialist (Jabbasport), so that's not an issue. I'm just wondering if some of the scare stories of £1-2k plus repair bills for things like suspension are justified? Any thoughts would be welcome. Edited October 23, 2009 by Mitchet Crap use of English! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roberto1954 Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 well mate im on my 2nd A8 3.0 tdi but im buying new cars so no problems but, 18 m0nth ago i took my friend out in mine and he instantly went out and bought one.. 2006 3.0tdi 100,000 miles .. now done 150,000 miles and hes done nothing but service it,so hes impressed with that,horror stories come with any car,just buy one and enjoy,jabbasport will look after you im sure........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PsYcHe Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 The scare stories are probably true in their costs, but they are reasonably rare. I've had a issues with mine, but I think they're mostly due to the previous owner not fixing them and the garage not knowing how to fix it. Get yourself a good Audi tech and you'll be sorted. Make sure you have a good warranty (Audi used woudl be best) just to be on the safe side and enjoy. The Sports suspension on the D3 (which is all the current model including the single grill) is still a decent ride. Go get one... You'll never look at another car the same way again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wizbit Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 I would mirror Psyche's comments about buying from Audi as you get a 1 year parts and labour warranty, which will cover any scary costs due to anything expensive going wrong with the car. I've had mine for 6 months now and apart from a couple of minor issues when i bought the car (fully covered under the warranty), i have had no problems whatsoever with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david1 Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 On my second A8 now, D2 sport previously and now a D3. Service regularly and you will be fine. Of course there will be things that go wrong so do expect that but I still say you will not be dissapointed. Go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchet Posted October 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks for all your thoughts. I'm off to view an A8 3.0TDi tomorrow (Thr) night... hopefully all will go well. I'm a little concerned at the idea of it having 19" rims through, isn't that going affect ride quality and road noise? It's a good spec otherwise (including "Electrically operated seat belts" to quote the advert!??).. but doesn't have the keyless go bit (with the fingerprint sensor)... though since my wife hates the idea of using the fingerprint sensor on my laptop, then perhaps it's no real loss on the car!! No mention of the auto boot lid, which for me would be a big loss (perhaps even a deal breaker). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roberto1954 Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 call audi on freephone 0800699888 just quote the reg no. they will tell you all the factory fitted options from new its free i always use it..good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrundleFly Posted October 29, 2009 Report Share Posted October 29, 2009 Just on the point of calling Audi - they don't seems to always get it right. I used this service and they were positive that my car did not have adaptive cruise control, despite the advert saying it did. Turns out Audi were wrong as it does have it and I also have the original spec sheet from Audi with it on so it was not fitted aftermarket. Just a warning to take what they say with a pinch of salt... Mine has 19" rims and I find it a really nice ride, especially with the suspension on comfort mode. However, I had an M3 before so I think most cars would seem soft after that so maybe not a fair comparison. The only problem I have with mine is a creaking glovebox which I really need to try and get sorted out.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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