Owner-stated complaints are limited—which is typical when someone drops six figures on a new ride. Some owners wish their A8’s were a bit easier to park, and others wish for slightly better fuel mileage. The majority of owners, understanding their A8 is the size of a small house and powered by an 8-cylinder engine, say the mileage is respectable.
Looking at a used A8 as your next ride? There are some things to consider.
First and foremost, at least two Audi owner forums recommend avoiding the first year of this A8 generation (2004), as it seems more prone to complicated glitches and issues.
Note, also, that no part of maintaining an A8 will be inexpensive. Even oil changes, which require many litres of synthetic oil, will be pricey. Suspension, brake and drivetrain parts will all command price premiums when they require repair.
Shoppers after maximum confidence in their purchase of a used A8 are advised to shop at an Audi centre for a 2005 or newer A8 that’s familiar to the dealer. Check all service records and ensure all maintenance and repairs are up to date.
Buying a car this sophisticated from a multi-brand lot unfamiliar with its needs and requirements isn’t recommended—at least not without a thorough inspection by a trained Audi mechanic first. Have said mechanic check for coolant, oil and transmission fluid leaks as well.
Like all used German cars, the A8 should be scrutinized for electrical problems, too. Do all the lights work? Do all the accessories and gadgets function as expected? The remote? The windows? The power trunk? Are any warnings or “Check Engine” lights illuminated? Think wiring, bad sensors and bad computers—and look for warning signs thereof. Wiring and computer systems tend to be a downfall of many German cars as they age.
Avoid A8 models with the adaptive air suspension. As it is with most any comparably-equipped vehicle, the system will eventually fail and cause problems, which will be pricey to repair.
More issues are possible—though they’re too numerous to list here. Potential A8 shoppers are advised to exercise patience and join an A8 owner’s forum to research their purchase ahead of time.
If you’re comfortable with the potential maintenance pricetag, however, a well-maintained A8 will deliver confident, year-round motoring satisfaction in one of the market’s most highly envied large sedans.
Looking at a used A8 as your next ride? There are some things to consider.
First and foremost, at least two Audi owner forums recommend avoiding the first year of this A8 generation (2004), as it seems more prone to complicated glitches and issues.
Note, also, that no part of maintaining an A8 will be inexpensive. Even oil changes, which require many litres of synthetic oil, will be pricey. Suspension, brake and drivetrain parts will all command price premiums when they require repair.
Shoppers after maximum confidence in their purchase of a used A8 are advised to shop at an Audi centre for a 2005 or newer A8 that’s familiar to the dealer. Check all service records and ensure all maintenance and repairs are up to date.
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| 2006 Audi A8 (Photo: Audi) |
Buying a car this sophisticated from a multi-brand lot unfamiliar with its needs and requirements isn’t recommended—at least not without a thorough inspection by a trained Audi mechanic first. Have said mechanic check for coolant, oil and transmission fluid leaks as well.
Like all used German cars, the A8 should be scrutinized for electrical problems, too. Do all the lights work? Do all the accessories and gadgets function as expected? The remote? The windows? The power trunk? Are any warnings or “Check Engine” lights illuminated? Think wiring, bad sensors and bad computers—and look for warning signs thereof. Wiring and computer systems tend to be a downfall of many German cars as they age.
Avoid A8 models with the adaptive air suspension. As it is with most any comparably-equipped vehicle, the system will eventually fail and cause problems, which will be pricey to repair.
More issues are possible—though they’re too numerous to list here. Potential A8 shoppers are advised to exercise patience and join an A8 owner’s forum to research their purchase ahead of time.
If you’re comfortable with the potential maintenance pricetag, however, a well-maintained A8 will deliver confident, year-round motoring satisfaction in one of the market’s most highly envied large sedans.
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