sstewart

So I am about to buy an 2001 A8L with about 78,000k on it. I used to have a 2.8 A4 and had my fair share of problems with it. Obviously the A8 is a far superior car, but I am wondering if there are some inherent problems with it, things to worry about, things to pay attention to, reoccurring problems.. Anything, anybodies experiences would be greatly appreciated. I have looked through out the forum.. And see different issues, but if somebody where to have a top ten list in their mind for instance.. Sharing it with would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ZRock

Transmission is probably the biggest one, although the 2000+ "facelift" models seem to be better off than the older ones. Also, there is an engine oil cooler with a lousy little plastic pipe that likes to break, and is a multi-hour and/or multi $hundred job.

Other than that, probably just the usual brakes, suspension bushings, CV boots, rear output shaft seal leaks, etc.

Paul W's site, and this forum are huge sources of collected wisdom on this model. Good luck!

Tony Z<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html">http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html</a</li></ul>

OneLong8

I bought a 2002 A8L with 47K miles and absolutely love the car. The thermostat recently stuck open at 68K, and since it takes a bit of work to get to and the timing belt is nearby, I had the timing belt and water pump replaced at that time. The timing belt change otherwise is per manufacturer around 100K. So I would definitely look to have the thermostat, timing belt and water pump changed as soon as you receive the car, and factor that cost into your deal.
This forum is a wealth of advice, and while I am not mechanically inclined, I have learned a ton.
Tom

Bruce M

Email me at brucem105@comcast.net for details.

Good luck with the car.

Bruce

ohbw

Purchase wisely and you might be pleasantly surprised. I've had my A8 for two years and spent only about $1200 on repair items. I told this to my friend Bill, who drives a Subaru Forester, and he smacked his forehead and said, "I could hadda A8!"

PaulW

Make it one of the spiral cut ones.... :-)

sstewart

Funny thing. Thats the business I am in.

Always Overcharged

maintained then give good service with extras and class.
Have someone vag the car and look closely at aany stored faults-it can show some historic and present issues especially if the previous technician did not clear the faults after repair.
Enjoy

spaceframed

Hi Bruce
I just bought an A8l 2002 with 38k mls lasr week.Beautiful drives like new
already has extended warrantee.Can I purchase addional warrantee with the group buy?
thx