Fairbanks99

I bought my first Audi last year, a 96 A6, and like it more each day, but with living in Fairbanks, Alaska, I really need quattro. I've been reading a LOT about the A8, looking at pictures on ebay, etc, and I like the idea of owning one. Are there any model years to avoid? I like the color scheme of the '00 and newer, and of course, ESP is great, but would be willing to buy an older A8 if there isn't a big reliability difference. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thomas D

I like mine for the snow here - a great winter car. I think the rule is the 00 and newer cars (facelift models) are a bit better as far as transmission reliability. But, none of the A8s have perfect transmissions. Just keep Audipages.com bookmarked!

Prices are coming down enough that there really isn't that much of a price difference between the 99 and 00 01 models. I would look for a newer car.

Tom

ivans A8

For me 97 A8 been most reliable car I ever owned. Soon to be a year since I bought her. Nothing gone wrong with the car except stuck rear sunshade which I wasn't able to pry out of its place yet. But I probably sitting on volcano which is just about to errupt, dumping on me all the common issues of pre-facelift cars. Or I just plain lucky with that particular one.
If extra 5k or so is not an issue for you, I would definatelly go with 00-03 car, they look better too.

Acceler8

How far away is your nearest repair shop and or Audi dealership?
Any A8 regardless of year, you will need a good warranty, if at all possible a CPO'd 8 with an Audi extended warranty

Things to have your dealership do:
1. Alignment
2. xenon headlight settings
3. warranty work

everything else, you or reliable shop

My 00' has had probably a new set of tie rods/year. I put in a new tranny at 94k miles and oxygen sensors tend to be a little irritable. I would recommend finding one without parktronics, its a very annoying system unless you have depth perception issues. Timing belt service if the car is over 60k miles. Other than that, review audipages.com used car buyer section and happy hunting because this car is fantastic, I would buy another in a heartbeat if I wasnt after a porsche.

audisowner

I've owned quite a few Audi's (from 1984) and currently own a '96 A6Q (200K+ miles) and a '99 A8Q (104K miles) developing tranny problems. Clearly the A6Q has been much cheaper to maintain then the A8Q. Also the front road clearance of the A8Q can be a problem (wife once pulled all the plastic parts off the front) than the A6Q. Body work is also more expensive on the aluminum A8Q. However you can't beat the A8Q for power, driveability and great looks too! If you choose the A8Q, I suggest driving a hard bargain... No matter what Audi you buy, it pays to keep up with the maintenance, otherwise they'll eat you alive. Just my 2cents...

Ross:D

Why not recode your Parktronic with VAG-COM? I lowered the volume on my front sensors, since I'm not four feet tall and can see over the hood. I kept the rear sensor volume the same, but raised the pitch to further differentiate it from the front.

STF for instructions; email me if you can't find them . . . .

Ross:D

40V engine, updated dash & armrests, revised bodywork, etc. Early '00 cars didn't have ESP and some other relatively minor things. Get an extended warranty and follow the collective wisdom of this board!

Acceler8

how about disabling it completely?