IndyA8

That's the dealer network. I just went to the local Audi dealer. I figured, if I'm gonna buy a car, I had to see what Audi had to offer. I've now owned 4 different Audis, so I figured I gotta see if they have a 2001-2 A8 or a 2005 A6 that I can get a deal on. They had a 2004 A8, a bit out of my price range, as well as a 2001 S8 for 44,900 or so. Told them they were crazy on the S8. Ended up having an unpleasant discussion with the sales guy, sales kid really. He kept asking me if I wanted an A8 or A6. I kept trying to tell him I loved my A8, but I didn't want a brand new one, or a 2004 as that was priced too high, so I would be interested in a 2001 or 2002 A8 but would also look at a 05 A6, but he kept interupting me before I could complete my sentence. Finally told him, "look, I drive alot of miles selling software, and need something comfortable and fun. I've loved my 4 different Audis, but have been disappointed in the maintenance costs. I either want a 2001 - 2002 A8 or a 2005 A6." The guy then argued with me that all cars incur cost to maintain. I told him I was looking at a Lexus GS 300AWD, what did he have was comparable. He told me he had a 2005 that was a demo that I could have for 45K, another $1,500 for them to CPO it.

Then it struck me, I loved my Audi more than Audi cares about me. With visions of additional maintenance issues and unpleasant future dealership relations, I ended up telling him to forget it, even though I was ready to spend the money today.

Why do we go through it all? Sure, the 8 is fun to drive when everything is working, but it's expensive to keep it working, and something is always breaking. Tranny, steering racks, electrical systems, heated steering wheels, clogged drains, clouded aluminum trim, seat heaters and head rests, etc, etc. And then, we end up talking to pompous dealers, who treat you like a fool. Audi corporate who bids you "Tough Luck" when your tranny bites the dust and sends you to a dealer who wants $10K to replace it.

I've come to the conclusion that mine is an unrequited love. I love Audi, Audi doesn't love me. I think I finally get it.

PaulW

You're on the road to recovery!

marcodant

BINGO..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SAME HERE.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IndyA8

Paul,

Thanks for all your help over the past few years with keeping my 8 on the road. The best part of the 8, other than driving it when everything works, has been taking part in this on-line forum. There are a lot of good, fun people here, and I've enjoyed my time. Just not sure how much longer I will be a member of the club.

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

I hate Audi and I Love my A8. A statement that only this group could understand.

skiracer

Great car, crappy Dealers and service. Sums it up nicely.

schnellmb

their sales & image in the U.S., maybe they'll clean house.

I love the arrogance of the sales & service staff. They act like they have millions themselves and treat their customers like paupers.

mclarenm8d

For every one of us car enthusiasts that like Audis, there is 100 Audi owners who aren't car enthusiasts.

So ... the dealers pretty much get away with this behaviour. The bread and butter for these dealers is the selling of the small displacement A4's and charging fees to clear CEL's when someone doesn't screw the gas cap on tight enough.

And I would go further to say that since in any market there will be more VW's sold than Audis, the technicians at the Audi dealers will be less experienced and skilled.

Those of us that are into the "big bore" German cars are difficult for the average employee of an Audi dealership to relate to on any level, because we normally think for ourselves :-). I would go further to say that most Audi dealerships should not be allowed to sell A8's or S8's.

Dan McBoost

big 2nd.

Kevin B

would be too easy and too boring.