A8inPA

hi everyone,
i've been lurking for a while now. this site has been very informative. today i test drove a new 04 A8L. i was very impressed with the car. handled like a much smaller car and the overall smoothness was incredible. before i purchase my first AUDI i would like the members of this forum to tell me reasons why i SHOULDN'T purchase a new A8L? thanks for your help!

target01

The V8 is bad for the environment and the Earth's oil supplies.

drgallo

Two good reasons:

1) You can't live without XM Radio until Summer '04.

2) You need an in-car cell phone that fully integrates with the MMI allowing speed dialing and full in-car use.

Actually, these are minor issues. My '04 A8L is the finest car that I have ever driven. Enjoy the ride, soon.

greenie

Reason #1...Lexus offers an option that includes a microwave oven. This comes in handy if you become stuck in the snow! Reason #2...See Reason#1!! Nuff said? Seriously, I have had my 04 since early Sept. and I am thrilled with it. I have been on this board ever since June and I recommend it highly for both the quality of its members and its content. BTW, I am located in the western `burbs of Philly. Where in Pa. are you?


greenie 6625

04 A8L silver/sabre

BackToBasics

I highly recommend this car, but I would caution potential buyers based on the following:

1. Make sure you have a very good dealer who has been trained to sell A8Ls (called A8L Brand Specialists, I believe). There are many Audi dealers out there who are selling A8Ls who really shouldn't be because of poor knowledge and no training. It is a BIG mistake by AoA (Audi of America) to let this happen. This car should have been limited to qualified dealers only. You'll appreciate this if you ever have a problem and need someone at the dealership to rattle AoA's cage for you.

2. Make sure you have a dealer nearby with a very good service department. There should be at least one, and preferably two, techs who are certified and trained to service A8L's. Lacking this, you are in for a world of headaches if you have even minor problems.

3. Know that, even though the car has been in the U.S. since June, it is still a first-year model, and problems do occur, mostly with the new electronics system. Most are minor and easily remedied, but if you want perfection as you drive off the lot, you're looking at the right car, but at the wrong time.

4. Finally, if you buy an '04 A8L, be prepared to see most of the shortcomings (not just NEW features, but actual shortcomings) fixed in the '05 model. This board has made it pretty clear that AoA in several areas has no plans to retrofit solutions for the '04 and will wait until '05's ship to fix them (i.e. cell phone integration that actually works...w/Bluetooth integration as well, some minor annoyances with the radio/CD menu system in the MMI, and some new features that really should have been on the '04 (that are now standard or expected options with cars of this class) such as keyless ignition, adaptive cruise, adaptive headlamps)

I gave you what you asked for up front, but even after all that is said, it is still a wonderful car...better mechanically and better finish materials inside and out than any other car in its price category. I have not had a single day of buyer's remorse in the 90+ days I've had this car (a first for me), but I do sometimes stew over the fact that AoA is letting it's first-year owners hang out to dry on some things that should really be fixed/improved to make this a first-class car in every respect.

In today's luxury market, buy Japanese if you want boring styling and soft ride but unparalleled customer service and satisfaction. Buy German if you want great styling, great road-handling, but are willing to live with some inevitable problems with electronics and spotty response to problem resolution. I suspect this dichotomy will not last long however. If German car mfr's continue to be saddled with the reputation I refer to above, Japan WILL catch up with styling and ride improvements and there will no longer be a Teutonic birthright to dominance in the luxury car market.

Hope this helps. Happy Holidays!

Mr. Ricco

I just sold a 99 A8, and now have a Allroad. I have bee looking very hard at the Phaeton. So before buying, test drove a new A8L with 19" wheels and ZR tires today. Impression: the V8 VW wins for; interior looks, comfort,and has that big car Lexus feel to it. Exterior- A8 wins hands down. Handling- VW wins for quietness, moe responsive engine, and just plain comfort.The VW with the 8 as I want optioned is $3,000 less; no big deal at these astrological numbers. My concern is resale on the VW until it becomes known and established. I can see myself saddling up the Phaeton for years because of the "big dump" I would see in the near future. Question: anyone driven the Phaeton who also owns or has driven the new A8? Would be interested in your thoughts and comments.

Jeffscherer

I love my 04 A8L I've got 2000 miles on in the last 5 weeks with no problems. I test drove the Mercedes S-430 and the Lexus LS-430. Both were good but I loved the look of the A8L and like the handling and ride better. I have no regrets in my purchase. Serial 8170 Night blue/amaretto

A8inPA

hi guys,

thanks for the honest advice. the only thing this car is missing that i really wish it had is XM radio. i have it in another of my vehicles and it is great. i am also a mercedes defector!!
i have just been drawn to this body style and i feel it looks espcially attractive in motion. also the new benz models i like are pretty expensive or tough to find. one other thing...when i was in my local dealers showroom they have a brand news 03 M5 in silver. it seems they are really interested in dealing on the M5 because of the new 5's coming in. i realize these are two completely different vehicles but it is making my mind spin as to which one i would be happier with in the long term.
oh..by the way i'm in wilkes barre...northeastern part of the state.
and thanks for all you help.

Wowdi

1) Electrical glitches abound since the cars tend to be on the bleeding edge of technology.

2) Audi must just about be sued before admitting to a recall. I think the VAG senior management approach GM's in their arrogance.

3) Dealers tend to treat buyers who plunked down 40-70 large like they bought a golf. They could learn from Lexus about customer service.

4) Getting a service appointment can take weeks depending upon your dealer. I blame this on the "free" service years offered by VAG which overwhelms the dealers. That coupled with Audi's recent relative popularity make things worse.

All of that having been said...my two cars are the finest cars I've ever driven and the new A8L will be the next car in my stable. I chalk up the reliability and service issues to "endearing little Audi-isms."

Audi S5 TC

The 2005 A8L should have much better quality and reliability than the 2004 A8L in addition to more features expected of this price class (keyless ignition, adaptive cruise control and adaptive cornering headlights) that you mentioned. Am I correct?