1998 Audi A8

Unique All-Aluminum Animal

By Audios (WI) on Monday, December 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 242,250

Pros: "Comfort, HighwayMPG, Near Corosion-Proof, AUDI AWD"

Cons: "City MPG, Depreciation for Initial Owner."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I had bought this as a high mileage car (203k) with a slipping transmission that many would have suggested a complete, and expensive, rebuild. A new transmission filter and OEM fluid cured it and it now has over 242k on it. Biggest advice for ANY european car owner, regardless of what the dealer tells you, is to have the fluid and filter changed at regular intervals! Service departments have a profit incentive for your car to need repairs; do not neglect this service! A recent 3k mile road trip with four adults, a full trunk, and 75 MPH (plus) speed limits returned about 26 MPG. Long distances, with the cruise at 65 MPH can achieve 30-31 MPG; however, the 300 HP becomes apparent at the pump when driving in the city and when using the HP. Expect 16-18ish in town. To sum up this car, it will deliver if you need a spacious and luxurious car that can provide respectable fuel economy, provided you avoid stop-and-go driving or rapid acceleration. It would be best owned by someone that is either able to service it themselves or else able to pay a honest independent shop, that understands these vehicles, to do it for him or her. I am in the former category and have found that it is not as difficult to work on as the dealerships and shops may suggest. Parts of similar quality can be sourced online and at at local parts stores for a fraction of dealer pricing. In my experience, there is not another car out there, in the large luxury class, that has combined an awesome AWD system with such an ingenious aluminum platform."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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I love my car!

By CheriB (OR) on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

Pros: "Quality, comfort"

Cons: "Repairs are expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Transmission needed to be replaced but it is driving beautifully after 135000 miles. I'm still proud of it. A classic."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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High quality and advanced tech before most others

By Johnny (NJ) on Monday, February 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 108,000

Pros: "Quality, advanced tech, quattro 4 wheel drive"

Cons: "Handling, cost of repairs,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The ergonomics for this car are excellent. The car is smartly designed with purpose and a handsome exterior. For 2001, they included many things that are now only being added to others now (2012). Luxurious materials abound...the floor mats are 3 layers deep...the quality is shown throughout. Unfortunately after 100k miles, a few fender benders, attempted theft, the car is showing some age. The reason I purchased the car is that is ideal family car. The "L" edition provides amazing rear seat leg room, ample space for large adults and then some. Moreover, at the time, it was one of the safest cars, 7 airbags, multiple crumple zones, and an innovative tubular front crash zone. Not to mention the frame is alluminm, making it lighter and quieter. The handling is ok, not great, but it is elected for such a large car. Hp is good too. All in all it has served me well."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Very comfortable. Excellent in snow. Very good MPG

By Lucky (NY) on Monday, January 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 113,000

Pros: "Fun to drive in any weather. Very comfortable."

Cons: "Resale value poor. High maintenance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Servicing is troublesome other than dealer. Repairs are expesive. Audi support is fair. Driving and comfort is superior. Fit and finish is excellent."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Save your pennies

By Silk (Cleveland Ohio) on Monday, November 29, 2010

"I have a 99 A8 that is wonderful to look at and drive, however, bring your wallet. This car is expensive to repair, I just replaced the fuel pump for a cool $800 JUST THE PART. I also had a multifunctioning switch replaced -$500 JUST FOR THE PART! This is an automobile, folks not for the faint of heart. I love driving my vehicle and I get compliments constantly. Pick your poison...please remember this is not a HONDA..."

17 people out of 17 found this review helpful

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1997 A8 Q

By me (MN) on Friday, August 13, 2010

"has 195K miles, still runs strong. Best advice for this one - change transmission fluid as often as you can afford and there will be no transmission probles. Doesn't hold value when new, but when old - best value/quality ratio. Will buy another one."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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