Thread: About to buy an A8L, advice needed!

Considering there doesn't seem to be one active (or decent) forum for Audi A8/A8L's on the web, I was referred over here from Maserati life. Hopefully you guys will be of more help than others have been...

I'm about to put a deposit on a 2005 Black A8L with Amaretto interior and full (steering wheel) wood package. Car looks relatively clean and has 72k on the clock with a clean Car Fax. I'm buying it sight unseen and shipping it out to me in Hawaii (stoppign in LA first to put on some 22" Asanti AF-122's in black). I'm purchasing from a reputable dealer in Orlando but still have some reservations.

Is there a pre-purchase inspection I should have done by a dealer or private party? I've been reading up on common problems (specific to A8L) and want to know if there are any concerns I should have with a car and this mileage? I probably should replace the timing belt around 75k, but have heard of major electrical issues that can arise between 75-100k.

Car shows a clean CarFax. One owner, fleet vehicle on a corporate lease. However, the last reported service was only at 25k, which worries me. I called the dealer who sold the car, The Collection (in Miami I think). They wern't too helpful and just told me the obvious- previous owner had it serviced at another dealer that didn't put it on CarFax, duh.

I almost swore not to buy another car sight unseen offline (after getting kinda burned on the Maserati and Porsche I still have), but its impossible to find a black A8L anywhere in Hawaii for a reasonable price.

I look forward to becoming a contributing member of this forum, whether I buy this car or not. I just hope those that know these cars can help me to purchase the right one!

Thanks in advance for any help.

O

Welcome!

Most of the electric glitches (and all gearbox troubles) were on the early D3's, 03s and 04s - the 05s should have most of this taken care of.

I've owned a handful of Audi 4.2s (I assume it's a 4.2?). It's not a question of if they start leaking oil, but when. So have them pay for a 3rd party shop to do the timing belt change before you take delivery while checking for leaks.

It's a buyers market for sure right now and these cars are almost free, so just walk away if even the slightest thing bothers you!

Good luck!

Oh and . . .

Originally Posted by DTL II RTL

(stoppign in LA first to put on some 22" Asanti AF-122's in black).

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

whatever you do.. DON'T TRACK IT !

I would never in a million years track an A8 (I'm keeping my Maserati for that)....

I decided to go with an '05 over an '04 because of exactly what you mentioned with the electrical issues. Overall I think the 05's are more more sound than some of the buggy '04's. Then again, theres about a $10k purchase price difference between the 05's and the 06's.

Should I demand the dealer replace the timing belt then?

What is the cost of this? Any good recommendations for a mechanic or dealership around Orlando to do it?

It is the 4.2 V8, which from what I hear is a pretty solid engine all the way up to 100k (probably don't plan on keeping the car till much after that)...it's really for my girlfriend anyways.

Jox- why no to the rims? These car's look sooo mean all blacked out although I love the stock rims. I wanted to only go with 20's but got a great deal on the Asantis that I couldn't pass up.

Originally Posted by DTL II RTL

Jox- why no to the rims? These car's look sooo mean all blacked out although I love the stock rims. I wanted to only go with 20's but got a great deal on the Asantis that I couldn't pass up.

if youre gonna spend the coin get HRE's

the HRE's MTK has on his QP may look pretty good on an A8L

Originally Posted by DTL II RTL

stoppign in LA first to put on some 22" Asanti AF-122's in black

You better not get some Asanti's on the A8L!

But I allow you to get some work wheels! Like on this S5.... you might even get them in black! Thats fine with me.

My DD is a black '05 A8...I bought it a year ago with 32,000 miles on it, and have a little over 60,000 now. Zero problems...love the car.

I like the wheels on the S5! What size and do you happen to know the weight of each rim?

Originally Posted by firewire

You better not get some Asanti's on the A8L!

Why shouldn't I get Asanti's? From everything I've heard they're good rims. It's better than getting some crap eBay 1 piece that messes up the unsprung weight.

Are you basing this on performance or looks? I think the AF-122's will look great on there and at almost $2k a piece new.

As much as I like the stock 12 spoke 19"s I just have to go back to black on black.