Audi A8 - advantages and disadvantages?

[MJK 24]

Parents are considering an A8 3.0 LWB of 2004/5 vintage.

Anything they should look out for? They've chosen the 3.0 petrol as it's looking like the economical choice bearing in mind their low annual mileage of 8k per annum.

All cars seem to be very well speced.

[Isoproturon1]

When they go wrong, they cost a fortune to fix.

[RS4john]

Go for the 4.2, as low mileage will make it worth while, If you get a low mileage FSH one you should have NO trouble.

[AKA8]

I bought a 4.2 petrol 2004 this year. It is in great condition, has 42k miles and all the toys.

I get 25-30mpg on motorways and around 10mpg in central London.

I was always warned away from the 3.0 because:

a) it's slow and not very economical (apparently mid 20's mpg which is what I got on my old A8 2.8
b) if it's multitronic it only has FWD
c) it might be cheap now, but try selling it again
d) the diesel 3.0tdi is quick and realistically does over 30 mpg on combined driving.

I bought the V8 because I do about 4 or 5k miles a year and I wanted something slightly more special than a diesel.

If you buy from a dealer, try and get a car with a five year service pack, that way you only pay for tyres and I think brake pads. Even windscreen wipers are covered under this.

Also, avoid big wheels (19" or 20&quot, they add road noise and can make the ride a bit hard

[Dilligaf10]

I did not think they did a 3.0 petrol only diesel. I am looking for a similar spec car (3.0TDi) and they are far and few between at the moment.

[AKA8]

Dilligaf10 said:

I did not think they did a 3.0 petrol only diesel. I am looking for a similar spec car (3.0TDi) and they are far and few between at the moment.

They used to do a 3.0 petrol and then they adopted the 3.2 FSi.

Apparently that is much better but there is quite a bit of weight to lug about, and small engines always seem to suffer then

[awg454]

Hi i have a 4.2 tdi fantastic car ! 26 mpg around town 32 mpg on a run.

[Dilligaf10]

AKA8 said:

Dilligaf10 said:

I did not think they did a 3.0 petrol only diesel. I am looking for a similar spec car (3.0TDi) and they are far and few between at the moment.

They used to do a 3.0 petrol and then they adopted the 3.2 FSi.

Apparently that is much better but there is quite a bit of weight to lug about, and small engines always seem to suffer then

I stand corrected, have just seen some on the Audi Used Car Locater. Never seen or heard of that derivation before. Had a 3.0TDi on loan last week, want one more than ever now! Would really like the 4.2TDi but fuel consumption is an issue as I can do 3k per week, thanks to Gordon it will cost me another £500.00 per year. Will have to pass it on to clients in an already very competitive area.

[Marki]

RS4john said:

Go for the 4.2, as low mileage will make it worth while, If you get a low mileage FSH one you should have NO trouble.

I ran a 2004 A8 4:2 for a year and they are incredibly economical for such a big car , and they go like stink and handle well when you want them to