2005 Audi A8 3.0 litre petrol
Summary:
Magic carpet ride
Faults:
Aircon leaking at about 60000 km (bad problem in this climate).
Carpet on drivers side came off (probably my fault).
Some suspension mountings needed to be changed; kind of expensive.
Rear tail lamp had to be replaced, since it is the whole unit, this is relatively expensive. I had expected we just change a bulb, so the cost was about 30-40 times my expectation...
Plus the usual suspects, like brake pads etc.
Next problem will be the air suspension; sometimes the car lies a bit low now, and humps have to be crossed with extra care. I damaged front spoiler due to the car sinking and the front spoiler hitting the ground, and then careless reversing out of parking space.
In summary, quite reliable, no breakdowns, starts well, but it can cost money when things need repairing.
General Comments:
Choosing the 3 litre option was probably a mistake, the engine has good torque, but lacks somehow the muscle to inspire the overall very satisfying package.
It can go fast, and do so in a very comforting manner; the air suspension delivers a magic carpet ride - rolling along at 80 or 90 km is virtually noiseless, so it is a very good car for city traffic, like inner city highways.
I guess throwing it along twisted roads is not the reason why anyone would buy an A8, especially with 3 litres. Anyway, the steering, which is a bit lifeless, would take the fun out of that.
The size is good, boot big enough, since it is short version of the A8, back leg space a bit limited (not my problem).
Internal fittings are good, even though some buttons look scratched, and one button on the door has come off altogether and cannot be found (panic lock button).
When parts some off, it is interesting to see how light everything is constructed.
Consumption is very reasonable for a car this size, 80 litre tank gives about 600km in city driving, 800-900 km highway (unless really pushing it), and at speed 90 it would probably be 1100km (but who can stick to that)
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th January, 2010
29th Dec 2022, 10:53
Nice review, the A8 is a fine car. Just as good as an S-Class or 7 series.