2004 Audi A8 L
 

I was going to get my girlfriend a new car of her choice for Christmas, and she said she would rather have my car, and let me get whatever car I wanted. I agreed. She's getting my 2000 Lincoln LS, and I'm getting a new car. I've been looking at the new 2004 Audi A8 L, and I absolutely love it. I test drove one earlier today, and it handled like an absolute dream. The interior of this car is fucking amazing. Here are some specifications of the 2004 Audi A8 L:

http://www.audiusa.com/common/images.../atlas_a8l.jpg

Engine: dohc 4.2-liter V-8
Horsepower: 330 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic automatic
0-60 mph: 6.7 sec
Braking 0-60 mph: 121 ft
Lateral accel (200-ft skidpad): 0.78g
Fuel mileage: 17/24 mpg
Length: 204.0 in.
Width: 74.6 in.
Height: 57.3 in.
Wheelbase: 121.1 in.
Track, f/r: 64.1 in./63.6 in.
Curb weight: 4440 lb

I'm posting this because I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with this particular car or Audi's in general, tell me anything positive or negative, and/or simply suggest another car. If you suggest another car, please make sure it is a rather large car. I can't stand driving tiny little cars.

The A8L is a nice car...it's built better than the lesser VW/Audi's, too. Not as many reliability problems with them, either. I work at an Audi dealer, and have seen a few A8L's go off of the lot. Just be prepared for large maintenance bills once the 4yr/50k mile warranty expires.

Eeh, I drove one and was not impressed.

To me, if you're going to spend that kind of money, I would want some better features. I'd suggest to you to check out either the BMW 545i or the Mercedes E class.

If you really want an Audi, why don't you go with the RS6? It's only a little smaller than the A8, and lots faster and sportier.

The RS6 is extremely limited production...some 860 or so coming to the states...and they are ALL spoken for. The A8L is an impressive car, although I would personally have a BMW 7-series. But that's just me.

I would prefer the A8 over the 7-series, I don't really like the style Chris Bangle has given it, esp. the slab sides. As for compared to the Merc, I thought that Audi's tended to have the upper hand on features compared to similar Mercs?

Yeah RS6's are very hard to come by, just like the RS4 which had only 6030 built total.

Yeah, in general comparable M-B's and Audi's...the Audi has the better equipped interior. It exudes quality, and the initial perceived quality is high. Lesser Audi's have various problems that I won't delve in to, and the A8L isn't exempt. The car really is overengineered. The reliability is better than the A4 and A6 series of cars. I don't know if I'd call it an exceptionally reliable car, but it's not too bad. The wheels on the one in the picture above are ugly...I wouldn't choose those.

The A8L is nice.

If you really like it, check out the new VW entry in this market, the Phaeton.

It shares a lot (But not the platform) with the A8, and general consensus is that it has the nicest interior availalble in the large luxury car class.

Plus you get that whole stealth thing of the car no one knows about yet, and it is at least $6K cheaper on the lower end.

If money were no object, this is the car id get. 4-wheel drive, monster V8, comfort up the a$$, awesome styling..looks much better in person, especially with those wheels.

I've looked at the BMW 5 series, and I can't stand what they've done to the front of the car. It is so ugly now. I can't believe they ditched the classic BMW look for the front of the car. I'm also going to test drive a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG either today (Tuesday), or Wednesday.

You can't go wrong with the A8L, in my opinion. So if you decide to go that route, I think you'll be very pleased. However, if you get a chance, test drive an E55. If you're looking for comfort and an auto trans, then you owe it to yourself to consider this car. My mother picked one up last month and it's absolutely rediculous.


SLM3

The A8 is a beautiful ride, the E-class has way too much plastic, the 545 has all the balls (6 speed of course). I'd personally take the 545 over the A8 solely for the BMW gearbox.

Lucky Girlfriend...wish I had money like that to toss around!

Man. I test drove the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, and that thing is a BEAST. If you want some information/specifications, click here. I'm leaning towards the Mercedes right now, even though it is expensive (MSRP @ $78,300.) Nothing is final yet, I'm still looking around. I'm going to look at Infiniti and Jaguar cars sometime soon.

insane car i love audi's

More of this Awesome Car
 

http://www.audiusa.com/common/images..._a8l_pcxlg.jpg

http://www.audiusa.com/common/images..._a8l_pcxlg.jpg

http://www.audiusa.com/common/images..._a8l_pcxlg.jpg

http://www.audiusa.com/common/images..._a8l_pcxlg.jpg

That last shot is great--regardless of the car in it. Its a great shot from a photographic standpoint. Just thought Id throw that in there :D Carry on...

As a fellow photographer, I will second this notion. The reflection of the car in the water, and the water on the car is very cool. Horrendous JPEG compression though....

Omega, I can say truthfully that in the first 25K miles that I've had my Merc S Class, I've yet to come across a problem. Nothing, nothing at all, has seemed to bother me.

My story is this: for years, I hated all Mercedes. They were ugly, underpowered, lacking in amenities. In 2000 I bought a A6 (2.7T w/ quattro). It was okay at first, and the interior was nice, but at 50,000 miles I started having major electrical/engine troubles. The entire computer system had to be replaced, and even after that the engine often wouldn't turn over.

Next try : 2003 BMW 7-series. Loved the raw power and the new look. Hated the technology. Turns out, the computer system also had problems. Ended up giving me so much hassle that I got rid of it after 16 months. Not worth the aggrevation.

Now, I have a S500. I never thought that I'd move on to Mercs, but I can honestly say that this is the best car that I've ever owned. I wanted the S55 (AMG powered engine), but the dealer didn't have any there, and it was kind of a I-need-a-car-now situation. I can say, though, that it never feels like its at a loss for power.

Check out the Mercedes', especially the E55. You're not going to be dissappointed.

If you are interested in the AUDI A8L take a look at the Volkswagen Phaeton, it is built on the same platform and has many interesting options like massaging seats. Plus it is 20K less.

Best. Boyfriend. Ever!

good choice i wish i could get the car of my choice.

I'm an Audi fan myself, and I think that's an excellent choice. It's a big car though, I'd prefer to go with the S4, but that's just me. :-)

My aunt owns a A8 but its a 1999. and she hasn't had problems with it.


I love the rims on that one!

As an Audi owner, the A8 is an excellent choice. The Beemer 7 series is a sweet car too, but the A8 is alot of fun to drive and the car is very forgiving. As to DEI37 comments, I went through 4 Audi's and none had any problems with them. Had an S4 (1992) A4 2.8 (1999), A8 (2000), S4 (2002... still have it). All cars were new. Loved the A8, butsince it was a company car and a lease for 2 years, time was up and I wanted smaller. For a family car we have 2003 Allroad V8 :).