1997 Audi A8 Quattro review from North America
"A beautiful, luxurious money pit..."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mass air flow sensor stopped working at 103000 miles, and again at 105000 miles.
Leaking oil from the heads at 110000 miles.
The car will shut down while driving for no apparent reason, dealer can't tell why.
Drains become easily clogged, causing rain water to leak into the driving compartment.
General comments?
This car was wonderful as far as luxury was concerned. Reliability was another issue entirely.
The mass air flow sensor broke twice in 6 months.
The check engine light came on, and the dealer could not tell why.
The car would randomly shut down while traveling at low speeds.
The drains for rain water in the engine compartment become clogged very easily, causing rain water to accumulate and pour into the driving compartment. The drains for the air conditioning condensation pan clog easily as well. Had the car to the dealer 3 times in one year to clean the drains.
The engine began leaking oil from the heads.
This car was a nightmare, always breaking down and costing a fortune to repair.
The mechanics at Audi are terrible, and often give up without finding the problem. Even regular maintenance costs a fortune.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Still a dream machine after 10 years |
| Luxury performance cruiser |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 115000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Date of Entry | 19th July, 2008 |