1997 Audi A8 review from North America
"Cheaper than a Ferrari and a lot more practical"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seat memory module malfunctioned. It took three trips to the dealer and one complaint to the V.P. to get it fixed.
Battery replaced at 46,000 miles, ($150).
At 47,000 miles an engine oil leak developed which required about $400 labor to look for (they never did find it) and a cam belt tensioner bearing had to be replaced (about $1,500).
Total maintenance cost $1,950 for 4500 miles of driving ($0.43/miles). Projected maintenance cost for next 50,000 miles = $21,666.
General comments?
This car is aptly categorized as a high end sport sedan, not a luxury sedan. I would have bought a Porsche sedan if they made one. The A8 is the closest thing if you can afford about $1 per mile plus gas and insurance to own it.
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| Luxury performance cruiser |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.2 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 42500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 47000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi A6 |
| Date of Entry | 2nd May, 2001 |