1997 Audi A8 Quattro from North America - Comments

Front rotors warped after only 10,000 miles. Repair cost $600 (including new pads of course) and was not covered under the Audi Assured program (which is generally great) since brakes are considered consumable items. Hopefully this was a fluke and will not be repeated 10000 miles from now.

The so-called Multi-function Switch needed to be replaced recently. It controls transmission functionality. This was covered by Audi Assured. Breakdown occurred while on vacation in Vermont, but all was handled well by the Roadside Assistance program and local dealer.

Gorgeous piece of automotive art, with impeccable fit and finish. Now five years old and still has a showroom finish. Gobbles up the highway miles. Extremely precise handling under any road conditions. Handles like a big cat, with exceptionally responsive and tight steering and suspension. Only complaint is with the transmission, which has a serious lag when downshifting into passing gear. This is a minor point relative to the overall combination of luxury and performance offered by the vehicle.

I am the proud owner of a 1998 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro, that is truely the most beautiful car I have ever owned. I bought this car used (after a 3 drink lunch) for $29,000.00 dollars with 85,000 miles. (the dealer added $10,000 dollars to my 2000 Hyudai Sonata trade, so they were asking $19,000.00) Since I bought the car I have put 30,000 miles on it. I have replaced the timing belt ($600.00), Left front axle ($300.00), Right front CV boot and rear seal ($510.00), several oil changes (at $120.00 each), a new key ($135.00), ceramic brake pads front and rear to try and reduce the annoying brake dust issue ($400.00), new battery ($120.00) (I still hate the transmision shift pattern, so I use the triptronic shift, even though the gas mileage suffers) I still love this car. I think it is because there are so few of them around. I still feel like I am driving a $75,000.00 automobile. I am hoping that that this car will last for many more miles, but maybe I am just nieve. This is the first car I have ever owned that I could see going the distance on, but am I just being stupid??? I would appreciate any long term oppinions... thanks...

Hi,

I bought an Audi A8 4.2 Quattro late 1998 model, one owner with full service history, garaged, 64450 miles, recent 60000 mile dealer service, warm weather pkg, 17" premium wheels etc, from www.ecarlink.com for $15880.

You certainly paid way too much. I changed to drilled zimmerman rotors/pagid pads and replaced the outer tie rods for better performance. There are any number of high quality car dealers on ebay, selling for similar prices and shipping via DAS auto shippers is a breeze.

That must have been the most expensive drink you ever had. Sorry, to learn about your ordeal.

I'm thinking the "drink" owner above actually paid $19,000, but was $10,000 "upside down" on his Hyundai (a common problem if you finance a car and sell too early). Since he's put 30,000 miles on it, it was likely bought somewhere around 2002, so if it really was $29,000, hopefully it was a Certified Pre-Owned car.

Your front rotors may have warped due to over tightening the lug nuts. Did you use after-market or alternate Audi wheels or have another reason to re-tighten the front lug nuts?

Had new pads and rotors installed. Immediately the driver's side rear pads lock when the emergency brake is applied. What procedure was missed by the mechanic that should have prevented this from happening? Also, how do I correct this problem? Thanks.