1998 Audi A8 Quattro review from North America

Oil pressure sending unit leak at 43,000 miles.

Air conditioner evaporator leak and replacement required at 47,000 miles (buried inside the dash panel).

Front upper control arm required replacement at 47,000 miles.

Valve cover gasket leaked oil onto exhaust manifold at 47,000 miles.

Left front wheel speed sensor fault continues to trip off anti-lock brake system, which has been chronic since 50,000 miles (still does this).

Irregular transmission shifting, especially in 5th gear ("D" position), particularly when under light throttle under 2000 RPM. This has been happening since 60,000 miles (still does this).

This is my third large Audi Quattro sedan, and my first with an automatic transmission.

My previous two Audis were the '87 5000 CD Turbo Quattro and the '91 200 Turbo Quattro 20V (forerunner of the "S-4" engine). The 20V was simply an awesome engine!

The '98 A8 is a phenomenal automobile, but I honestly miss the manual transmission.

I think the transmission in the A8 is over-engineered and it "thinks" too much. During hard off-the-line acceleration, there is a nasty delay while the transmission decides what gear it wants to choose. Here's a suggestion: Use low gear!

Also, I have been having trouble with irregular shifting patterns where the transmission "hunts" for a gear up and down. This happens mostly when under light throttle under 2000 RPM. However, it has come to my attention that the transmission may require a fluid and filter change, and this could be the culprit.

During my first several months of (used) ownership, I was hit by a flurry of mechanical repairs that amounted to about $3500. Although, this was more related to the previous owner's failure to get things fixed.

Audis are such great cars that I can't quibble over repair costs or the occasional glitch.