Audi A8 Saloon (2003 - 2011) 3.0 TDI quattro 4d Tip Auto (2004/54) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not the obvious choice. Merc and BMW are those.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Its the first car I've had that generates genuine compliments when people get in. All the tech and leather is pretty seductive.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes. It does it all.
What are you likely to buy next?
I will go off to another marque and then come back to Audi. Life is too short to buy the same model two cars in a row. I think I'll try the Lexus next. I'll come back to Audi in another 3 or 4 years when the A8 has moved on again.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£21,800
When did you buy the car?
May 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Had to drive very hard, and find out what they wanted? They needed to get rid of certain stock. They were sensitive about the price of their stock but not about how much to accept for a trade in. They paid way too much for the trade in.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Needed a car large enough to carry the family or the Board. With prestiege and performance but low running costs - hence the modest diesel.
What was the dealer like?
I think when you are looking at a flagship car like the A8 the dealers get a bit older and nicer. I had visted the dealership once and driven a petrol car. The dealer then took down my requirements and when the right car showed up he drove it 20 miles to my office for me to look at it. What was the dealer like? Carlsberg - i.e. probably the best dealer in the world.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Big. Swift rather than fast. Quick enough to surprise (and beat) your average white van or BMW driver who wants to race you from the wrong lane at the traffic lights. You can put it in sport and play an overweight Schumacher or just drive it smoothly like a 747 captain.
What's it like to park?
Its got sensors front and rear so you can even reverse park in the tighter spots around London. Too big to be comfortable for a few inner city parking garages.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
In two years - touch wood no. The MMI (onboard computer) has confused itself a couple of times. But a reset sorts it. (You hold down three keys and it reboots itself!)
What's most practical about your car?
Its big. 4 or 5 people in plenty of space. The boot is enormous 500+ litres. That's half a tonne!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
NAV with traffic and the onboard phone integration is very cool. It knows if I'm in the car and diverts to the car phone. And when I'm out of the car it goes to my regular handset.
