jlbell

Hello everyone I have been searching for an A8 that a reasonable price and distance away from me and I think I have found one. Anyway just posting to get some opinions on the car.

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TSHong

Low miles for a 2004 and the car looks like it's in decent shape. I would have reservations about an 04. I think most were OK but some were lemons in that year. First year model syndrome. I bought an 05 but the W12s came with 06 updates.

richard-tx

Avoid the 2004. Too many unsolvable issues.

Samo7

If the car has or had no issues, I don't see a problem. You can't live your life on what may or not may happen. I love the birds eye maple. Treat yourself.

Panelhead

There are first year issues. But most are fine. The car looks good from the pictures.
Good look and drive it. Unless the tires are brand new, take a hard look at wear pattern. Plus run a finger over the rotors to see if they are grooved.
If someone could run a scan it may show past or future issues. I like the burd's eye also.

richard-tx

When I was shopping for a car, I went the the local Audi dealer. I was talking to the salesman and the topic of used A8s came up. The salesman told me to avoid the 2004 A8. Now if a car salesman tells me to avoid that model year, I am going to listen to him.

I limited my search to a 2005-2006 MY. 2007 and later engines have timing chains which, when they go bad, requires the engine be pulled. Repairs are very pricey.

I found a very nice 2007 with 99k miles on it. I updated the NAV maps and the MMI as both were never updated. The timing belt, water pump, and idlers were replaced shortly before I bought the car. I changed the transmission oil and filter and had the AC serviced. Bought a VCDS so that I could customize certain things and scan for faults. Apart from a weak trunk (boot) lid motor and inoperative drivers door soft close motor, all is well.

dvs_dave

You went wrong the second you believed that salesman as that is a ridiculously sweeping and untrue comment. What "unsolvable" issues are there?

Jack88

A 2004 is riskier than a 2005, I agree. If it matches everything you're looking for, though, that doesn't mean I'd rule it out. You just have to be that much more careful.

Have you seen this 2005, about 50 miles away from the other one? http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...7396/overview/

dvs_dave

So, as I have an 04, I can talk from first hand experience. Mine has been very reliable in the 3-4 years I've had it. The few problems that have occurred have not been specific to 04's, rather the common problems that affect all D3's.

04's get a rep for no reason other than they are the first model so in peoples minds it simply has to be bad. Even as first model years, they are not unreliable...it's not the 1980's anymore. Look at it this way, if it's gotten to 11 years old, then most any issue that was lurking has since been fixed.

If you like the car, it appears to have been looked after, and is the right price then there is absolutely no reason not to get it, just because it's an 04.

tx170754

Looking at the photos this looks like an extremely clean car, the interior is spotless and that tells a lot. I would go and see and drive the car, it is also not expensive. A CarFax and the car history may also help. At the end of the day if everything looks ok and you like the car go for it. I wish my S8 would have that wood and interior color. On the other hand if you wouldn't be completely satisfied don't worry, there are other good deals out there, you only need to be patient.
Good luck !