Fez2013

So tomorrow I am scheduled for a test drive, I would like to know what I should pay close attention to, things to check.
What are the common issues with the 4.2 vs the 3.X?
I look forward to some feedback. Thanks gents

milellie111

I'll start:

Check the ride height and make sure all sides of the car sit evenly and all modes of the air suspension settings work in the MMI.

Go over a speed bump and make sure there are no squeeks. Also make sure there are no steering wheel vibration at speeds or sloppy steering going over bumps. (signs of worn front control arm bushings).

No error lights on the dash and TPMS sensors work?.

Press all possible buttons to make sure they function (Power Rear window sunshade, mmi screen raise, seat heaters, seat adjustments/lumbar support, door locks/windows etc.)

You geetting this from private owner or dearlership? Perhaps call an audi dealer service dept, provide the VIN number and get the service/maintenance records?

Before purchasing, have the seller agree you take it to Audi or a VW shop specialist in the area for a thorough VCDS scan?

BTW, i notice in your profile pick you have/had a 745. What makes you leave BMW for Audi? How was the 7 and what expectations do you have for the A8?

Fez2013

Hi milellie,
I'm glad you responded and I appreciate it. I will print out your quick list of things to check when I head to the dealer. It is a Buick dealer that took the car in on a trade. Audi is the next block over maybe I should have them do PPI - I'm guessing.

This 2007 has only 19,000 miles so it's peaked my interest. I love the way the 7 series drives and handles, being an '03 it has had many issues, from coolant leaks to oil leaks. I'm big on maintenance but with mine I saw I'd be spending upwards up $3500 for repairs in the next 6 months so I decided to let her go. I'm hoping the A8 is better in terms of reliability and mainly less leaks..

Fez

03_AR_CO

I have had my '04 for a few years now, and I have to say I marvel every time I drop the drip pan to do an oil change. 1st off my 4.2 uses absolutely no oil in between oil changes (every 5k mi). The pan is always dry and the undercarriage is clean, actually shines, as do the bolts under there and I have close to 150,00 mi on it now. Have not had any out of the ordinary issues with the car, normal maintenance items. Control arms, brakes, plugs and filters. Still a great ride too. Good luck and it sounds like you have a rare find with an A8 with so few miles on it.

Fez2013

It's refreshing to hear that there's a luxury car out there that would last a 100,000 miles without major engine/transmission issues or coolant leaks. I'm hoping to find that car of which you've just described. Eventually, I'd like to get the diagnostic cable and software to do some coding like I used to with my 7 series.

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

milellie111

That sounds like a good idea Fez allowing Audi to do a PPI on it.

Being that it is an 07 with the FSI engine, you won't have to worry about a timing belt since it has a chain.

I myself have an 07 A8L that i purchased 2 years ago CPO from an Audi dealer with 48,000 miles on it. Haven't had any reliability issues so far, just minor things (common maintenance front control arm bushings, a passenger side airbag sensor). One time the car was running rough which the dealer suspected to be bad coils, but it turned out to be bad gas. These cars are pretty solid engine/drivetrain wise. Of course electronics will fail at some point due to the complex engineering, but it is far from a nightmare (like those 02 745's were!)

Don't know if you'd be eligible for any type of 3rd party warranty due to the age of the vehicle, but I hear Fidelity Platinum offers great factory coverage for Audi vehicles(other companies can be a crapshoot). Contact this guy brucem105@comcast.net who is an independent dealer, sells the warranty and can give advice on Audi's.

Or if you do any work yourself, get the parts here for discounted prices:
http://www.audiusaparts.com/partloca...?siteid=215820

Oh yes, another piece of advice, check the trunk motor and make sure it raises and closes the trunk properly. Common thing that fails.

But with a car of only 19,000 miles everything should be in pretty good working condition.

What color combo is the car? Regular A8/A8L or sport package?

Fez2013

Thank you for the links, I will indeed check them out. From what I'm told its a Blue/Tan combo. (I hope its not the light blue) Its a A8 4.2 not sure about the sport package, I know for sure it's not the "L". How would I tell if it is the sport package?

The dealer didn't have pictures up yet as it had just come in on trade so I will see it for the first time tonight.

Fez2013

I assume you had an '02 745? - smh

milellie111

Visually, i believe the sport package would have the 3 spoke steering wheel:


As opposed to non sport:


And it comes with different style 19 inch wheels.

Fez2013

Ahhhh! Gotcha! Well I'll find out soon enough... I can't wait..lol