Aceler8

Another vote for the 06 models. i picked up an L last December with 96k miles at an Audi dealership. Since, i have driven 14k miles with nothing more than a 4 wheel alignment. Only blemish is the rear auto shade is broken.

I drive 2 hours commute per day with half back roads and highway. Wonderful car! Really like the dynamic mode for suspension setup.

Be sure to check ask/check the air suspension and last belt job.

Pothole5000

Looking at how quickly the B6 S4 4.2 timing chain guide issued showed up, it would seem they corrected the issue for the FSI D3 4.2.... hopefully.

Dusty280z

I'm looking at picking up an A8 as well. '05 model. I'm completely new to Audi and have fallen in love with this car but I'm going to have to end up buying a car at least 8hrs away from me because the car at the price with the options I want isn't available any closer. Any significant '05 issues I should worry about?

Panelhead

1. Timing belt
2. Front upper control arm bushings
3. Transmission flush and filter
4. Coil packs
5. MMI gears
6. Roof drains
7. Brake rotors

Without knowing the mileage, some of these maybe either have been addressed, or coming up. But every item on list is something that can have issues at year ten.

TSHong

I would not shy away from an FSI chain motor. If you get 175K miles out of one before you need to pull the motor for a guide and chain service, you come out even with 2 timing belt jobs. I'm betting that most get more than that. Now the carbon cleaning could be an issue. I think you can mitigate that with more frequent oil changes and keeping your pcv system clean.

Jack88

Timing belt cars are great. FSI cars are great. Both have pluses and minuses, but the truth is that as long as you keep up on maintenance, you will be very happy with either.

EHLO

Don't listen to the FUD spread by the Timing Belt Mafia, as GradecEngineering aptly calls them.
They know (or should know) that the timing chain 40v non FSI V8 used in the 2004 and up S4 and A6 had chain guide cracking problems, but the timing chain 32v FSI V8 in the 2007 and up A8 is a newer design that doesn't have the issue.
I'd like to see an example of an A8 timing chain failure, ...anyone?
Yes, everything eventually turns to dust, but Audi most likely learned their lesson with the 40v V8 and made the timing chain system truly as lifetime as the other components.
New engine designs are overwhelmingly chain, and users can't be trusted to replace a belt, so eventually there will be no choice.

Panelhead

But Bluetooth connectivity and backup camera were the reason. These are retrofits for these, but it looks complicated and expensive.
Engine wise, the FSI seems better, but the engine in my 2005 works perfectly.
Appearance wise, I like the facelift nose. Luckily mine came with aftermarket nose.
But if the price differential is 5K I would get another 2005. If 2K, the 2007 -2008 would be very tempting.

Mister Bally

I bought an early 2004(built in March, 2003) that came off a two year lease. No choice on engines as I bought in December, 2005. Still the same transmission fluids and it has over 241,000 miles on the clock.
It has served me well andI hope it lasts until the kids are done with college. Replacement car will either be a used D5 or an R8. Really want an R8.

Oh, I have yet to have an alignment done. Whenever I perform suspension work, I Mark and record everything using digital calipers. She still tracks straight andwears tires evenly.The exception is when my motorhead son make standing starts with a 90° turn with ESP off to mimic the General Lee taking off. Tires are somewhat affected. I get even by doing similar stuff with his TT

In summary, get whatever car you want based on colors, bells & whistles etc. The FSI's are a little more powerful. If you really have the need for speed & acceleration, get a S8 if you don't mind the legroom in the back and no vented seat availability. Or, get a W12.

I had my speed limiter removed so I can pass a stock S8 or W12 after they take off and leap ahead of me.

Jack88

I'd like to see that happen. I bet it's hilarious.