JCrews77

Hello Forum,

I"m new to the Audi forums but I am not new to owning an Audi. I used to own a Audi 90 which was a excellent car in terms of ride quality and being ahead of it's time but the car ended up getting totaled due to somebody hitting the car while parked.

I'm not at a crossroads of choosing between two Audi's. I found a Audi A8L 2009 with 70K miles black/brown interior with no mechanical issues (according to dealer) for 19K. I also found another Audi A8L that is a 2011 with 90k miles black/black also with no mechanical issues(according to dealer) for 23K.

I like the body styles of both the D3 & D4 and the features looks good for both based on what I read briefly. I'd like to know what are the other feature differences between the two generations, which one so far has better reliability and if there are some issues that would make me run away from either model. Is there a mileage cut off I should be looking at when purchasing these cars?

Ads with the two cars below:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ctd/5981831519.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/ctd/5976922349.html

awdinut

One point to make is that the ad for the D3 is incorrect in the options listed. There is no massage option because the on/off button is absent on the side of the seat. Second, it might only be a resolution thing, but on my computer screen I can not see any perforations in the seat surface and hence there would be no ventilated seats.

mishar

D4 by all means.

TSHong

D3 is a long wheel base vs the D4 is a short wheel base. The D4 has better interior and tech but IMHO better looks. If it was me I would get the D4 as well.

Jack88

The D4 is superior to the D3 in terms of performance, efficiency, and tech. Between the 2, the D3, as nice as it is, just doesn't match it in any non-subjective category. The only thing I have against the D4 is the sometimes abrupt downshift coming off a rolling stop.

JCrews77

Thanks I appreciate the advice, I like the look of the D4 so I was leaning on that one. My worry is that with 90K I will basically be inheriting a lot of repairs, not that I can't afford or expect not to have to repair anything. How reliable are the D4's? Anything important I should check when I go out and look at it?

BASARAB

...

Jack88

Well, make sure the recall for the transmission cooling valves is completed and ensure you check every feature to make sure it works. Best to ask the salesman to leave you to it while you look into absolutely everything, without exception. Check the underbody to make sure all the panels are properly affixed and don't have any signs of fluids around the drain holes or seams. Make sure the MMI goes up and down smoothly, the soft close works on all the doors, and the trunk opens and closes smoothly. Not a lot of real trouble areas, really.

RangeK1D

Go with the D4. I love my D3, but a practical (not sentimental) approach was granted, I'd take the D4. The 2011 is more technologically advanced, looks newer, all the parts on the car are 2 years newer. With a difference it only $4000, the D4 is definitely worth it.
Also don't quote me on this but maybe it is possible to take the 2016 headlights and install them on that 2011 model, perhaps same with the tail lights. By doing that you'd have the newest 2016 look which personally I think looks better as it is the true design compromise between the D3 and the D4 (look at the headlights on the 2016 and you'll know what I mean).

Jack88

Technically possible, but very expensive given a lot of bodywork has to be changed.