buybeach

I liked my A8L. If I could have been absolutely certain that a different specimen would have simply worked more-or-less reliably, I would have leased another one. I almost did. I really wanted to. But I knew that if I ran into trouble with it, no one "on line" would have had the slightest sympathy for my predicament. I got enough abuse on the first go-around. Imagine the emails I'd have got telling me I should have known better. I believe that the "net" was a big factor in getting me out of that nightmare and I wouldn't have wanted to press my luck. Hence the Lexus. If your car won't straighten out, use the net like crazy.

On the overall car, Since I had a chance to drive both cars at the same time (I had the A8L at home waiting for return to Audi after I picked up my new car), I would also mention that I get better (better=zippier) performance, much better mileage and a quieter ride (less engine noise). Brakes are better on the Audi though. But whatever complaints I have with my new car's features or design (all very minor), nothing, absolutely nothing, has "gone wrong" with it. I am back to living a normal life: put the key in, turn it on, and go. I know it's an old-fashioned rear-wheel drive rice-burner with a steel body, but I love it. It works.

By the way, I find it odd that no one has yet mentioned the poor mileage on the A8. You could fill up the tank on my car and the computer would tell you (me) that you were looking at around 270 miles to empty. I'd hate to have to fuel up every 200 miles or so on a long road trip. Does everyone else get good mileage or what?

GSR

I agree with the expressions of support for Cohot, and sympathized with your plight as well. I have to consider myself extremely lucky to have had no major problems, given that I picked my car up in late June. As for mileage, I've gotten about 18 mpg during the first 3000 miles, for a range of about 350-400 miles. That's a little worse than my 97 A8, and hopefully will improve a bit more. Glad to hear you're enjoying the Lexus.

ryoung

Audi has a l--o--n--g way to go in dealer support, technician training, and customer support. Considering the handicaps, it's the rare dealer that provides excellent customer service.

Sarge

you WILL at least avoid the wonderous i(can't)Drive equipped vehicle? Talk about a boat load of defective electronics...

Which poison will you choose?

Sarge

Why thank you :-8)

buybeach

Might have been the particular car. It never got "broken in" so for all I know, it might well have improved with use. I am very glad to hear that so many people are getting a good ride out of their A8s. But I think we should all be helpful to those who are having trouble with them. Making the manufacturer provide excellent support for these cars will benefit everyone, even those who are not presently experiencing trouble. That's all I meant to say.

BackToBasics

Cohot, this may be a bit obvious, but has been known to happen: did you verify that your dealer removed the covers from the suspension sensors upon delivery? THis has to be done to get the car out of 'transport mode' and ready for delivery. There have been cases of new A8 deliveries by dealers who aren't certified to sell the new A8's who have been forgetting to remove the covers from these sensors, which makes the car jack up into lift mode while moving....might want to double-check.

GSR

Agreed.

BTW, great suggestion about the CD-muting. I tried it this morning. Of course, a $10 fix would be preferable....