scar

I am strongly considering a used A8 to replace my 92 S4. There appear to be good prices on the 98, 99 and 2000 model year. My question is, are there any differences in features between these years which should influence my decision. In particular, changes to the 4.2 powerplant or safety features worth noting? tia.

PaulW

Just because it's going to be cheapest. The 98 and 99 are essentially the same, both have tiptronic trannies. The 00 has the five valve per cyclinder engine versus the 4 on the 98 and 99. It has 310 HP versus 300. I think it also has a little bit different trim level, such as more stainless chrome on the outside of the car (around the rear and front bumper) and the arm rests are fatter.

Other than that, if you drove one or the other for a week, you probably wouldn't notice any difference, even though there are differences.

The 98 should be the cheapest, but they would be hard to find audi assured now. Don't know what kind of warranty, if any, that you are looking for. An audi assured car will cost you probably 2-3K more than a non audi assured car.

pw

Bada Bing

In addition to the changes pointed out by Paul W, the 2000 model has more aluminum in the suspension components for lower unsprung weight and a better ride. However, to me the main reason to get the 2000 is because of the interior. The center console on the pre-2000 models looks very dated to me. The 2000 model has a cleaner look to it and features better color coordination of the interior trim (door panels, dash, seats). The 2000 model also features revised door handles which are much better than the old style, as well as a revised front double grille, revised headlights, and more chrome trim on the front and rear bumpers. All in all, the chnages are subtle, but to me the extra cash is worth it.

PaulW

....I was at the Chicago auto show this weekend. Looked at the new 2002 A8, and found that I didn't like the interior as much as my 97. I can't say that I like my arm rests better than the thick ones, but I do like my climate control better, my radio (have the old style that only came on the 97 with steering wheel controls) and the interior wood. Both the S8 and the A8L that they had there didn't have the nice contrast mine has with the dark wood and ecru interior.

The wheels on the A8L didn't do anything for me. It looked like they got bead blasted, then they forgot to sand them, then they got clear coated. It was the new 5 spoke (kinda thin straight spoke) wheels. I like the old forged polished 17" wheels much better.

All in all, I looked at the price tag of those cars and figured I saved 47K or so when I bought my 97, but I do have 10 hp less! Really, I love the A8, and if you are looking for a deal, an older one is cheaper than a new one.

I do like the stainless trim on the outside of the new ones, but with so few A8's on the road, you'll probably never miss it. Make sure you get:

Tip tranny (so don't get a 97)
xenon headlights
cold weather (I think they all came with that)
17" wheels (I would go with the stock forged polished wheels)

Hot weather if you'd like it, but you'd probably not miss it.

pw

eyeski

just got a '98A8 w/41k,audi-assured for $31,400

Bada Bing

I forgot one: head protection airbags starting with MY 2000

Bada Bing

The ecru interiors after 2000 come with the lighter sycamore wood trim. I agree that burled walnut probably looks better with ecru in providing a greater contrast.