wcheung

May car just had a service at 50,000km. I asked to have the steering column checked bacause the auto-retract (when you switch off and take out the key) has became jerky and noisy sometimes. Then I was told that a new steering column at US$1500 is needed. Is this a common fault ? Any cheap fix ?

stumbo

My steering column is sometimes a bit jerky on retraction but rarely. I don't let it worry me, and put it down to battery charge or something.

I had a similar problem to you on my pasenger side wing mirror. It stopped retracting when asked to. I selecteded it at the switch and moved it around to its extremities, back and forth, for a minute, and hey-presto she works again. Its worth trying on your steering column.

Gtan

Hi wcheung,

Apart from DCH, where do you service your A8 in HK?

I am thinking of getting a 98' A8 but don't want to pay big bucks for maintenance at the main dealer.

wcheung

DCH maintenance is not as expensive as you think. I also tried Tech Fu Auto Engineering at Kwai Chung, not that cheap either.
How much is that 98 A8 ? What color, mileage ?
A good condition 98 A8 (4.2 quattro, I supposed) in good condition should be worth around HK$230,000-250,000

Gtan

I posted this earlier but here are the details again. Good price but I'm still trying to secure a parking bay at my apartment!

I have my eye on a silver 98' A8 4.2Q tiptronic, 5 spoke 17" wheels with 43,000 miles. Here are the details:

Pros:
Bodywork and interior is in absolutely mint condition. No dings, scratches etc. 1st owner. It is a company car and driven only by the MD and his chauffeur. The car is serviced regularly by the dealer every 5000 miles (or every 6 months).

Drives wonderfully. The engine is a real gem. Such smooth, linear and responsive power! I've not driven an A8 before and it feels lighter and much more agile than I expected. Seems to shrink fit around the driver. Very addictive!

Strangely, the auto transmission was changed early this year together with the front dampers and ac compressor. Apparently the car suddenly lost power on the road. The dealer partially subsidised the replacement bill for the auto trans after the company complained.

Cons:
Driver headrest is not working which I believe is quite common from reading the various threads here. The rear dampers need to be changed plus all 4 tyres. The steering pulls slightly to the right although the chauffeur said that is due to the worn Goodyear tyres. I also heard a lot of tyre/road noise when I sat in the back but again could be the worn tyres.

Asking price: US$21K but I could get it down lower.

wcheung

I think I've seen the ad in SCMP.
US$21K = HK$160,000 approx. Sounds like a good deal if the car has got full service history. Silver is also the best color for A8.

I bought mine via DCH 2nd hand car, driver's seat headrest didn't work. But they repair for me free. Steering drift sounds worrying though.

You know, after you've tried 4WD, you won't go back to 2WD. Wet or dry, these quattros handlles equally well. And the power from the 4.2 V8 is really good. You can out-drag a lot of so call sports cars.....

Gtan

Yes, it was advertised in the SCMP. Was asking HK$175,000 2 weeks ago and now HK$160,000. Sign of the times...

I am really impressed with the car. Very powerful, responsive and agile for such a large car. If I do go for it, why don't we get together and compare notes/share experiences. I don't think there are many A8 owners in Hong Kong.

Cheers

wcheung

Yes. Good idea.

For your information, mine was owned by HKTDC and well looked after.

neezer

Mine is a *little* bit jerky/noisy, and I'm having the dealer check it out. My car's still got factory warranty so why the heck not. If yours doesn't, I'm sure it will not be cheap though... =(