MaineA8

Just wanted to introduce myself to everyone. I recently purchased my first Audi and I am absolutely in love with it. It's a 1998 A8 4.2, silver/black with 55k miles. It is by far the most amazing vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of driving. The only drawback so far has been the ridiculous prices/service I have gotten at my local Audi dealer for repairs. I've spent about $1k just fixing some minor issues with the car since I bought it. Not complaining, it's a used car and I expected it. But what really irritated me was when my check engine light popped on about 4 days ago right after I picked the car up from having the coolant resevoir replaced due to a crack in it, and the dealer wants to charge me $215 just to plug it into their computer to diagnose the issue. So I'm just wondering if there are any A8 owners anywhere around the Bangor, Maine area that could recommend an independent mechanic. Also, I have read on the forums about a VAG-COM and was wondering if this is a good investment to make. Would this diagnose my check engine issue? Thanks

marcodant

get yourself a bently CD (manual.. You won't be able to live without them if you like to work on your car.

backdoc

The $215 you paid the dealer to diagnose your check engine light could have paid most of the cost of the VAG-COM. You will be very happy you bought it. You do need a lap-top computer though, and if you don't have one, you'll have to figure that into the expense. My VAG-COM has paid for itself several times over.
Doug
97 A8Q 118K