D3 Reliability
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,381
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From: Atlanta, GA
D3 Reliability
I've been looking into upgrading to a D3. Found a couple of 07 A8L in my price range. Please chime in on reliability of your D3s because the ones in my price range are out of warranty.
Other than my transmission, my D2 has been pretty solid for me.
Other than my transmission, my D2 has been pretty solid for me.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Michigan
Try checking through the forum archives. Should be quite a few threads already on this topic. I know of at least two, stating what to avoid and what to look for. In a nutshell, powertrain wise, reliable; electronics, not so much. Just look for a well maintained A8 and you'll be good.
+1 on the search
+1 on the search
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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I was in the same boat...
and the D3 I bought was a nightmare as it arrived BUT. Either get yourself VCDS (diagnostic software) and scan the car before you buy it or find someone to scan a prospective purchase for you. I cannot over estimate the importance of this. '07's are newer than my car, so there are worse ones out there than an 07.
I hated mine when i bought it, it drove me to distraction, but I'm working through it... and I've now reached the stage where I look back at it as I walk away from it in a car park.
My advice is assume it will cost you a lot to maintain and/or put right, buy it anyway, and enjoy not being a sheep in a BMW.
D3 forum on here (AW)is awesome, and there are some VERY knowledgeable and helpful guys on here. Even some of the ex-D3's that have moved on to bigger and better things, and who have a butler whose car will go wrong for them are always here, and extremely helpful.
BUY IT!
K9
I hated mine when i bought it, it drove me to distraction, but I'm working through it... and I've now reached the stage where I look back at it as I walk away from it in a car park.
My advice is assume it will cost you a lot to maintain and/or put right, buy it anyway, and enjoy not being a sheep in a BMW.
D3 forum on here (AW)is awesome, and there are some VERY knowledgeable and helpful guys on here. Even some of the ex-D3's that have moved on to bigger and better things, and who have a butler whose car will go wrong for them are always here, and extremely helpful.
BUY IT!
K9
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,883
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From: NC USA
Excellent advice
Unless it's brand spanking new at a dealer, scan it.
If they won't let you do an autoscan with VCDS, pass on it without looking back. No matter what.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: May 2003
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Buy one in the condition you will be satisfied with.
Don't buy one with problems and think you'll fix it up. You'll spend much more than paying a fair price and buying a 100% car.
When I bought mine at 3 year old, it had significant things wrong with it and I wondered why the previous owner didn't have it fixed under warranty.
Voice command didn't work
Water leak at alternator
Brake booster leak
Power seat switch broken.
Rear door sunshade defective from factory.
Ash tray door broken
I had all fixed under the factory warranty and bought a 6 year 100,000 mile Audi platinum extended warranty.
It has been solid and perfect for the last two years. I am a perfectionist and can't stand the smallest flaw. Everything must work properly.... and it does.
There are some bargain prices out there, but trust me, they are likely no bargain.
When I bought mine at 3 year old, it had significant things wrong with it and I wondered why the previous owner didn't have it fixed under warranty.
Voice command didn't work
Water leak at alternator
Brake booster leak
Power seat switch broken.
Rear door sunshade defective from factory.
Ash tray door broken
I had all fixed under the factory warranty and bought a 6 year 100,000 mile Audi platinum extended warranty.
It has been solid and perfect for the last two years. I am a perfectionist and can't stand the smallest flaw. Everything must work properly.... and it does.
There are some bargain prices out there, but trust me, they are likely no bargain.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,381
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From: Atlanta, GA
I have operate a Goodyear service facility where I repair and maintain my cars. The only issue is that there are no A8 that I want in my area and I cannot VAGCOM them. I found one in NJ and one in Miami and I'm in Atlanta.
I'm just worried about the price of electronic parts that I might have to acquire. I'm also worried about the suspension and replacement cost. I have no issues with maintenance items.
I'm just worried about the price of electronic parts that I might have to acquire. I'm also worried about the suspension and replacement cost. I have no issues with maintenance items.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: CT
suspension isn't the end of the world. It seems like pump will go at some point over 100k but it looks like Allroad pump can be slightly modified and only around $400.
The struts are pricey if new, $1,400 each. There are companies that rebuild them for around $600. I'm not sure what I'll do when I hit that point.
I've got an '05 and now that I've caught up on some maintenance/upgrades, I can tell it will be just as reliable as my D2, maybe more so with a better transmission.
The struts are pricey if new, $1,400 each. There are companies that rebuild them for around $600. I'm not sure what I'll do when I hit that point.
I've got an '05 and now that I've caught up on some maintenance/upgrades, I can tell it will be just as reliable as my D2, maybe more so with a better transmission.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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hey buddy,
I would SERIOUSLY recommend that you buy a VCDS cable and download the software (www.ross-tech.com). Cable is around $350, software, which only works with Ross-Tech cable, is free download. It is definitely the best tool you'll buy for that car, not only that, it can be used on any number of other VAG cars as well.
I can't recommend this strongly enough. I know it seems like a lot of cash, but how many hours at the main $tealer would you get for $350?
A lot of the electronics gremlins can be solved with VCDS anyway, and you won't have to pay the main dealer to diagnose the car.
K9
I can't recommend this strongly enough. I know it seems like a lot of cash, but how many hours at the main $tealer would you get for $350?
A lot of the electronics gremlins can be solved with VCDS anyway, and you won't have to pay the main dealer to diagnose the car.
K9
I have operate a Goodyear service facility where I repair and maintain my cars. The only issue is that there are no A8 that I want in my area and I cannot VAGCOM them. I found one in NJ and one in Miami and I'm in Atlanta.
I'm just worried about the price of electronic parts that I might have to acquire. I'm also worried about the suspension and replacement cost. I have no issues with maintenance items.
I'm just worried about the price of electronic parts that I might have to acquire. I'm also worried about the suspension and replacement cost. I have no issues with maintenance items.