My New A8 W12!!!!
10-11-2012, 08:33 PM
#1
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
My New A8 W12!!!!
First, I must thank all of the members for all their questions they have answered and experiences they have shared to make this purchase possible.
So first, the facts:
2007 A8 W12 with 56k miles.
Asking Price $40k
Bought For $36k
The Car: Fully Loaded, every single option. Phantom black exterior with black interior leather and four seat config. Just so you get an idea of how loaded it is, it has: the refrigerator, solar sunroof, adaptive cruise, B&O, full leather appointment upgrade, and the 20" 7 double spoke wheels, backup camera, and any others I haven't mentioned.
Condition:
Exterior:
Cosmetically the car is flawless. I thought that buying the used car would be something like my previous experiences condition wise, but overall the exterior had only one single scratch about an inch long, and it was touched up, besides that, flawless exterior.
Interior:
The car looks like it has never been sat in. All the seats' leather is tight and looks like it was never sat in. The buttons all click with that brand new feel and have no wear whatsoever, even on the mmi control ****!
So it was very hard not getting excited and overlooking the car, so I spent about two hours going over just about every single thing I could and testing everything. Took it to the Audi dealer in Chicago to have an inspection.
Purchase:
I purchased the car!!! One of the coolest parts is after I purchased the car, I was talking with one of the salesmen who said that it was very frequent for "celebrities" or sports players to come in and buy cars and that one was coming in to have dinner with the owner in a few minutes...
As I drove away, I saw a Range Rover pull behind me as I was backing up. Got a call about a minute later telling me to come back that someone liked my car and wanted to talk to me/see me and it would definitely be worth my time. Well guess who it is!
For all you NHL fans/followers it was no one other than Marian Hossa!! I spoke to him about the NHL lockout and what not trying to keep my cool and even complimented him on his Range Rover (even though it's not my style) he replied and said no, the car you just purchased is a very nice car, nice choice. Man did that feel cool, being told by a multimillion dollar athlete, that my car is cool! Long story short, he invited me and my friend to dinner and I spent about an hour longer in Chicago with a member of the Chicago Blackhawks just hanging out.
So excitement level back down to normal and now the other bad thing about this story. On my way home I noticed that the radio kept cutting out every 15-25 seconds, then would resume and do the same thing, regardless of AM/FM. It happened during the test drive but I thought it was the reception of Chicago, and the salesmen said so as well. Well it wasn't and this problem also interfered with the navigation as well and would return me to the main menu every time I tried to input an address. So for the 5 hour drive I was so frustrated by the radio I used my iPhone for music as well as directions.
Cons
The cons/ things wrong with the car:
1. Driver and passenger soft-door close is disabled or not working, although I don't hear it trying to work that is why I don't think it is broken necessarily. To be honest I could care less about this feature.
2. The scan showed the battery was old and didn't pass the load test, although it could also be due to the fact it sat for a while not being driven.
3. The coolant was "dirty"
4. TPMS sensors were dead/near dead
4. One more thing later on... continue reading..
So after this I decided that these are miniscule things that I can ignore/ repair on my own, as the car is in near perfect shape I didn't let this little thing sway my decision.
Recently: Took it into my local Audi Dealer here in Michigan, and it was the bluetooth module that went bad and caused havoc on the rest of the items. $796 later it was fixed and everything is working fine, I pickup the car in the morning. I contacted the dealer I bought the car from and told them that I understand wear and tear or dead TPMS (i guess..) but not for one of the main components to go out, he said to e-mail him the invoice and I'm almost positive they are going to cover the cost.
Mods/Changes Done:
So overall I have done this to the car so far:
1. Flush coolant $165
2. Update MMI to newest version $225 (was on 27.4 and I know its pricey but I just wanted it over with)
3. Bluetooth module replaced $796 (soon to be paid for by dealer)
4. Bought LED's for all doors, trunk, glovebox, and license plate lights. $90 in total
5. Purchased HOEN xenonmatch fogs $37
6. Purchased a set of four new TPMS to be installed (great price and thanks to K9 Cop for the referral. $177 incl. shipping http://oewheelsllc.com/TPMS-Sensors_...re-Sensors-SET
7. Install AMI out of my 4.2L V8
8. Hardwired my Escort 9500ix Radar detector
9. TBD, tinting the car, which film as well as what darkness?
Conclusion:
So overall besides the setback of the radio glitch this car is AMAZING! I love the power, the getup and go on the highway, and the radar cruise is a great feature. Also I got 20mpg avg on the way home from Chicago to Michigan going about 78-85mph near the whole way, including being stuck in Chicago traffic :/. I love this new car, hopefully it treats me well. I still absolutely love my 4.2L v8. Will post impressions of the difference between the two cars once I drive it more, but I can say that the W12 with the wider tires definitely drives more snug and feels more connected to the road, but it does seem a tad more touchy to road imperfections vs. the 18" wheels on my 4.2L. Cool thing is that I am not getting rid of the 4.2L, it will stay in the family and be driven mainly by my father (just not to work so it doesn't get dinged, his words not mine lol), and also driven by me for shorter trips when I still want to look classy but don't want to fire up the W12 powerplant, to save a bit of gas
Picture time:
Me and Hossa!!
So first, the facts:
2007 A8 W12 with 56k miles.
Asking Price $40k
Bought For $36k
The Car: Fully Loaded, every single option. Phantom black exterior with black interior leather and four seat config. Just so you get an idea of how loaded it is, it has: the refrigerator, solar sunroof, adaptive cruise, B&O, full leather appointment upgrade, and the 20" 7 double spoke wheels, backup camera, and any others I haven't mentioned.
Condition:
Exterior:
Cosmetically the car is flawless. I thought that buying the used car would be something like my previous experiences condition wise, but overall the exterior had only one single scratch about an inch long, and it was touched up, besides that, flawless exterior.
Interior:
The car looks like it has never been sat in. All the seats' leather is tight and looks like it was never sat in. The buttons all click with that brand new feel and have no wear whatsoever, even on the mmi control ****!
So it was very hard not getting excited and overlooking the car, so I spent about two hours going over just about every single thing I could and testing everything. Took it to the Audi dealer in Chicago to have an inspection.
Purchase:
I purchased the car!!! One of the coolest parts is after I purchased the car, I was talking with one of the salesmen who said that it was very frequent for "celebrities" or sports players to come in and buy cars and that one was coming in to have dinner with the owner in a few minutes...
As I drove away, I saw a Range Rover pull behind me as I was backing up. Got a call about a minute later telling me to come back that someone liked my car and wanted to talk to me/see me and it would definitely be worth my time. Well guess who it is!
For all you NHL fans/followers it was no one other than Marian Hossa!! I spoke to him about the NHL lockout and what not trying to keep my cool and even complimented him on his Range Rover (even though it's not my style) he replied and said no, the car you just purchased is a very nice car, nice choice. Man did that feel cool, being told by a multimillion dollar athlete, that my car is cool! Long story short, he invited me and my friend to dinner and I spent about an hour longer in Chicago with a member of the Chicago Blackhawks just hanging out.
So excitement level back down to normal and now the other bad thing about this story. On my way home I noticed that the radio kept cutting out every 15-25 seconds, then would resume and do the same thing, regardless of AM/FM. It happened during the test drive but I thought it was the reception of Chicago, and the salesmen said so as well. Well it wasn't and this problem also interfered with the navigation as well and would return me to the main menu every time I tried to input an address. So for the 5 hour drive I was so frustrated by the radio I used my iPhone for music as well as directions.
Cons
The cons/ things wrong with the car:
1. Driver and passenger soft-door close is disabled or not working, although I don't hear it trying to work that is why I don't think it is broken necessarily. To be honest I could care less about this feature.
2. The scan showed the battery was old and didn't pass the load test, although it could also be due to the fact it sat for a while not being driven.
3. The coolant was "dirty"
4. TPMS sensors were dead/near dead
4. One more thing later on... continue reading..
So after this I decided that these are miniscule things that I can ignore/ repair on my own, as the car is in near perfect shape I didn't let this little thing sway my decision.
Recently: Took it into my local Audi Dealer here in Michigan, and it was the bluetooth module that went bad and caused havoc on the rest of the items. $796 later it was fixed and everything is working fine, I pickup the car in the morning. I contacted the dealer I bought the car from and told them that I understand wear and tear or dead TPMS (i guess..) but not for one of the main components to go out, he said to e-mail him the invoice and I'm almost positive they are going to cover the cost.
Mods/Changes Done:
So overall I have done this to the car so far:
1. Flush coolant $165
2. Update MMI to newest version $225 (was on 27.4 and I know its pricey but I just wanted it over with)
3. Bluetooth module replaced $796 (soon to be paid for by dealer)
4. Bought LED's for all doors, trunk, glovebox, and license plate lights. $90 in total
5. Purchased HOEN xenonmatch fogs $37
6. Purchased a set of four new TPMS to be installed (great price and thanks to K9 Cop for the referral. $177 incl. shipping http://oewheelsllc.com/TPMS-Sensors_...re-Sensors-SET
7. Install AMI out of my 4.2L V8
8. Hardwired my Escort 9500ix Radar detector
9. TBD, tinting the car, which film as well as what darkness?
Conclusion:
So overall besides the setback of the radio glitch this car is AMAZING! I love the power, the getup and go on the highway, and the radar cruise is a great feature. Also I got 20mpg avg on the way home from Chicago to Michigan going about 78-85mph near the whole way, including being stuck in Chicago traffic :/. I love this new car, hopefully it treats me well. I still absolutely love my 4.2L v8. Will post impressions of the difference between the two cars once I drive it more, but I can say that the W12 with the wider tires definitely drives more snug and feels more connected to the road, but it does seem a tad more touchy to road imperfections vs. the 18" wheels on my 4.2L. Cool thing is that I am not getting rid of the 4.2L, it will stay in the family and be driven mainly by my father (just not to work so it doesn't get dinged, his words not mine lol), and also driven by me for shorter trips when I still want to look classy but don't want to fire up the W12 powerplant, to save a bit of gas
Picture time:
Me and Hossa!!
Last edited by Brozee; 10-11-2012 at 08:47 PM.
10-11-2012, 09:02 PM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Congrats on your purchase, Your car has two options I really wanted, the solar roof and B/O, The fridge is a nice touch. Great find. You will really like the power of the W12. I have the exact issue with my BT module. Mine only effected the audio but it can go a several days without an issue. I think I might go with a Denison gateway instead of replacing the BT module.
BTW, as an avid Red Wings fan who lives in ATL, Hossa left my city and team. Hopefully the lockout ends soon cause I'm headed to Detroit in Dec for a Red Wings and Lions weekend,
BTW, as an avid Red Wings fan who lives in ATL, Hossa left my city and team. Hopefully the lockout ends soon cause I'm headed to Detroit in Dec for a Red Wings and Lions weekend,
10-11-2012, 09:05 PM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Should have let me know! I would have gone with, definitely a huge Red Wings fan, and never been to a Lions game. Also helps both stadiums are within a 30 min. drive from me.
10-11-2012, 09:46 PM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Looks awesome. You paid less for it than I did my'04 4.2 I just don't think I could stomach the fuel cost for the W12 as I put a lot of miles on mine. Can't wait to go for a ride in it! My trip to Chicago planned for the morning has been cancelled, however another trip there next Friday is still on. What dealer did you go to near home; Fred Lavery, Fox or ???
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10-11-2012, 09:51 PM
#9
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
How much of an impact on ride quality do you think lowering it will be? The lowering process seemed finicky to me when I read others' posts and I would hate to do it incorrectly, even with the prior guides.