Which A8 to avoid?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 103
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From: Edmonton, Canada
Which A8 to avoid?
Hi Forum Members,
I have had my 2003 A4 3.0 and A8L 4.2 that served me well for 20 years, it's time for a change.
I am looking for your wise advice on which models / trims/ years to avoid when shopping for 2013-2016 Audi.
Thank you
I have had my 2003 A4 3.0 and A8L 4.2 that served me well for 20 years, it's time for a change.
I am looking for your wise advice on which models / trims/ years to avoid when shopping for 2013-2016 Audi.
Thank you
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 15,311
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
Not sure it sorts reliability wise to years like that, though 2013 was first year for the "new" engines--4.OT, 3.0T, for a while the rarer TDI. W12 is there in all these years IIRC in very low volume. Before that is was W12 and 4.2 V8 normally aspirated. Even the early 4.2's with NA motor will feel more powerful (and somewhat more fuel efficient) than your 2004 just because of the 8 speed tranny, plus a bit more from FSI/direct injection.
Your more primary sort is likely pre-and post midlife facelift. That occurs starting with 2015. Some exterior style changes, some increased packaging efficiency especially in trunk, some equipment improvements. There are also some HP increases for the 4.0T. Look at old posts or spec sheets by year for homework you should do directly. There are 2017's too, though not a lot sold as it got to last years of model run. Audi screwed up and delayed D5 intro in North America with the whole TDI debacle and huge distraction.
Your more primary sort is likely pre-and post midlife facelift. That occurs starting with 2015. Some exterior style changes, some increased packaging efficiency especially in trunk, some equipment improvements. There are also some HP increases for the 4.0T. Look at old posts or spec sheets by year for homework you should do directly. There are 2017's too, though not a lot sold as it got to last years of model run. Audi screwed up and delayed D5 intro in North America with the whole TDI debacle and huge distraction.
Last edited by MP4.2+6.0; Jun 9, 2024 at 07:09 AM.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 19,020
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From: Wilbur by the Sea
I would agree. I am in the market and I don't think there is a bad one out there. If I had my choice, I would choose a 2015 + because it's the facelift.
I don't want the 4.2 V8 as I have BTDT. Those were only available in 2011 and 2012, then they went to the 3.0T supercharged and the 4.0T twin turbo. The 4.0T's generally speaking have more options.
Brochures can be found here: https://www.auto-brochures.com/audi.html
Best of luck
I don't want the 4.2 V8 as I have BTDT. Those were only available in 2011 and 2012, then they went to the 3.0T supercharged and the 4.0T twin turbo. The 4.0T's generally speaking have more options.
Brochures can be found here: https://www.auto-brochures.com/audi.html
Best of luck
Last edited by PaulW; Jun 10, 2024 at 03:09 AM.
Flagship addict
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 988
Likes: 248
From: Central Ohio
I have a pre and post facelift and I have found very little functional difference other than the HUD, the headlights of the pre-facelift are more powerful but lack the matrix system.
Hydro steering is far better than the electric facelift system as far as feel goes.
Overall I prefer the pre-facelift and anything you want from the post can be retrofit like the new trunk button or HUD
Hydro steering is far better than the electric facelift system as far as feel goes.
Overall I prefer the pre-facelift and anything you want from the post can be retrofit like the new trunk button or HUD
W12 Aficionado
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Chicago, IL
Flagship addict
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 988
Likes: 248
From: Central Ohio
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W12 Aficionado
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,556
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From: Chicago, IL
Unfortunately not even close to true. The Euro headlights have completely different internals for operating the individual elements, then different harnesses as well as unique modules. A retrofit means swapping basically everything
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Flagship addict
Joined: Jul 2021
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From: Central Ohio
Well that's a depressing turn, I was hoping it was like Mercedes where the hardware is all the same. Oh well lol!
