dfrshcajun

I've been doing some digging and was hoping for some advice from some experts.

I drive around 40K/yr for work and was looking at purchasing an A8 (2014/15). I've always owned Lexus or Infiniti because of their reliability in high mileage. I love the look and feel of the Audi, but I'm concerned about service costs after I get over 100K. I typically buy cars with 20K-40K then drive them to about 200K.

I've been getting conflicting advice. Some say buy a TDI (if you can find one) and some say it doesn't matter. Any information or models, specs, and service gotchas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help. All the Audi owners I've met say they'll never buy anything different again. Ready to join the team!

andyza8

I have a TDI, 2014, with 55,000 miles which is certainly not high mileage.

I bought it with 29,000 miles and plan to run out to about 150 to 180,000 mile as I have with other cars including a D2 A8 and a BADASS w211 diesel benz chipped with about 480 ft-lbs of wonderful (and missed) torque.

So far, so good as the car has been spectacular. However, I do have some minor nitpicks

I have taken the car in for service twice because of a probable bad ball joint or tie rod in the left front, which they tell me they cannot duplicate however I know it is there due to the presence of a rattle and occasional noises over speed bumps.

The 1-2 up shift is occasionally slightly rough, and I am told it is normal.

As reported elsewhere, there can be occasional driveline flash which to me is unacceptable in a car of this sophistication and stature.

On the plus side, it is an amazing car loaded with amazing technology, and the mileage is absolutely crazy good. My average for the past 27000 miles has been just under 30 miles per gallon.

I am not sure about the ongoing status of the Audi buyback program as there has been a little real news so far on the 3 L motor.

If I could get out of the car and into a new or newer car in and have it be an attractive deal I would certainly consider it to get into a lower mileage or new Audi or Benz. Not a BMW fan, although I have tracked an M4 and it is the best drivers car, period.


We will see

Jack88

I'd stick with the TDI if you're driving that much. The fuel economy means fewer fill ups, and you may be able to get a good deal on one. The naturally aspirated 4.2 has proven to be wonderfully reliable over the years, and I haven't heard of any big things about the 3.0t. The 4.0t seems to be doing well, but since it was introduced as a 2013, it's really too soon to tell with certainty, although I'd expect it to continue to perform well.

Swissman564

I am also a road warrior averaging 35-40K per year all-in. I had a 2007 4.2L which I ran up to 185K and loved it so much I bought another 2011 4.2L. I bought them both coming off lease at 60K. I truly feel the car saved my life once but that's a long story. I had to replace the water pump on both cars before 100K but other than that they have been super reliable and I have never experienced an engine or drive train issue. In my experience if you treat the car right it will return the favor - in spades. And yes, beware, once bit your probably in it for life.

dfrshcajun

Thanks everyone for the responses. I will continue looking for a TDI. Sounds like it's the best bet for getting me close to 200K. I appreciate the great info.

2001 S8

The 4.2 has shown it can hit and surpass 200k with no issues. I'm at 16 years and 124xxx on the clock and still running strong. As stated MPG's are in favor of the TDI, though.


QUOTE=Swissman564;24905601]...beware, once bit your probably in it for life.[/QUOTE]

+1


Good luck with your decision.