[A8] *New Lister* -- Upgrading ??

[Etdmail at cs.com]

 Hi Jack & All ..
 Have recently subscribed to this list ..
 Looks very quiet here compared to the very helpful [V8] List.
 Have been a long time [V8 Owner] subscriber there ..
 
 And am wanting to up-grade my Audi stable to an A8.
 So far at least - the A8 is at the top of my list - But
 with fuel and other running costs high on this model - 

 Maybe it would be the wiser to look strongly at the smaller 
 end of the Audi spectrum - Though I must admit growing 
 quite comfy in the large car.

 I've read through the posts - AudiWorld's Forums and
 Paul W's great site .. It seems, there is quite a list of
 issues to contend with on these cars (Like the V8's and
 other Audi models too of course!) 

 Things like; weak/poor transmissions - (lots of) front-end 
 parts - Sealing/Hoses - Firmware & Electrical maladies too!

 The quietness (and the long list of potential needs) is giving
 me some pause .. Is everyone too busy fixing their A8's or
 are they dependable and everyone - is not needing to post?

 Anyone have any early year recommendations? - suggestions? 
 BTDT's? - Stay clear stories? - Boston area service-techs?

 Thanks in advance if you can reply,
 Best to all,
 Ed 
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