[ba] A8

[Chris Maresca]

Al body repair is not that hard.  I just spent all weekend welding and 
shaping aluminum and it's more a matter of knowledge than anything else. 
  I actually think it's MUCH easier to deal with than steel, which is 
bad for me as I usually work in steel.

As far as electrical problem go, all Audis have them, and my two cars 
have had lots of them.  They are not terminal, but they are quite 
annoying.  However, the high cost of parts and service may be part of 
the reason of low values, as is the bad reputation.  Jags also have bad 
reputations, but ones built since around 1995 have reliability 
approaching Japanese cars.

Chris.

Buchholz, Steven wrote:
> Funny, those same comments (all but the Al body repair) have been quoted of Audis for about as long as I've owned one ... which will soon be 30 years ... 
> 
> It is surprising to see this sort of comment from an audifan ... 
> 
>>From my point of view, the reason is that the A8 wasn't popular when it was new either ... the "L" models with the 5 valve head technology have held their value much better ... because they were popular when they were new.  I'm sure there are a lot of factors, but from what I see that may be a significant one ...
> 
> I think there's an A8 list on audifans ... you could certainly check the archives there or post up for BTDT ... and I know there are a few A8 owners on the V8 list.  There have been a few V8Q owners who have moved on to the A8 ... interestingly enough from what I've seen a good percentage of them actually preferred the overall experience with the V8Q.  
> 
> Don't back off just because of the resale value ... do some research for yourself to make your own decision on the car ... and if you decide to go for it you can pat yourself on the back for how frugal you are.  
> 
> It is funny, I sometimes give some of the other neighborhood dad's a ride home after we take our kids to school ... and I often get comments about how nice a car the V8 is ... and these guys drive BMWs and Hondas much newer than my 15 year old car.  
> 
> Steve B
> San José, CA (USA)
>> i think theyre known to be very unreliable and prone to all manner of
>> electronic pathology. not to mention that if you dent it, there are only
>> about 15 shops the US that are equipped to repair aluminum bodied cars.
>>
>>> Any insight as to why I always see 6-7 year old A8s in seemingly great
>>> condition going for less than $10k?  Doesn't seem right considering what
>>> they cost new.  I'd love to have one, but something is crazy with this!
> 
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