[V8] Whats the Next "V8"

[William Gutierrez]

I think you're right on the A8 transmission--apparently, Audi used a pretty 
nonrobust torque converter which sees premature failure.   The good news is 
that there are a couple spots around the country that sell rebuilt trannys 
for under $3000.  Yes, $4,000 for a new (upgraded) tranny is a lot, but the 
frailty of the transmission is built into the re-sale price.  You can get 
2000-01 for under $20k now with pretty low mileage.  In fact, I got my 2001 
A8L with 50k on it in pristine condition for just over $20k.  I figure that 
even if I have to replace the tranny within a few years, it's worth it.  It 
is a lot of car for the money.

That said, it's still not the V8.  More of a cruiser, especially compared to 
my 5spd with sport seats.  But, all of these cars can be upgraded with 
stiffer shocks, etc.   I'll tell you, it's pretty nice to have a car where 
everything works.

Just my $.02

Bill g.

>From: Gene Caldwell <gene.ghc at verizon.net>
>CC: v8 at audifans.com
>Subject: Re: [V8] Whats the Next "V8"
>Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 23:25:36 -0700
>
>That's a tough question.  As has been mentioned by others, I had thought an 
>A8 would be the answer.  But after looking through some of the online A8 
>discussion forums I am getting the impression that many used A8s have 
>lurking transmission problems.  I get the impression that Audi's "lifetime" 
>transmission fluid policy is a major contributor.
>
>Closer to home, a coworker recently bought a '98 A8 with about 70K miles.  
>Now, about 6 weeks later, he is experiencing a transmission issue.  The 
>estimates to fix it are a little daunting, to say the least.  They range 
>from $2K-$5K.  The coworker loves the car, but wants me to buy it from him.
>
>The A6 4.2 is still a little rich for my budget.
>
>Now I am reconsidering rebushing my V8 suspension and a couple other 
>improvements.   And yet another transmission fluid change.
>
>-Gene Caldwell
>'90 V8
>
>
>Jason Carey wrote:
>
>>Audifans,
>>
>>What is another (slightly newer) vehicle that has similar performance and 
>>price qualities to the V8 models?
>>
>>I have loved my 90 V8 for the past 4 years and 60K miles. Safe and stable 
>>on the snowy highways of Colorado and luxury I could not otherwise afford. 
>>However, it is my only vehicle and I fear at 150K it needs more and more 
>>attention and I have less and less time to shower on it.
>>
>>What is the next "find" as good as the V8?
>>
>>
>>Thanks, Jason Carey
>>PO Box 0981
>>Grand Junction, CO
>>970-389-5987
>>RiverRestoration.org
>>
>>
>>
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