Re: V-8 Q, what am I missing?

[FBFISH@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/27/99 6:22:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
MHLIGGINS@aol.com writes:

<<  It has been a point on the list, several times, that the 5 speed V-8s are 
much more desirable 
 than the automatic cars. >>

I can't stand it anymore, so I will give my opinion.

I think the desireability of the manual 5 speed is due to the fact that the 
auto is only a 4 speed, and Audi geared the auto so that you don't get to the 
torque untill 3-4 K rpm. At that rpm you are really moving in a V8. This is 
also responsible for the  the  (slower than turbo) performance off the line. 
Using the sport mode helps, but the 5 speed manual gives the driver many more 
options.

<<  Based on reliability.>>

Perhaps, but my experience tends to support the hypothesis that poor tranny 
maintenance is to blame. Folks I know who change their V8 fluid every 30-40K 
miles have not had any problems. For some reason, people think if they buy an 
expensive car, you should not have to deal with maintenance! I do know from 
my own experience, when the 3 year warranty expired so did my trips to the 
dealer. Of course, you must substitute with DIY.

<< are more expensive to repair >>

I think the parts are less common, and until you exercise the collective 
wisdom of this list, you will pay more. In the case of the tranny, a lister 
has pointed out that the basic transmission is the same as used by a BMW 
model ( will look up if interested). Armed with this knowledge, prices should 
be as reasonable as for any German luxury car.

<< are more expensive to repair >>
<< Each time the reports of high 
costs related to the uniqueness of the engine and the 
unreliability of the automatic transmission have caused
me to skip the car.>>
<< I'd like to know if you're reporting based on one car
only or if this is typical. 'Cause if what you're telling me
about the V-8s is typical I'm gonna be highly pissed that
I let all of those V-8s get away.>>

Look-There is an old saying "there is no such thing as a free lunch" . Much 
(not all ) of the bad press on the V8 is from folks who bought them used, and 
were not circumspect aqbout the maintenance history of the car. I suspect 
many previous owners got pissed at the dealer labor rates and parts charges 
and drove the car with no maintenance (after the warranty expired) untill 
they smelled trouble, then just un-loaded the car. The maintenace expenses 
didn't go away, they just passed to the bargin hunter. Why these folks balk 
at paying the bill on such "steals" eludes me, but then I am from an older 
generation. Also, there have been several posts recently  from folks who own 
V8s and understand the importance of maintenance schedules. I think they 
unanamously endorsed the vehicle. 

ML, don't be pissed find, just find a V8 that has been well maintained, buy 
it and enjoy it. I sure enjoy mine!! HTH
Frank Santoro
1990 V8
1998 A8