Mike141

I am seriously considering another D3. My last one was an 05L and would like to get either an 07 or 08 in my price range, I'm looking at 70-80K in mileage. My question is, I would like to know from the community here the true cost of ownership of these vehicles and your experience. I do most of my own work on these cars and own a VCDS. If it's something major, I have a good indy mechanic on hand that is very reasonable. I have read on several threads to budget about $2K/yr for these cars, but my 05 was nowhere near that; even after a timing belt replacement I think I spent $2K in 4yrs.
And do you think going for an 07 (FSI engine) is worth the price difference from an 06?
Thanks

mishar

My experience with 2005 is similar. As newer years are better (fixed some early problems) it should be even less. I think that 2007/8 are better not just because of FSI engine.

Mike911A8

I own a 2007 with 71,500 miles and I have only had minor repairs: coolant expansion tank, hood cable, two small light bulbs. The DFI engine is great. I came out of a 1999 A8 and at the time I was impressed by the engine upgrade, in particular the power. I pay attention to my mileage on trips as an indication of engine "health" and the results are unwavering. I plan on keeping this car for a long, long time.

dokebi1221

I have 07 S8 with 59k miles on it. So far, I had to replace:

Intake manifold
Trunk motor
Parking sensors (Said they had to rewire everything)
Rear side brake lights
Soft close door on two passenger sides
Touch sensors on door handles
TPMS
Carbon build up cleaning
4 new tires

halik

Why the intake manifold?

dokebi1221

There was weird sound coming out and turns out they had to replace the intake manifold. That's when they also recommended to do the carbon cleaning.

mishar

Isn't it weird that only guys with extended warranty have those very expensive problems? Or is it?

halik

My thoughts exactly. Problem is noise, solution is a huge amount of labor billed to AoA.

dokebi1221

Haha that could be true! But at the end, I got a new one so I'm happy…I guess...

a_alyte

How much were you charged for the soft close doors and was it done at a Indy shop? My drivers door no longer works but I can hear a motor run followed by a 'click' when opening, I'm guessing a latch.