Hello, all! I have been lurking for a couple of weeks here. Very informative, especially on those first year problems. We are very sensitive to these issues as we have had significant and ongoing problems (mostly electronic) with our 2003 MB E500 and are negotiating with the dealer and MBUSA on a swapout for a 2005 model.

Does Audi offer an extended warranty? MB offers an extension of the original warranty that one must purchase within the first year of ownership. We would never own a car at this level out of the warranty period. We have always been buyers and keepers and four years is just too short.

We have started seriously considering the 8L. Unfortunately did not drive it Memorial Day as planned. The dealer was officially closed, although someone did let us in to look around. We did drive the VW Phaeton. Really nice interior and features but we didn't think it drove as good as it looked and didn't make me want to reach for the checkbook.

For all the flaws of our particular MB, it is making new car shopping problematic as it is a superb combination of luxury and performance. Whatever the new car is, it has to either be "better" or "different" to keep my wife and I from fighting over the MB. Before buying the MB, we eliminated the Lexus LS430 (souless) and both the BMW 5 series (not enough luxury)and 7 series (I-drive, etc). We also made the mistake of driving an S-class 430 after the E500. After driving the Phaeton, that pretty much leaves the 8L in terms of full size luxury.

as they are then considered 'used/pre-owned'. Don't quote me on that but it's somewhere around that mileage. Don't know if the model year has any application.

certainly, if you do intend on keeping the car for a very long time, the extended warranty option is a must.

however, i would think that most pre-owned '04 A8Ls will fall into the buy-back category as i don't hear too many A8Ls being sold/bought back due to a matter of personal dislike from their owners.

be careful out there. although most A8Ls seem to be fine, there may be some which have gremlins. your other option is to buy a new one and then work something out with the dealer in which you would be able to get the add'l warranty for a fee at a later time.

I passed on the E-class last June and swung into an A8L on the advice of a Mercedes mechanic!! He said that if I had patience to "hang in there" with the electricals, it MIGHT be o.k! He scared me enough to run out of the dealership and down the Pa. Turnpike without looking back! My Audi has not been trouble free. The first 3200 miles were splendid but then I was hit by the "Germanic Curse". Now, at 5500 miles, all is well again. Best of luck with your decision.

...per visit that they waive if you bought the warranty from them. I do not believe that Audi offers their own extended warranties although I think that they should.

Interestingly, the local BMW dealer where we bought the wifie's convertible offers an extented maintenance plan where your prepay for things like brakes, rotors, timing belts, etc at a lower cost that paying per replacement. That's the first time I've heard of that.