2006 vs 2007 Audi A8L

[RAINEYTX]

Came across a 2007 A8L for sale at an Audi Dealer with about 110k on the odometer-sport package, double pane glass, alcantara headliner.

Currently driving a 2006 A8L with 139k on the odometer. Timing belt done within 11k miles and front and rear brakes done last month

Research shows I'll get larger wheels with the 07, back-up camera, paddle shifters, and about 15 more horsepower. The 07 has a peanut butter interior and not sure I like that....

Trying to decide if there are any other advantages for an 07 over an o6. I drove it about 3 weeks ago and it drove ok. Going back to look at an A5 Cab for the wife and considering a trade for the 07 A8l with my 06 at the same time.


What do you think?

[RAINEYTX]

Well, we did it. Got the '07 A8L. A/c was not very cold as it was cooler on the passenger side. Left side headlight went out after a few minutes and came back on if you switched lights off then on. Getting 2 new front window regulators, front brakes and an oil change. Plus a new steering column as the car's locking system was inop and the advanced key system wasn't working. Hopefully its a better car when they are done with it. Oh btw, we also got the A5 cab and traded the Q7 brake and tire wearing SUV in as well. Busy day

[vacsimile]

Well, we did it. Got the '07 A8L. A/c was not very cold as it was cooler on the passenger side. Left side headlight went out after a few minutes and came back on if you switched lights off then on. Getting 2 new front window regulators, front brakes and an oil change. Plus a new steering column as the car's locking system was inop and the advanced key system wasn't working. Hopefully its a better car when they are done with it. Oh btw, we also got the A5 cab and traded the Q7 brake and tire wearing SUV in as well. Busy day

I hope you're not paying for all that work! The steering column alone is crazy expensive. I don't see how you guys do it... I mean I love the way A8's drive but geez they're money pits. Regardless, congrats on the new rides. A5 is a much better car than the Q7 and the FSI 4.2 is way better than the old belt-driven MPI 4.2. Plus you got the facelifted A8 which looks much better, IMO.

[RAINEYTX]

Dealer agreed to take care of the work as a condition of sale. The 07 drives very differently than the 06. Sure part of the difference is the 20" wheels, but it feels like a much tighter, responsive car. Hopefully going to be ready next week! The A5 cab is a total blast to drive and is very quiet with the top up. First time the wife has had sparkplugs in 12 years! Had a diesel Excursion before the Q7 Tdi.

[RAINEYTX]

Talked to dealer, A/C going to be recharged...they said not unusual for 7 year old car. Sure hope no leaks. The headlight issue is a bad igniter.

[Cobra Commander]

Congratulations, and I think you made the right move. I'm a fan of the facelift version (hence why I have one). Interestingly there was just a discussion around the AC on quattroworld. The dealer is correct in that...not a big deal at all...and all Audi's leak or burn something. :)

[RAINEYTX]

I am looking forward to the day my car is ready and I can pick it up. With all the work being done, I'm told it may be Thursday next week before it is ready. Having almost always had a car with the classic black interior, trying to remain open on the "peanut butter" interior. Showed some pics to some guys at work and they all said it looked good so keeping an open mind there. Hoping since the car needed all this work, once it is done will give me miles of pleasant driving. I actually look forward to the commute in my current A8 as it is a very comfortable highway cruiser. Will be glad to have the backup camera for sure.

[RAINEYTX]

Sounds like speaking with the dealer, the car will be ready Wednesday. Hoping all goes well as they finish up the needed repairs. Was hoping for warm weather as a test for the a/c system that they are recharging but Wednesday is going to be cool. For those of you with this car and the sport package, how long are brakes and tires lasting for you? The previous owner was going through brakes every 14k miles which seems kinda low. Tires (20") were lasting about 20k miles based on there service history.

I am also thinking of having spark plugs, fuel and air filters replaced as well. What about the cooling system thermostat....is that hard to get to in these cars? How much should I expect to pay for that?