I am a long time Lexus owner, driving my 98 GS400 for quite some time now and, 140K miles later, looking at getting a new preowned car. I have been fascinated by the Audi A8L ever since it was redone in 2004. I love the look of the interior, the all wheel drive, and the huge back seat. I never considered the LS as I felt it was just too close to my GS to consider. Since I have been driving my car for such a long time, I want something to be quite a bit different.

I was curious what everyone here thought about how the LS differs from a GS, and even from the A8L if possible. My biggest fear with the Audi will be reliability. I am only considering a 2005 as I will never buy a first year german car. I know I need to test drive them both back to back but I was hoping to get some feedback from people here as well. Thanks in advance!

 

I think Audi A8 would be a great change up (used A8 is pretty cheap considering the comp)... Even though the LS is superior to the GS, they are still too similiar. I definitilty recommend the CPO program, because you will have issues with the Audi, but who cares as long as you're covered. I wouldn't keep the Audi after the warranty expire though.

 

My brother just starting the 3rd year of a 36 month lease on a 2006 A8L. He has a love-hate relationship with the car. The dealer culture of service to luxury owners is not there like Lexus. They are more equipped to handle a VW Beetle customer. To get him a loaner car or pick up the car is a whole schtick that requires weeks of planning and Enterprise rentacar, I believe. The bluetooth phone thing never worked right and he finally gave up.

You can't beat the alpha-male car with AWD, however. Unfortunately the LS doesn't have that unless you have $115,000.

Bottom line is that I think you will rapidly become unhappy with an A8 because if the finicky electronics and the dealer network's inability to service high end car buyers. And the lack of a service culture like Lexus has.

 

C&D had an interesting comparison where the 2004 LS 430 and A8L were both present: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...on.html?al=164

I think the interior of the A8 is the nicest of the German luxury makes, as far as a sense of artistry is concerned. The L model naturally has more back seat room. But daryll40 has a good point on the Audi service spots--most of the dealerships I've seen are small and not as service-focused as Lexus dealerships. But the A8 is a very nice looking car--particularly before the overdone grille IMO.

 

I thought about buying one.. it's a beautiful car. The design is just right for my taste, but maintenance costs and Lexus's extreme reliability (+) just keep me away from getting a 2004 A8L with saddle interior...

Check out this thread https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=271190

 

I too looked at the A8L before I picked up my LS. They had one at the Lexus dealership and it was nice. Black on Black. The interior is beautiful, definite euro feel. The control ***** are precise, and the seat are fairly comfortable. AWD is a positive here living in the Northwest. The dealer network in my area is actually excellent as they just rebuilt a brand new facility. I also own an A6 so I can attest the quality of service there. However, its the uncertainty of repairs that drove me to the LS. My A6 is already a money pit. Its the old saying" If it doesn't leak oil, it's not an Audi"