mafpolo

I quit buying new cars....the heavy loss doesn't begin when you roll out of the dealership, but rather once you sign the paperwork, and thus before you even get in it. So, I buy pre-owned certified.

The A8 does depreciate pretty darn well, which reflects the thoughts about reliability as well as the Audi still having small market share and demand.

Saying all of that, I have been shocked at the resale value of LS430's. Wow! They have been taking a beating. I looked at a 2005 Modern Lux. with 24.4K miles - asking $24,299. A 2006 Mod. Lux. with 44k on the clock for $28.9
The 05 is Mercury Metallic and the 06 black.

The point made about driving my wife's A8 and keeping my LS is a darn good one. I could also sell the UL and buy a Modern or Custom Lux (would love a custom lux).

I do love the interior, looks, wide profile, handling & road feel of the A8. However, my LS does provide decent road feel - better than other LS's I have driven. It doesn't float, and I do have performance tires on it and keep them well inflated.

Gotta keep in mind that the A8 has air suspension as well. So did the Range Rover....their air suspension has a factory guarantee that it WILL fail. I converted mine to coil springs.

mafpolo

Where my LS doesn't hold up to the Audi is cornering. The A8 around a corner just squats and holds with very little body roll if any.

The A8 handles better than their A4 due to the active suspension.

Still thinking more about holding onto the LS. Lexus has got to be good enough to repair my air suspension - even if I have to go over the dealer's head and demand to speak to a Lexus District Rep. My LS is still in CPO.

mafpolo

As much as I love the A8, I just can't quite get myself to leave the LS. Also, my wife already has an A8, so it's not like I can't drive one.

So far...sticking with LS. Now, that may change...if it does, I will post it.

LS is a darn nice car - reliable too (I hope...part of the reason I bought)

BigDMan

I have been going through the same decision with a A8L W12 vs my 02 LS 430.
That Audi had every option and the dealer was GIVING it away.
I test drove it 3 times, but I couldn't pull the trigger.
I had just driven a 460L touring prior to the last Audi drive, and I couldn't shake the feeling I got from that.
So I think I will continue to wait.
That A8 was very nice though, especially in the corners.

Tee

I test drove an 2008 A8L this Sat with all this Audi talk, it is a fun car to drive also a step up from the 05 A8L i drove. BUT I don't drive like that every day, the ride of the LS still called to me more than the A8, man that car can take corner, windy roads with vigor! The cabin lay out is like being in a airplane, Audi did a great job with the interior design.

mafpolo

So much of a car is subjective. As an everyday driver, I love the A8..and yes it screams in the corners. Do I have as much confidence in reliability as a Lexus? Nope. However, that being said, my LS has spent way more time in the shop than my wife's A8 (same problem on LS six visits - air suspension).

Wow, an A8 V12.....I would have been scared of that test drive...scared they couldn't pry my hands off the wheel & I would have traded...

I rarely make "impulsive" car decsions. I thought about selling my Range Rover when it hit 62,000 miles, and I finally did sell it at 116,000 (I had a friend who wore me out about selling her the car - I really keep the vehicles looking nice - wife thinks I need psychiatric help (now I clean his car too))

atoyot

Great thread guys!

I have always admired the audi vehicles, they are beautiful and they handle like a dream. However, i'm terrified of all the electronic issues that i read about. I wanted a vehicle that i could confidently jump in and drive coast to coast if i wanted to. I feel like the Lexus did that for me.

I ended up getting a LS400 only because i found a 00' model with 40,000 miles on it for a great deal, but plan on stepping up to the 430 as soon as i find a great deal.

One of my buddies in the Land Cruiser club has a S4 with upgraded suspension, turbo's ect.. and his advice was only own an Audi while it's under warranty. They are a blast to drive, just not to own.

Tee

That seems to be the consensus so far, and almost sounds like a tag line.