Overview & Reviews

A standard-wheelbase version of the A8 is introduced this year for those who don't need all the size of the A8 L, along with a tire-pressure monitor, rain-sensing wipers and LED lighting for the door handles and mirror controls. New optional equipment includes a keyless entry and start system, a wood steering wheel and shift knob, satellite radio and power door closers for the front and rear side doors. Horsepower has been bumped up to 335 (from 330). A 6.0-liter W12 power plant, which provides 450 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, has also been added.

• Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.

• Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 89.00

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  I love this car - 2005 Audi A8
  By mike - January 26 - 5:49 pm

  I bought a certified pre-owned 2005 A8L and have enjoyed every element of this car, from the handling to the styling. I will say that the cost of repairs is high, but probably comparable to others in its class. I had to replace a rear view mirror and one arm rest and was quoted $500 for each repair. I also had an issue with the automatic trunk not staying down. Thankfully my certified warranty covered these items. The car is truly a looker and I still get compliments. I have recently replaced the tires and it drives like new. I love this car.

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Audi A8
  By theanimala - November 25 - 6:27 pm

  I loved the A8 since the D3 model was first shown. I waited patiently for the pricing to drop to a level I could afford (preowned). I have had my CPO car for 4 months and 5K miles, and I still love it. It is not as reliable as my 98 Lexus GS400 which had almost nothing go wrong with it after 145K miles. I just had a number of things replaced at the 45K mile service, such as the trunk hinges (common problem), parktronic sensor, airbag sensor, and one softclose door sensor. Even with these little problems, I love the car. No serious issue that will leave you stranded, but still something small that requires a trip to the dealer. I do not regret my choice, regardless.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Audi A8
  By Dave L - August 23 - 4:48 pm

  I purchased the A8 to replace a BMW 740I and never looked back. The fit and the finish as well as the ride comfort, overall performance, quiet ride and responsiveness of the A8 have made me happy for the last 31/2 years. After a couple of electronic issues in the first 3 months, I have simply changed the oil and replaced tires. I am ready to downsize to a smaller sedan and will make a beeline to my Audi dealer for the new A5.

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2005 Audi A8
  By Midwest Audi Owner - July 25 - 4:27 pm

  Second owner purchase of a loaded 2005 A8 with the standard wheel base (not "L") and 37,000 miles. With the remaining factory warranty then Audi CPO warranty until 2011 combined with the features on this car (keyless entry, power trunk, XM, Parktronics, heated front/rear seats, nav, rain sensing wipers, etc. etc.) this car is an amazing value! My A8 drives both like a sports car and a luxury ride (with the 19" wheels) simultaneously. And, with the attention to detail in the interior, it is hard to get out of the car after the trip is done! Many similarities to the A6 that I traded, but you will quickly notice this is an entirely different car than the A6 platform.

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  Dont buy the Audi - 2005 Audi A8
  By Audi Owner - July 5 - 9:34 am

  I have owned the car for nearly 4 years. The electronics in car have been a mess. It has been in the shop over a dozen times and they still can not seem to get it right. Many of the problems are episodic and not constant. At times, the lights will not go off unless you restart the car and drive it around for a few minutes before turning it off. At other times it will tell you a tire is low on air pressure when it is fine. I have given up on trying to get them to fix it and will be disposing of it for a Lexus. Dont buy one. They look great but the reliability is just not there.

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  My Wife Will Miss Me - 2005 Audi A8
  By Reggie in Atlanta - June 16 - 8:31 pm

  I love my wife. I really do. I try to miss her as I drive my A8 (that I just purchase 3 days ago). So far, no luck! This is an amazing car. Mine is black and loaded with every available option. 36k miles, lease turn in, certified w/ 6yr-100kmile warranty. Used is the way to go especially if you arent completely sold on the new grille yet. I have owned a 1999 A8 and a 2001 A6 (for the aforementioned wife). Enjoying this one and looking forward to the next one.

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  Second owner - 2005 Audi A8
  By David - February 6 - 9:34 pm

  We needed to replace a Volvo S90 and decided to try a used A8 after looking at the new models of Volvo, the Audi A6, and the 5 series BMW. This A8 was a one owner with reasonable miles (40k). It has been an impressive auto from performance to comfort. The 19 inch wheels with low profile tires are great for handling, but with our non-aggressive driving, we will opt to go the the 17" with A/S for lower noise and less road feel. If buying used, be aware of the high cost to maintain, especially at the dealer. Aftermarket parts are not much of a savings. And all the bells and whistles could add to the cost of ownership due to maintenance.

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  A8 L worst car ever owned! - 2005 Audi A8
  By gene gopon - November 24 - 8:10 pm

  I cannot begin to list all the electrical issues I had with this car. Beginning right after it was delivered. Audi North America gave my wife and me a free weekend at a resort to compensate us for our troubles. I got rid of this car and bought a Mercedes, which I had owned before. Dont let anyone tell you the A8 is as good as the S Class. Simply not true, and Audi service stinks! The final straw for me was when the MMI buttons all stuck and Audi refused to cover it under warranty - both the dealer and Audi North America accused me of spilling something on the console to cause the problem. You will spend a lot of unpleasant time in the Audi dealer service department if you get an A8

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  Best Of Class - 2005 Audi A8
  By willman - October 11 - 6:53 am

  The Audi A8L is the best value for the dollar vehicle on the road today. Hands down, no contest. Beautiful inside and out in a sophisticated kind of way. Elegant in presentation and powerful of stance. Handles better than any other car in its class. Rain, snow, whatever the weather, drive with complete confidence. Big and strong going down the highway. When those four rings appear quickly in your rearview mirror, MOVE!!!

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  One problem after another - 2005 Audi A8
  By Ali - October 6 - 7:01 pm

  From the first moment I got this car it has been in the shop. Over the past two years I have taken this car in 16 times. Problems include navigation inoperable, passenger window makes too much noise, trunk would not close properly, unless force was used. And the car died and would not start at all on one occasion and it was towed to Audi dealership. It took them three days to figure out the battery needed to be replaced. Very surprising that the battery needed to be replaced within the first year. The only good thing I have to report is that service has been accomodating and have provided loaners on every occasion.