D4 A8 - Is it a practical family car

[keitht1]

Hi all,

I'm a regular reading of the forum but this is my first post. I'm looking to change my ageing E46 BMW 330D and after looking at many different cars (F10 5 series, A6, A7, Lexus IS, Merc C and E class etc) I have come to the conclusion that the best car for me is an A8 D4. I have a budget of £30- £35k so expect to find something fairly decent for this.

However, the other half and the rest of my family are constantly going on about how big a car it is, and will it be practical for family shopping trips etc as well as the regular commute and long distance trips that I do for work. This would not be our only car, also have an A3.

Can any of you D4 owners let me know what it is like on a day to day basis. Do you often struggle to park of should I not worry?

Any feedback, experiences and advice gratefully received.

Thanks,
Keith

[EG-4.0TDI]

Hi Keith,

I have a D3 so not exactly what you're asking - but I did come from an E46 330d touring before that so can empathise for what it might be worth.

Short answer - it's more practical than the BM, bigger inside and bigger boot (even than the touring albeit obviously not height wise). Occasionally I miss the additional height of the boot, more often I miss being able to put the seats down. Parking is generally ok but you do find yourself looking for end-of-row spaces so you can park over the line slightly to avoid door dings. Otherwise you just get used to it. I actually kept my BM (long story) and the only time I notice the size difference is when driving the BM when you realise parking is easier - rather than when driving the D3 and thinking parking is more difficult if you see what I mean.

Running costs - maintenance and especially repairs are an order of magnitude higher though.

But, they are by far the most car for your money and nothing else in the Audi range comes close to touching them once you get used to them (I've driven most of the range at one point or another as courtesy cars as the basis for that somewhat opinionated assertion!)

[Guest 2]

If you need a big boot and a saloon, the A6 C6 Saloon has a bigger boot than any A8 and A8L

Easier to park aswell

[keitht1]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. On the maintenance side my little bro works for a dealer so I can get a decent discount on parts and labour - this is what headed me to Audi in the first place.
It's good to hear an independent view on parking as well - I guess like anything this is something you get used to

Chris good point on the A6. It's a great car but I've gone a got myself hooked on a big barge now. Could ve very tempted by an A7 bitdi if I had an extra £10k to spend though...

[snapdragon]

I have D3, but had a D4 loan car for a week, and both have the same issues as EG4. alluded to.
Driving it on the roads, it isn't that big, and is very agile for size due to the dynamics and light aluminium construction. Parking in full car parks can be a bind finding a wider space - despite having the L, I find the width and keeping the doors ding free the biggest worry, and so usually straddle two spaces, find end spaces or use the parent and child if available and plenty free. A couple of low-rent multistories can be hairy due to the narrow up ramps and approach. After a while it becomes second nature to avoid rubbish spaces.

[dragondownsouth]

I have a D3 also and would say that parking is okay, although I couldn't park it without the sensors! As for multi storey car parks, I avoid them wherever possible as many of the ramps are simply too tight. I previously had an E class which was fine in the same car parks..........but the E class was nowhere near the ride quality of the A8. The A8 is a long car, and generally overhangs most parking spaces which on the plus side means you can always find it in the supermarket .

In answer to your question, unless you have to use tight multi storey car parks on a regular basis go with the A8, It's a great car and you get used to the size very quickly. My wife loves mine.....and will be getting it as a "hand me down" in 2 months when I have to go back to a traditional company car!

[revver]

If you need a big boot and a saloon, the A6 C6 Saloon has a bigger boot than any A8 and A8L

Easier to park aswell

Sorry for the thread hijack, is this really true Chrs?

[Guest 2]

I've read it on various places online and even the A8 Specialist in my local Audi dealer told me, so it must be.

A8 is more focused towards passenger space rather than boot space.

[Wolves A8]

Hey Keith. I was warned about the same things but in reality the parking issue isn't prohibitive.

Most multi-stories are fine but there can be exceptions where the turn up a ramp is far too tight! I've always parked away from the busiest car parking zones for fear of my cars getting bumped so nothing's changed. As said earlier an advantage is your motor's easier to spot!

The benefits of an A8 far outweigh a couple of practical niggles. Purchase and enjoy

[keitht1]

Hi all,
Thanks for all the help and advice. Picking up my D4 4.2 tdi tomorrow. 2010 SE with assist pack, advanced key, adaptive lights etc and 27k on the clock.

Can't wait!

Keith