WOHOO!

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg) 05/25/2014 at 16:24 • Filed to: None

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The car I am getting as my first car has passed her mechanical inspection. Our mechanic friend actually used the word "phenomenal" to describe the condition of the car. And here she is:

"She" is a 2000 Audi A8L. 4.2 V8, Quattro AWD, and a 5-speed Tiptronic shiftable automatic. Every option available was select by the one and only previous owner. It has 115k miles on it, and, being a one-owner A8, the previous owner was an affluent businessman who maintained the car religiously. It was actually one of six cars he had, and he got rid of it for a new Porsche. As the mechanic said, every single mechanical and electric element of this car is in perfect working order, with minimal wear. There is not a single tear, fade mark, or stain anywhere in the interior, and the only mark on the admittedly beige paint is a scuff on the right rear door, below the chrome strip. As I said, it is loaded to the gills with luxury toys, and amazingly, all of them, including the power rear shade and the turn-by-turn only GPS, work. It is, as my dad said, way too nice of a car for a 16 year-old. I am very lucky, and very happy.

Once I've had a chance to drive it for a while, I may try to do an Oppo Review, if anyone is interested.

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 16:35

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Do an Oppo review!

Goddamn I'm jelly, such a great looking car. I love it! Welcome to the world of VAG.

davedave1111 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 16:36

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Very nice, but that strikes me as an absolutely insane first car. Get your dad to look after it for you for a couple of years while you learn to drive.

Nibby > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 16:39

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Congrats on your tank! Please write a review when you can.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jkm7680 05/25/2014 at 16:51

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Thanks! A welcome isn't really necessary, it's the fifth family Audi. My mom's last 3 cars have been A6 Avants, and my dad used to own a 100.

jkm7680 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 16:51

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Haha, Audi family. I like that.

I'm on my third VAG product so far.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > davedave1111 05/25/2014 at 16:52

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I'm a good driver, in my humble opinion. And yes, it is probably too much car for a 16 year old, but my parents both already have cars, so this one is mine!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Nibby 05/25/2014 at 16:56

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A tank it is indeed. I wanted a bigger car because people at my high school love to buy full sized pickups, put lift kits and brush guards on them, and then drive like a drunk Mario Andretti. If one of them hits me, I don't wan't to be in a tiny car. I know this sounds like the kind of false logic that makes moms everywhere drive Suburbans, but it's a fact: this car is very safe, and it feels like it.

JGrabowMSt > davedave1111 05/25/2014 at 16:57

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+1

This car is a sleeper, and until youre very confident in controlling such a powerful sedan, I would not DD that at 16.

The very first car I drove in had over 700HP, but on the street, the first car I drove in had 90HP, and could barely get out of its own way. It sucks, sure, but at the same time, you dont want to have a problem in your fancy pants new car.

I DD'd a 114HP car for the past four and a half years, but now Im upgrading to a 300+HP car. Learning on something with more "beater" status is easier on the ego when you have a problem. That said, I treat my new car way nicer because of that power, and Im way more cautious about other drivers and what theyre doing around me because its more special to me. Thats not to say you wont, but for a car with that kind of size and power, little mistakes will be amplified by a huge amount.

Life will give you the test before the lesson, so just be as prepared as you can be.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JGrabowMSt 05/25/2014 at 17:05

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I've driven faster cars, including a Cayenne GTS and a Chrysler 300C, with no problem. Trust me, I am generally against giving teenagers fast cars . But this car isn't that fast, compared to the cars I've been learning to drive on.

davedave1111 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:05

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Well, much as I'd like to take it away from you and drive it myself, I don't think that's an option. So take some advice:

You'll have enough to do for the first couple of years (at least) on the road just learning to drive in traffic. That'll take all of your concentration most of the time, and you won't have any at all left over to spare for driving the car anywhere near the limit. On the rare occasions you do get a chance to hoon it a bit, you're going to be struggling not to exceed the limits of the car.

Now, I know you're not going to understand all of this straight away. The best you can hope for is that when you have your first 'nearly', you'll remember what I said, work out what you did wrong, and learn from it. And the same for the rest of the 'nearlies' you'll have in the first few months of driving if you're lucky. (I say 'if you're lucky' because the alternative to nearly crashing will be crashing - don't get cocky and think you won't even nearly crash.)

davedave1111 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:08

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It's a reasonably safe car, as slightly older cars go, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security. No car on the road is safe in a crash at anything more than 30-40mph, and even at those kinds of speeds you can get badly hurt.

Plus, it'd be embarrassing as hell to crash your car.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:08

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Are you an affluent businessman? Because you'll have to be to afford maintenance on that thing. Did you get a chance to see how much the PO spent on maintenance? I wish you the best of luck

JGrabowMSt > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:11

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That AWD can bite. Im not saying dont, by all means do, and color me jealous. Just get very good comprehensive insurance for it. That just means that whoever makes the mistake of hitting you will pay for it more than you will, and regret their actions heavily.

The 300C is decently fast, but it has a really lazy tune for the 5.7. By the time it gets moving, youre stuck behind another person. The SRT8 300C however is a totally different animal. The Magnum RT was enough power for me. The RT model LX cars have a different tune than the base 5.7s, so its pretty wicked, while still being sort of nice to your wallet.

Any mods in mind for it?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > davedave1111 05/25/2014 at 17:14

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I understand. I've been driving for a year now, and I've gained a great appreciation for the focus and discipline it takes. I can't stand how casually and recklessly some of my peers do it. As for testing the limits, I can't say that I never will, but I drive responsibly. You won't find me racing between the lights or trying to slide around corners (its AWD anyway). So, yes, it may not be the best idea for someone of my age. But it could certainly be a lot worse.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 05/25/2014 at 17:18

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We've had 4 Audis, and my uncle owns the trifecta of expensive-to-run cars: an Alfa Spider, a 90's Jag XJR, and a Phaeton. I know about the maintenance for cars like this, and it should be within our means.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JGrabowMSt 05/25/2014 at 17:24

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Maybe a nice exhaust in a while, so it sounds like this . Other than that, not much.

GhostZ > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:29

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How much did that cost? Did you pay for it yourself?

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:31

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Oh I see. Then you are actually qualified to maintain one of these things haha Props! Enjoy your awesome Q ship!

JGrabowMSt > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:39

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I could start enjoying a sound like that. I almost got an Audi sedan, because around me, the wagons are sparse. The noises are great, but the insurance wasnt. Also really tough to find one that isnt molested.

All the best of luck with it, keep us updated on it!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > GhostZ 05/25/2014 at 17:42

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Nay, my grandparents are buying it for me. I kinda didm't want to mention that, because after doing some talking to folks on here, it seems like the everyone's first car was a $200 car they bought themselves, and having your family buy you a car is a major no-no. But what was I to do? Turn them down?

Technically it is being paid for tomorrow when we pick it up, but around $7000.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 05/25/2014 at 17:43

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I hope so! & thanks!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JGrabowMSt 05/25/2014 at 17:43

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Will do. & I will be getting good insurance.

whoarder is tellurium > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 17:50

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Condition is one thing, but has it had all fluids changed and scheduled maintenance such as a complete timing belt job ?

Congratulations otherwise, that is one heck of a first car. Respect it.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > whoarder is tellurium 05/25/2014 at 17:52

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Yes it has. The owner has provided detailed records going back to the purchase of the car, and it has had the above maintenance. The car will be due for another standard check-up in the fall, but nothing out of the ordinary.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:12

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Congratulations! I will offer two pieces of advice. 1. Start a savings account to pay for repairs/maintenance. Parts/service costs don't depreciate like the cars value, so. You're still maintaining a 100k car. 2. Don't spill anything on the center console, it can destroy electronics in short order.

DirtyBird > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:12

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Congrats on your first car! My dad bought my Monte Carlo for me when I was 17 and i never plan on selling it :) definantly look into car care tips to keep it looking new for a long time

jdjonesdr > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:12

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You're 16? With a Audi A8L? I'm seriously jealous. Just how old is everybody on here, anyway? I thought everybody here was middle aged folks.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 05/25/2014 at 18:13

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Yeah, there are quite a few buttons there. Thanks!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jdjonesdr 05/25/2014 at 18:15

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There are quite a few 17 and unders, and LOTS of people college-age or younger.

jdjonesdr > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:18

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Whew! I'm ancient. Enjoy the beast. You're a lucky young man.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > jdjonesdr 05/25/2014 at 18:26

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Thanks, I will!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:41

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Awesome! Helluva lot better than my car!

A8L? All that extra room in the back for activities!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 05/25/2014 at 18:48

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Room in the back for activities? You drive a van. That's one category where you definitely win.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 18:53

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But my van isn't drive-able, and an extended cab pick-up isn't very roomy.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/25/2014 at 22:11

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CALLED IT! Early 2000's audi! Well... I did say A6, not A8, but still...

On a serious note, goddamn is that thing pretty! Hope you don't have to spend too much maintaining her in the coming months. :)

It'll keep you safe, and if some jackoff in a civic tries anything, you'll destroy him with your AWD, V8 powered living room of a luxobarge!

Congrats!! :D

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 05/25/2014 at 22:43

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Thanks!

& Yes, you were pretty much spot on. I just didn't want to give it away.

treesmakewater > JGrabowMSt 05/28/2014 at 21:26

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i have a a6 4.2 quattro, and the insurance was $2.40 a more than my Tacoma prerunner (sold it due to headroom I'm 6-7)

treesmakewater > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/28/2014 at 21:29

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but the phaeton has the same engine as our cars (I have a 2000 Audi a6 4.2)

treesmakewater > jdjonesdr 05/28/2014 at 21:30

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18 here and have an Audi a6 4.2 (sold my Tacoma for more headroom)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > treesmakewater 05/28/2014 at 21:34

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It is tuned slightly differently, but yes, for all intents and purposes, it is the same.

JGrabowMSt > treesmakewater 05/28/2014 at 21:52

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Ah, well, being 23, and getting my own policy for the first time, the company wasnt being super forgiving for sportier cars. I was itching for a 2004 era A4 sedan, but theyre hard to come by.

The mag is great though, a real fun time. Wheels and tires, then exhaust and bushings...almost there...

treesmakewater > JGrabowMSt 05/28/2014 at 22:01

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the advantage of being on a family insurance plan (I'm 18). Also I've seen at least 5 2004 Audi a4s in decent shape this year (I bought my car two months ago so I was recently in the market) . I would be terrified for an insurance quote for my car in only my name.

JGrabowMSt > treesmakewater 05/28/2014 at 23:08

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I recently moved to my own plan just for the Magnum. Because I've been accident free, and have avoided tickets (just one, knock on wood), my rate honestly isn't that bad. Considering it's a 9 year old car with 144k on it, the coverage isn't over the top, but it has things that I would need. My family insurance plan (which I'm still covered under until I stop driving my parents car) covers far more than what my personal plan covers, but I'm at a point in life where I don't need 100k/300k liability. My parents dropped most of our cars from collision/comprehensive because they're older, so I only got comprehensive put on the mag, up to $5k is covered. The insurance also covers some personal things (work loss up to $15k) and up to $1000 in modifications are covered.

I would suggest as long as your driving record stays fairly clean, see what the cost is to move to your own policy after college. I pay half what my parents pay. Do a 6 month premium, and use it to build a credit rating. Pretty easy way to do it.

In my area, most of the A4's are owned by juicers that spend too much time at planet fitness, and they're severely beat up by now. I think the body style looks fantastic though. It's rounded enough to have a wonderful shape, but boxy enough to still have an agressive look. Easily my favorite body style Audi has ever pushed out in the past 20 years.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > davedave1111 09/25/2016 at 23:31

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Looking back, I cannot believe I actually called my unlicensed teenage self a good driver. I had no leg to stand on there. But hey, I didn’t wreck the car.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > GhostZ 09/25/2016 at 23:35

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Just reread my original reply to this comment, oh my God I was such a spoiled snob.