Word, I got my 2003 civic for 7 g's, already modded to my likings.
Intake, exhaust, chip, pulley's, plugs,  mags, tires, subs, speakers, dvd, tints, hid's, smoked lights, carbon fiber, TOTALLY riced, but
a) the ladies love it for whatever reason
b) havn't had a single problem, and I've just pushed the odometer up over 100, 000 miles.
c) it buys you into a community, there's a huge meet every thursday near me which is totally dope
It was either this car or an A4, and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Civics are cheap on gas, cheap maintenance, high resale. Audi's are the opposite, but an Audi will definetly be in my driveway the day I'm done school.
Anyways, go testdrive your A8. I was about to buy a luxury car, until I testdrove it and realised that the older car just didn't feel as tight as I'd wanted.
Good luck with your purchase, whatever you choose to do.