Hi. over from the A4/B5 12v forum, looking at new cars. just a couple of questions about A8/S8.
01-23-2009, 06:40 AM
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Hi. over from the A4/B5 12v forum, looking at new cars. just a couple of questions about A8/S8.
I've been looking at a bunch of different Audis. A8 is maybe a choice to pick up.
Whats the difference between the A8, A8L and S8?
What are some of the things to look closely at when buying?
Thanx.
Whats the difference between the A8, A8L and S8?
What are some of the things to look closely at when buying?
Thanx.
01-23-2009, 06:47 AM
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Wiki has a good overview of the D2s...
FYI, mine is a 98 and it is the best car I've ever owned - even in reliability. I couldn't possibly think of parting with it - even at 150k miles. It's still that nice.<ul><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A8">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A8</a</li></ul>
01-23-2009, 08:50 AM
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First, you'll want to ensure...
...that the front clip isn't burgundy and the rest silver.
Beyond that...
8-)
Sorry, couldn't resist.
No manual's in US... except for Gabor's homebrew and one //S8 I know of which was imported.
Good luck - fantastic cars, whichever one you pick. Just find the best example of whichever one - most certainly. Otherwise they can be a bit of a headache.
Beyond that...
8-)
Sorry, couldn't resist.
No manual's in US... except for Gabor's homebrew and one //S8 I know of which was imported.
Good luck - fantastic cars, whichever one you pick. Just find the best example of whichever one - most certainly. Otherwise they can be a bit of a headache.
01-23-2009, 08:54 AM
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No manuals in N. Am. (Well, other than a homemade conversion by our resident transmission expert.)
Try to get a "post-facelift" car (2000 and up). Prior to that, the transmission is a major weak spot. jazbo123 has been lucky.
01-23-2009, 09:14 AM
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Re: Hi. over from the A4/B5 12v forum, looking at new cars. just a couple of questions about A8/S8.
<a href="http://www.audipages.com/usedA8/usedA8items.html">Buyer's Guide</a>
Basically...
The A8 is a little "softer", more luxurious.
The A8L is a Long A8
The S8 has stiffer suspension, more power, less gas mileage
Get a post-facelift car to avoid most transmission troubles (I think 2000+) which is the biggest weak spot on the car. S8s seem to be slightly more reliable for transmissions (some speculate because of lower gearing) especially '02+
Get the newest one you can afford with maintenance records. If it's got over 80K miles, make sure the timing belt has been changed.
Have fun!
Basically...
The A8 is a little "softer", more luxurious.
The A8L is a Long A8
The S8 has stiffer suspension, more power, less gas mileage
Get a post-facelift car to avoid most transmission troubles (I think 2000+) which is the biggest weak spot on the car. S8s seem to be slightly more reliable for transmissions (some speculate because of lower gearing) especially '02+
Get the newest one you can afford with maintenance records. If it's got over 80K miles, make sure the timing belt has been changed.
Have fun!
01-23-2009, 12:58 PM
#7
Get a 02' or 03'. I've never seen tranny problem on those.
I hate to say it, but 4 out of 6 facelift tranny I've rebuilt was 01' S8. I will have to do one more 01' S8 in two weeks.
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01-23-2009, 01:20 PM
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Cool. thanx for the info guys. i'll be back if i get one or have any more questions.
P.s. It is a black front end not marroon! lol.
My picture poster has the accident pics.
Thanx again guys.
My picture poster has the accident pics.
Thanx again guys.
