M. Rockatansky

Hi all, a newbie here so bear with me.

I've always liked the S8 and there is a 2003 with 136,000 miles for sale in Michigan from a dealer. Asking $8,500, it's been on available for a while and had the price dropped a few times apparently. The exterior and interior look to be in good shape.

The dealer provided a copy of the inspection report which I've attached below.

Although I really like the S8, I really don't want to have to drop a couple of thousand repairing things right off the bat. Based on this inspection report, any advice on whether I should just move on or are these things no big deal? I've asked for a copy of the report with the fault codes on it, so hopefully I can post that up as soon as I get it.

Thanks,

M

M. Rockatansky

Swissman564

Welcome. My advice is take a pass. Prior owner obviously took very little pride in vehicle maintenance and Lord only knows what else is getting ready to happen.

halik

wrong forum also...

1Wasserwerks

Yeah I would pass also. I had thought about getting into a D2 S8. The fact that it is already a 10+ year old car that will need more upkeep drew me into the D3 model. Currently driving a 2009 S8 and not regretting it one bit. Go for something a bit newer if possible.
Good luck.

Brozee

8500 for a car that's 11-12 years old, has a terrible tranny, is two gens old and isn't even quick compared to today's cars. I'd pass in a heartbeat. But your also in the wrong forum. Hey at least you get a possibly working tape player!

2001 S8

Hey M,

Definitely wrong forum. Visit link below for advice on D2'shttps://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-s8-d2-platform-discussion-8/

The D2 S8 is a great car when properly maintained. Which could be said of any car, but on a D2 S8 it's extremely important. The big thing to check is if the timing belt service has been preformed. If not, that will set you back around $1600. Brakes and rotors are another thing to check out.

The tranny is a weak point for all D2's so watch out for that. I've had my S8 for 14 months and have dropped about $4000 in to it. That covered the timing belt service, an engine mount, tranny fluid and filter service, replaced valve gasket, two oil changes, all fluids changed except brake fluid and some other small things.

It's been a great car to drive and as stated, it may not be the fastest thing on the road anymore but there is a certain air to driving the original S8. According to Audi Customer Service only 1200 D2 S8 were imported to the US over a 3-year period; 2001-2003. Making them a rare car. Mine is 1 of 53 black on black S8's brought to the US in 2001.

Good luck.

S8ilver

It also depends on how much DIY you're willing to do. Sure the timing belt job cost $1600 at a shop, but it's only $500 at home, only cost being the belt kit. Brakes can be done for a few hundred. Oil change $70, transmission service $200. Valve gaskets $60. You get the idea. If you take it to a shop it's $100+/hr. no matter what year the car may be.

I've owned my D2 S8 for 5 years and haven't spent anywhere near $4k in maintenance. If the transmission goes, I don't mind the idea of a rebuilt unit in a car with no car payments. The rebuilt units can be done with beefed up internals as well.

I find the build quality of the D2 to slightly edge that of the D3. Maybe it's just me, but it just feels more solid all around. Sure, the 0-60 time might not be blistering by today's standards, but once you're cruising, there's plenty of power. 60-120 in the D2 is awesome.

And don't worry, a new head unit can be put in place of the tape deck