Caracal

Hi all, new member here from UAE.

I'm planning to buy a used Audi, but I'm really not sure what to go for, I will list below my options, I would appreciate your opinions and ownership feedback (mainly in terms of reliability). Thank you

1- 2016 A8L 3.0T done 31k miles priced at USD 34k
2- 2013 A8L 4.2 V8 done 50k miles priced at USD 23k
3- 2016 S6 done 48k miles priced at USD 34k

dougpaper

The a8 will offer significantly better interior in every way. The a6 is a nice vehicle I have owned one but after that went back to my recent S8 and a few a8's before that. The 8 series will spoil you the 6 series is nice but not on the same level. Just my 2 cents.

Mike911A8

+1. I test drove a 2016 S6 back to back with a 2014 A8L at a time when I was trying to come to grips with a replacement for my short wheel base 2007 A8. By that time, the A8 was only available as a LWB, which I didn’t want.

the S6 was similar in size and weight to the SWB D3 A8, and it had a good back road feel, similar to my D3, but the chassis and interior of my D3 was significantly superior to the newer S6. The D4 chassis and interior is even better. Also, the S6 had serious throttle lag which I would not have lived with.

I have never driven a 3.0t A8. I loved the 4.2 engine in my D2 and D3, and never had any problem with those engines. I test drove an early SWB A8 with the 4.2, and the drivetrain seemed perfect.

I ended up with only one way to go if I wanted a SWB D4, and I think I nailed it! Mike

A6er

I owned a 2016 S6 and am currently in a 2015 S8 (though it is at the body shop and may potentially be totaled out).

I loved the S6, excellent power (never experienced any throttle lag), basically a detuned motor of the S8. Lovely diamond stitched seats, high quality interior (though admittedly a step below an 8-series car). The S6 is nothing to shake a stick at, I would own one again in a heartbeat.

Personally I would vote firstly for the S6, then secondly the 4.2 older A8 and take the savings to the bank. The 4.2 is known to be a very rock solid motor.

nictven

Test drive all of them, check out the interior and throttle response, then few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you like to drive a long version?
- How much original warranty matters to you?
- Will you do aftermarket tuning?
- How much interior options matter to you (e.g. 2013 wouldn't have HUD nor lane assist - active steering)

I am a 2013 S8 owner. Daily drive with 2 car seats at the back. Very reliable except the turbo issue will always be in the back of my head...
As other mentioned, the 8 interior will spoil you.

AMDG75

+1
Another question: do you need additional/extended trunk space? I chose the A6 (among other reasons) as the rear seats fold flat, allowing for easy transport of my kids' hockey gear/sticks. The extended space also was a bonus in helping my kids when they moved to college.

Caracal

Thanks for the responses. I will use the car as a daily driver, but it's not the only car I own ( I have an SWB SUV and a sport car), so the A8 looks more attractive and practical to me, it is very rare to find a SWB A8 here, so I will have to live with the long-wheelbase version. So the remaining question now is whether to go for the 2016 3.0T or the 4.2 V8

TinyElviss

Post-facelift is the way to go. The redesign is subtle but really adds to the visual appeal of the car.

2001 S8

[QUOTE=Caracal;... the 2016 3.0T or the 4.2 V8[/QUOTE]

For me, I say 4.2 all day. I've had my current 2012 4.2 for 6-months now and love it. Before that, I had a 2001 S8 with the 4.2 for over 6-years and loved it in that application, also. The bump in HP from the S8 to the A8L was only 12 HP, but the combination of the 4.2 and 8-speed transmission makes it feel more like a 50 HP bump. The car is so smooth and quick with this combo.

Visually, I prefer the pre-face-lift 2011-2014 over the post-face-lift. The PFL lower corner grills, LED daytime/turn signal light design and round tailpipe have a more beautiful look to them, as appose to the FL's counterparts. Just my 2-cents, thou.

Either way, you're getting a great car.

Puzz1

If you're leaning A8 I would get the newer 3.0. If you compare performance stats between the 3.0 and the 4.2 they are very very close. With an APR stage 1 tune on the 3.0, it will significantly outperform the 4.2 and even come close to 4.0 performance. Moreover the 3.0 supercharged engine is virtually bulletproof. When I bought my car nearly 5 years ago I strongly considered the S6 but decided the comfort and space was more important. Where I live there are very few opportunities to exploit 450ho in everyday driving. Good luck in your decision!