Bonton

Friends,

I'm in the market for an A8 and have been exploring the options - While I'm partial to the 4.2 V8 as it's been around a while and people really love it - I have found a 2013 that has the super-charged V-6, it looks like it may have been the only engine available in 2013 and in 2014 other options appeared.

Are there any reliability/performance/long term issues related to the V6 that make it something I should avoid? There are a number of 4.2's available but they're all black and I live in Texas; I'd prefer something that shows dirt less and won't heat up as much.

I'm moving from an '07 A6 which has been a wonderful car (passing it down to son).

Thanks for any help/advice, Josh

mtnboydl

2013 had both the 3.0 and 4.0 engine options. I've read positive things about the 3.0, especially if chipped/pulley swapped.

Having the 4.2 has been a treat with the 2012, and I wouldnt trade it for anything except maybe the 6.3 V12!

Understand your feelings on black. My wife's SUV is black and my A8 is white....hers always looks dirty.

NotoriousGLU

Both engines are solid in my opinion. I see huge difference in the quality of interior parts (radio ***** steering wheel ***** etc.). Some might argue with me but quality of certain interior parts went down after whole Diesel scandal. 2013 interior is not as good as my 2011. Performance wise 4.2 is a very powerful engine if combined with sport differs and sport suspension (like mine is). If you feel like cruising to work but still have enough performance 3.0 is great. Maintenance wise V8 will be expensive if compared to V6.

mtnboydl

Why would the 8 be more expensive than the 6 to maintain?

NotoriousGLU

Oil capacity, two more spark plugs, two air filters etc

FA8L

+1 on the maintenance.

Ive got a 3.0T now, nothing will ever come close to the sound of a V8. Superb. Efficiency and Relibility while retaining adequate performance... 3.0T. And with a stage 1 tune you will well surpass the output of the 4.2.

dgbaudiphile

I went directly from the 4.2L to the 3.0T within the S4 platform (B7 to B8). At the same time, I went from 6-speed manual to 7-speed dual clutch. Outside of the V8's growl and fun to drive at peak RPM, I'd take the 3.0T over it all day long. For everyday driving, the low-end torque, responsiveness and fuel economy, it's a winner. Peak output may be just shy of the 4.2L but with the flat torque curve, it makes no difference (unless you're on a race track).

As FA8L said, if you chip it and/or upgrade the pulley(s) it's no-contest.