First Post: purchase advice A8 or S8?
 

I've been searching the forum for a while and it's been super helpful. I'm looking at 2013 A8 and S8 and I understand the differences between both cars, at least on paper as I have yet to drive the S8. The S8 is more than I'd like to spend at this point ($50k budget), so if I were going in that direction, I'd be looking at a D3 most likely. The car will be used as a DD, so maintenance and reliability are important and this is steering me in the direction of a 2013.

Here's my question. I love the performance, looks, and sound of the S8 a lot, but there's a big price diff between a 2013 A8 4.0 sport ($39k at auction) and a 2013 S8 ($64k at auction). What about going in the A8 direction and using the extra money for some upgrades like a tune, wheels, performance exhaust? It seems like this would give me the sound I'll miss plus a look that stands apart from the typical A8 at a good price point. Thoughts?

Thanks

I'm sure most will disagree but I just came out of a 2011 BMW 750 V8. Loved the growl of the V8. I then drove both the 2013 A8 4.0 and the 2013 A8 3.0 and honestly, the V8 in the A8 wasn't that big a difference to me, and again, I was coming from a V8. The V6 is plenty quick and that could be because the Audi is all aluminum (at least I believe it is). I paid $51k for my 2013 A8L with 32k miles on the odo and it had most of the options available. I love this car! And the gas mileage is amazing.

It sounds like you've already got your head in the right place. I'd pick up the 4.0t, and see how you like it. It's significantly faster than a D3 S8, and should be plenty to keep you happy and entertained. Then, if you choose, you can do the modifications at your leisure, if you decide them to be necessary at all.

Ditch the idea of a A8/S8 and get a Corolla or Echo. Your budget can't handle both the car AND Vikram's counseling bills! At least that's what Flauta has taught me. GL

+1 ...and yes, the 4.0T A8 is damn fast (read fast, not just quick, but fast). Obviously not quite as torquey as the S8 however.

911C - I had to do a little search to figure that one out! My version of "Flauta" would divorce me if I got a Corolla or Echo. I recall about 12 years ago I came home w a WRX after I sold my M635 and I got the look of shame. Had the car for about 6 painful months.

If I could figure out a way to get a D4 S8, I would! Love that car.

You married Flauta's alter ego?

I'm very much in love with the performance of the S8. Guess I could live with an A8, but the S is so much more fun.

+1

I drove a 4.0T '13 A8L before my '14 S8 before my '16 S8 and, yes, the A8 is fast, but the S8 is crazy fast!