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2014 Audi S8 - finally snapping a pic and saying hello
Greetings! Happy to post my new-ish to me 2014 S8. So far I've been loving the car, but still learning how to adjust to such a long wheelbase after years in a c-class AMG Mercedes. The car is from the west coast, and I had it transferred to my locale via CarMax: I have to say I was very happy with the CarMax experience (my first). A week after purchase I noticed a squeak in one brake: they replaced all 4 pads and rotors no questions asked and for $0. Three weeks after purchase I heard a tremendous whining noise coming from the engine-bay: CarMax put me in a loaner and sent it to my local Audi dealer for a turbo-vacuum replacement, again, no questions asked and at $0 to me.
My decision matrix for the purchase was: a V8 engine, AWD, and a 0-60 under 5 seconds (I couldn't get anything slower than my AMG). I was tired of driving an old Jeep during the winter so I wanted AWD. Also I really wanted to try my first Audi otherwise I was looking into E63 Wagons.
Since acquisition the only changes have been adding 20% 3M Color Stable tint all around (which I add to all my vehicles), hard-wiring an Escort radar detector, lowering the car about 5mm using a Ross-Tech device, and adding the ability to lower the windows using the remote keyfob. This Friday I am taking it to a local detailer for a ceramic coating and some paint-correction, including two deep scratches (what I call parking lot rash). Winter tire and wheel set will likely go on in about a month.
My only regret is not finding a model with automatic cruise. But I was able to find the Bang & Olufsen stereo, which is pretty impressive.
It's been exactly what I was looking for in terms of the ride: my wife and I enjoyed the car on a trip from Missouri to Door County, Wisconsin a few weeks ago and marveled at the absolute highway comfort. We also opened it up somewhere near the Missouri-Iowa border and were shocked at the stability, and quiet, at high speed. Truly an amazing super saloon.
I am just starting process with carmax on 2013 s8 in transit. The repairs you mentioned, did you purchase their extended warranty? I can see there is a fuel line recall they said the car will need which I presume the local audi dealer will do for free.
Hm. Well I suppose if I were more specific, I could say Audi Adaptive Cruise Control, or autonomous cruise control, or radar cruise control, or traffic-aware cruise control, or dynamic radar cruise control. I'm not sure what the nomenclature is on the forum.
"Normal" cruise control. What I tend to call "Automatic" cruise control. Note the distance control.
. My Audi... no auto cruise radar.
The radar sensor on an S8 with automatic cruise.
Last edited by chasingradio; 10-18-2018 at 10:56 AM.
I am just starting process with carmax on 2013 s8 in transit. The repairs you mentioned, did you purchase their extended warranty? I can see there is a fuel line recall they said the car will need which I presume the local audi dealer will do for free.
I did indeed purchase the CarMax extended warranty. As a rule I never buy any German vehicles without as much warranty as is available. However, for what it's worth, both of the faults I mentioned, according to the service manager, would have been covered anyway at $0 to me under their "30-day" guarantee. Again, I was very pleased with CarMax. The whole buying process, sans test drive, was only 20 minutes! Unheard of in my many years of buying cars, even from premier dealerships.
I opted for a plan with a $250 deductible per repair. I can now take the Audi back to CarMax up to 125,000 miles, or for an additional $50 deductible per repair, I can take it directly to my Audi dealership (or any mechanic I suppose) which is what I plan to do.
Welcome and congrats! Beautiful ride. Did you replace your C-class or did you hold on to it as well?
To be honest I wish I'd kept it. An almost pristine C55 AMG. If I'd kept it I would have used it as an auto-x car, but I'm planning to purchase a mid-2000's MINI and strip it down, which I could have never brought myself to do with the AMG.
I have a 2014 S8 and the car is crazy amazing.. I tuned it to stage 1 APR and it’s been wonderful. My wife thinks it’s a “grandpa car” when she’s around and then when she’s not I pop it into dynamic mode and it’s nuts! I’m actually concerned about my next car (whatever that will be in 3-5 years) because this car is so ridiculously good..
Funny - similar story when I picked up my 2015 S8 last year. None- car guru friends, co-workers and my wife were not impressed at first sight (after I talked it up). Until they road in it.
My wife drove it for the first time last month and she made some highly uncharacteristic remarks (coming from her) regarding it being awesome, couldn’t believe how quick it was, how well it drove, smooth, fun, etc. I felt like I was talking to a fellow car guru. I think it changed her life. 😁. She’s the type of person that doesn’t particularly like driving. That has changed.
Frankly, this is why I love the S8 so much. It’s unassuming and svelte.
10-17-2018, 12:34 PM
2014 Audi S8 - finally snapping a pic and saying hello
