After many smaller Audis including 3 S4's ('00,'01 and '04) I bought an 85K mile '98 A8 in late 2004. It needed some basic maintenance (T belt/WP, control arms, couple leaks, brakes, etc) and then I upgraded a few items as well (H&R coils, Euro S8 Avus and a few other visuals). I had always loved the D2 since it came out and I really enjoyed the car not to mention the classic styling. I really hoped to keep the car for at least a couple years as long as things didn't get out of control. Unfortunately they did in the form of a nasty head gasket leak at 98K that was going to cost crazy money to fix. I reluctantly decided that she had to go and it had to be via dealer trade-in because I couldn't try to sell her at this point. If I didn't disclose the leak I would be an a$$hole and if I did I wouldn't get much money for the car. The leak was getting out of control so I had to find something quick at a nearby Audi dealer. I ended up working out a lease deal on a 2006 A6 3.2Q with fairly basic equipment (roof,xenons, and bose). I was immediately impressed with the car with the exception of the performance as this was one of the slowest Audis I have ever owned. I soon threw on some Eibachs and 18" RS6 replicas to improve the appearance and handling. The car does look very nice, but whenever I see a nice D2, especially an S8, I can't help but want one. With reasonable mileage '02's going for in the mid $20K's I am having trouble resisting. I would be giving up so much: a full warranty with maint., Bluetooth, gas mileage(not really a big deal), reliability, a new body style, etc. Then again, I would be gaining 105 HP, that S car mystique, a classic body, those sweet Recaros, better brakes, and unfortunately some new maintenance bills. I have thought about a D3, but as much as I love them the '04's scare me a bit and they are still $10K more than an S8. Eventually I want an RS4, but I probably won't bite until they get into the $40K's.

So, S8 owners: would you give up your older car for a new A6 3.2 or would you gladly take the repair/maintenance risk and enjoy your classic S8? I think overall monthly costs would be similar with the S8 probably costing a little less if I were to find a low-medium mileage example. My roommate is a master tech so I have plenty of help with maintenance if necessary. What do you all think? I appreciate your opinions!

 

You may only live once

 

I'd get the new A6 only in a 4.2 guise. But it's a tradeoff of sufficient pace vs. MPG consumption and higher costs. I think that once you consider the A6 3.2Q rationally, you'll find it an excellent choice for the right situation -- till you get your hands on the RS4, that is..

 

I do not even have a S8, but I would not give up my A8 for an A6 ever.

 

With a '96 A6 and a '99 A8 in the drive, I feel somewhat guilty offering my wife "Take my car if you want"

the A8 sure is nice....


CalG

 

i do miss the built-in quality of my old s8 the i-know-that-they-lost-money-on-each-car feel of the thing.

just don't go and drive an rs6 ;-)

and never, never drive the rs4.

 

.. own ANOTHER audi. I have driven an RS6, S4(b5 and B6) and I still would never give up my A8 for many reasons.

 

when I used to sell Audis and I drove the RS4 at the Streets of Tomorrow event. I just don't have the cash for either in the budget right now.

 

I have owned a 98 A8 and now it's 03 S8. I thought I love the A8 for its power but not really compare to the S8. On top of that the S8 brake is awesome. Also, my brother in law own 03 A6 4.2. It's not the same. I am sure love my S8 now.