csh1234 Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Hi all, I have decided to take the plunge and buy an A8/S8, having driven my parents recently bought A8 4.2Q Sport. Question is, is the S8 really worth the premium that seems to be charged above the 4.2Q Sport? Can someone please explain why I am thinking about spending more £££ for a bit more go? Cheers Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alera Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 It depends how much extra. What are the ages, prices of the cars ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlot Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 When I had my D3 4.2 Petrol Quattro Sport I got excited about questions like this until I realised that this part of TSN is really a D2 forum, not D3 (I will now be proved wrong ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulW Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 I had a 97 A8 for six years, now I have an 01 S8 for 5 months. I am the US so the gears are much taller on the A8 (where I think the A8 and S8 gearing is the same in Europe), but I put about $15,000 of mods into my A8. I have put the following electronic mods into my 01: "S"quirt Mode Enabled (put a sport TCM in) RNS-E Navigation Plus Factory XM Module Factory Bluetooth Multi Function Steering Wheel Tiptronic On Demand I have to say the S8 is absolutely the most fantastic car I have ever driven. I would go with the S8 hands down. You'll never regret it. The thing is silly fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grdunn123 Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Best advice would be to try and test drive an S8 but I reckon the A8 4.2QS is not far short of the S8 in performance terms.....might save yourself a few K's to put towards servicing and upgrades? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IT_S8 Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 It depends..... The S8 does carry a premium, and holds its value better. For me, the great thing about the S8 is that along with full sport spec it comes with Xenons and Sat Nav plus which are both a must, but harder to find together on the 4.2 QS (especially when you also probably hunting for bose and blinds and other essentials that should always have been standard in my opinion...) The S8 is quite a bit more sporty. An Extra 50bhp isnt the whole story as the S8 gear ratios make for a far more brisk take off combined with a higher rev range of 7000 vs 6250 on the 42QS. The suspension design is the same on both cars, just different springs and shocks, but the S8 has less roll me thinks. The exhaust differs as the twin pipes are joined at the end for some reason known only to the germans. The dials have white needles, an S8 logo, and a sense of driving the 'best of the best' that comes with driving the elite of Audis flagship. The chrome door mirrors are a nice touch, but only tend to work well on darker colours where there is a contrast, otherwise they just blend in. However... It is also thirstier, upto 5 mpg less than a 4.2QS, it costs more to buy, and the ride is just a little bit too harsh for round town driving for me if its sat on 20's. So, if its within budget - get one basically. You'll love it. If you do come across a really nice 4.2QS, consider it, but you might come to feel like its second best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 [ QUOTE ] I had a 97 A8 for six years, now I have an 01 S8 for 5 months. I am the US so the gears are much taller on the A8 (where I think the A8 and S8 gearing is the same in Europe), but I put about $15,000 of mods into my A8. [/ QUOTE ] The S8 gearing is shorter in the UK and Europe. Vmax is in 4th gear in the S8 and 5th gear in the A8. Higher compression ratio and valve timing. So it is a different engine (heads at least) Other subtle differences too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostKiwi Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 If the gearing in the S8 were shorter I'd expect Vmax to be in 5th for the S8 and 4th for the A8? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkoneman Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 if you buy a A8 you will always wish you had brought a S8 where as if you brought a S8 i doubt you will ever wish you had a A8 make sense??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teacake Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 [ QUOTE ] if you buy a A8 you will always wish you had brought a S8 where as if you brought a S8 i doubt you will ever wish you had a A8 make sense??? [/ QUOTE ] That's it in a nutshell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alera Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Well we are obviously talking d2 s8 vs a8 so I am going to say yes its worth the money. But its all down to the cars you are looking at and their relative cost / spec really. D2 s8s and a8s are very nice cars if you can find one in decent condition (increasingly hard) I would go for a face lift personally, I actually think they have kept their value surprisingly well which shows what desirable motors they are. I looked for a long time and never managed to find a facelift 02 s8 in the right sort of condition / colour combo I was looking for, not for sensible money anyway. My d2 facelift 02 3.7 was shifted very quickly by the dealer I traded it too. Not surprised, it was in mint condition, low miles , nice spec and colour etc. I near enough got back what I paid for it after going on 2 years.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csh1234 Posted January 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Many thanks for all the input. The cars I am considering are a '99 S8, full Audi history, 68k, with nav plus, Bose, Xenons etc. I think it is a facelift (chrome on bumpers, nav plus, repositioned rear reading lights, curtain airbags etc). Silver with dark grey leather. Drives very well! About £9k. The 4.2Q sport (for price comparison) is the one my parents have just bought. '98, 113k, full Audi history, but not facelift, and not such a 'clean' car. They paid £3.8k. Quite a difference in price, but (in my opinion) the S8 is a nicer car to drive, just not sure it is £5k nicer! Am I correct in understanding that the facelift cars have a stronger gearbox? If so that would be another thing in this particular S8s favour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PsYcHe Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 They do appear to have a stronger box.. Though I think they too have a weak spot, just not as bad (something to do with reverse I think). It might be a properly stronger box, or just waiting for time to show us the longer term issues, if you get it serviced as soon as you get it then regularly, it should be bulletproof (touch wood). If 5k is a 'lot' of money extra for you to spend on a car, then I'd say go for the 4.2QS with as many extras as you can find, it's a bit slower, but still a damn quick car and should give about 5 mpg better as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alera Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Well its over twice the price, is it twice the car. No. However the a8 you are comparing it too has done twice the miles so servicing and maintenance costs are likely to be higher. Just keep in mind for what you are getting these cars a cheap to buy but they are not cheap to run or service. You can save costs obviously going the specialist route opposed to main dealer, still the parts are not cheap. That said the d2 A8 in my experience is a very well built reliable car if its been properly maintained and looked after. I had a 02 d2 a8 for 2 years and the only issue that came up in that time was around £5 for a couple of replacement bulbs, it was just about the most reliable car I have ever had. Full service history is essential and consider getting the car properly inspected if you are not familiar with this car or in general. Personally I wouldnt buy a 100k a8 without full service history and an inspection regardless of price. Have a look through threads on this forum you will find plenty of people who have spent several k on older a8s bought in haste without an inspection and proper service history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 [ QUOTE ] If the gearing in the S8 were shorter I'd expect Vmax to be in 5th for the S8 and 4th for the A8? [/ QUOTE ] That's what I meant...........! A8 5th gear is a cruising gear at about 30 odd mph/1000rpm. Utterly relaxing, with the grunt to shift down a cog or two whenever needed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 [ QUOTE ] Personally I wouldnt buy a 100k a8 without full service history and an inspection regardless of price. Have a look through threads on this forum you will find plenty of people who have spent several k on older a8s bought in haste without an inspection and proper service history. [/ QUOTE ] Ooops. I bought my 170K mile 4.2QS after seeing it once. Bargain price, 2 owners - one of which was Greggs Bakers, so I knew it was well looked after and had been ploughing the motorways all day long. I got it at 6 yrs old. Nothing intrinsically wrong. Gearbox was serviced, cambelt done and the cam cover gaskets changed by me and a mate. Car was smooth as feck. You can see it in the Gallery under Cruisers A8. A real cracking motor. Cruiser's old A8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostKiwi Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 oops me too! Mine had 103k with service up to 96k but was bought virtually unseen on fleabay. Aside form a crackered exhaust (good excuse for straight through stainless set up!) its been totally ok (furiously searching for wood to touch!) and now has 135k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IT_S8 Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 [ QUOTE ] Many thanks for all the input. The cars I am considering are a '99 S8, full Audi history, 68k, with nav plus, Bose, Xenons etc. I think it is a facelift (chrome on bumpers, nav plus, repositioned rear reading lights, curtain airbags etc). Silver with dark grey leather. Drives very well! About £9k. The 4.2Q sport (for price comparison) is the one my parents have just bought. '98, 113k, full Audi history, but not facelift, and not such a 'clean' car. They paid £3.8k. Quite a difference in price, but (in my opinion) the S8 is a nicer car to drive, just not sure it is £5k nicer! [/ QUOTE ] Its not a like for like comparison there.... The A8 in question has lost a lot of value due to being high miles, where the S8 in question is holding a premium because of its (relitively) low miles.... Is an S8 worth 5K more than an A8 - no, its not now. It was only 15K more when new at most. But is *that* s8 with lots of life left in it worth 5K more than the higher mileage A8 in question? - I would say so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenamesross Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Plus the S8 in question is a facelift. A 98 S8 would be at least a grand cheaper. I went through the same dilema before buying an S8 last march. In the end I couldnt really justify the extra cost on anything tangible. An extra 5 mpg would be very nice but (as has been mentioned) if I went for the QS I would have regretted not holding out for an S8 at some. Now that I have the S8 Ive never looked back. Its awesome. Also, the extra goodies that come std with the S8 help. Didnt give it much thought before but once you get used to all the toys you never want to give them up. I'll 2nd the advice on getting an inspection. Did that with mine (as it was 500 miles away) and it was worth every penny just for the peice of mind. If your budget can stretch to the S8, go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffy3074 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Oh Yes, I'm on my second S8, looked at a couple of QS's and a 3.7 beforehand. No contest, the S8 is way better in every way that matters, it's image, it's equipment the way it drives and that all important 'feel good factor'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnArtist1 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 I agree, The best thing I did was change from my A8 4.2 Sport to the 2002 S8 'Pimp Wagon' (New exhaust coming soon just for added 'stupid grin factor') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abs Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 AnArtist, what exhaust are you getting dude? I'm after one too, especially since I have the special limited "pimp" edition too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnArtist1 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Custom made job by a local stainless steel Exhaust wizard. I have already had the Ceramic CATs changed to metalic sports CATs just need to re-pipe the rest without the middle box. Should sound rather nice and breath even better than before.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abs Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 Nice... So you're getting a cat-back system, without the middle box? Excellent, as that's what i was planning on getting. What exhuast tip are you getting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnArtist1 Posted January 7, 2008 Report Share Posted January 7, 2008 er... haven't thought that far yet. Might keep the original exhuast tip unless Mr Stainless Exhaust Guru advises otherwise. I am aiming for a slightly louder rumbling V8 with a bit of a high end civilised snarl... not 'Big Fat Zorst' thats a highstreet nightmare or middle of the night seismic event. Thats the plan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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