gapthree Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 Hi A8ers. looking to spend 10k on either an 80K pre-face or a leggier facelift version, but which is best 3.7 or 4.2? Is there any real world difference if so, what, performance MPG, mechanicals appart from CC. Also facelift cars, are they any better, obviously sat nav & park sensors are nice, and what is a solar roof. Last question, is their a good specialist or a particular dealer around London to use. I've down loaded the PDF buyers checklist,v proffesional. Are there any other considerations when buying? (Cam belts at 80K £800) Cheers in anticipation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 See my post about test driving cars. But my thoughts are 4.2 4wd - amazing power and acceleration. Not used to autos so down shifting I think is awkward and does the engine no favours, but hey its a luxury car, and thats what they come with. 3.7 2wd - actually quite nippy, no it doesn't have the absolute grunt of the 4.2 but I was quite impressed and wouldn't be dissappointed if I ended up with one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 Loads of difference between both the 3.7 & 4.2 AND the pre and facelift cars. I think the facelift cars had the 5 valve engines (more power) in both the 3.7 & 4.2 (310/320 BHP). The pre-facelift engines had lower power & torque. 3.7 = 250?? and 4.2 = 300 BHP The 5 valve engines are harder to work one (PW will confirm about the thermostat bit for instance). Between 3.7 & 4.2 - go for the 4.2. Sneaky's got a 3.7 fwd, and although it is a sweet car (as it is an A8), he regrets not getting the 4.2 QS. Sweet FA diffo in mpg - afterall they are both big V8s! BUT car runs easier on 4.2. All 4.2's are Quattro'd, but only later 3.7's were Quattro'd. So be careful there. Looks wise?? Audi did a good job in the first place, the face-lift ones enhanced some bits and the facia is slightly different. I would be happy with either. I have the 4.2 Pre-facelift. The Solar Roof, is genius. It is a sunroof AND a solar panel. The solar panel keeps the interior fans on when it is steaming hot outside - keeping the inside slightly cooler for when you get back in! (no, I don't have it! D'Oh!) £10K will get you a lovely motor. Autotrader & eBay have some nice ones Pass on the London dealer front. Once again Sneaky is in a good position to help out on this one! Over to you SneakyMcc! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Once again Sneaky is in a good position to help out on this one! Over to you SneakyMcc! [/ QUOTE ] Hey cruiser647, you stole my lines dude! I have never had the bottle to go try a specialist to date. The jobs like the 80k servive can be haggled down in price. I think I paid about £580-£600 for mine but I did have it done way before the 80k. Lump this kind of stuff with other items and trade with the service advisers, get one on board first, then haggle. Stealer servicing is crippling, but you get proper replacement cars and warm air blown up your toush prior to getting stiffed by the invoice-o-course! Be much cheaper to go specialist and rent a car I'm sure. Deffo go for the 4.2, the Sport has seats to die for. Not sure which 3.7ltr Tricky(?) was talking about having driven, mines an early model ('96) and I shy away from custard skid pulling contests I've always felt that mine might be sick cause 230 horse should pull harder than that, but it's torque that is required with these things... I am a biker so most things feel a little sluggish Just check everything that is on the car you buy cause most places cant fix'em and they drain your finances quicker than an equally fast women...so I heard luv!! Ps, Welcome to TSN gapthree. I,m East london/Essex if you want any cars looked at out this way.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 Ok so I've only driven two cars but hey, I'm driving a 1.6 307 at the moment, 230 horses is probably three times the power I currently have under my right foot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted November 24, 2004 Report Share Posted November 24, 2004 power to weight you prolly in front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A8_Tony Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Welcome to TSN gapthree, difference between a 3.7 and a 4.2??? Well the 4.2 can take out Sierra RS Cosworths not sure the 3.7 would Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gapthree Posted November 25, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Seems like the 4.2 has it if the mpg is the same. Either way 4wd is the only choice for me. I'm not into scrabble spin or torque steer. I've seen 24mpg indicated on 2 3.7's computers. Is that the norm, and / or simillar on 4.2's for 80mph cruises? Thanks for the fast response back guys. Great site. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ska Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 Welcome to TSN, GO FOR THE 4.2 Definately, I took a test drive in one the other day and I'm seriously thinking of trading in my 2.8sport which I've only had since May! Depending on where you are in london you could try Fontain in Iver, I'm based in the west of London, Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SneakyMcC Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Seems like the 4.2 has it if the mpg is the same. Either way 4wd is the only choice for me. I'm not into scrabble spin or torque steer. I've seen 24mpg indicated on 2 3.7's computers. Is that the norm, and / or simillar on 4.2's for 80mph cruises? Thanks for the fast response back guys. Great site. Cheers [/ QUOTE ] no torque steer, just scrabble 24-26ish mpg. You get a 4.2 and stop the messing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted November 25, 2004 Report Share Posted November 25, 2004 [ QUOTE ] You get a 4.2 and stop the messing [/ QUOTE ] Nicely said Sneaky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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