02 S8 vs 04 A8.....Which would you choose and why?
03-28-2008, 05:22 AM
#3
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02 S8...
Fast, powerful, uber cool. 04 A8: first year of the makeover = riddled with problems. If I were to buy a D3, it would most definitely be 05 or <. Besides, you don't want to leave this forum do you? :-)
03-28-2008, 05:28 AM
#4
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Later VIN'd '04s are said to be "OK". My answer Tim is it depends on what kind of driver you are and
...what you're "looking" for out of the experience. I drove an '04 and we really impressed it's a terrific car. It's not my //S8, but it's a real nice machine. But, again, that's for _ME_ and I have disturbing automotive issues.
Share your priorties / expectations and we can better guide you I think.
Either way doesn't suck 8-). Just don't get an early VIN D3!
Good luck.
ps. Steal Your Face, right off your head! 8-)
Share your priorties / expectations and we can better guide you I think.
Either way doesn't suck 8-). Just don't get an early VIN D3!
Good luck.
ps. Steal Your Face, right off your head! 8-)
03-28-2008, 06:27 AM
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Test drive them both and report back w/ your impressions. One of the biggest reasons for the S8...
is the ability for you to DIY maintanence. The D3 will limit you to dealer service due to the advanced electronics.
However, my dealer's service mgr told me this morning that the D3 is a very reliable machine.
I'd be interested in how you perceive the differences in handling between the D2 S8 and D3.
However, my dealer's service mgr told me this morning that the D3 is a very reliable machine.
I'd be interested in how you perceive the differences in handling between the D2 S8 and D3.
03-28-2008, 08:49 AM
#6
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S8...(long)
I can't speak to the "do-your-own-wrenching" aspect because I'm now at the point where I have neither the tools nor the time, and have been away from wrenching for so long that I no longer feel comfortable doing it. That having been said, neither choice is bad. The cars just have a completely different feel to them.
The S8 is amazing. It drives "smaller" than my '05 A6 and seems to corner flatter than my '04 3.2 TT. It's like a sports car wrapped up in a luxury package. The D3 A8 is a great car, but feels like a large sports sedan. When I pick up the keys, with a choice between the TT roadster, A6, and S8, I'll grab the S8 everytime. The more I drive it, the more I want to drive it.
Disclaimer: Condition is crucial. If you get either one and it's been "rode hard/put up wet", the experience may be completely different.
The S8 is amazing. It drives "smaller" than my '05 A6 and seems to corner flatter than my '04 3.2 TT. It's like a sports car wrapped up in a luxury package. The D3 A8 is a great car, but feels like a large sports sedan. When I pick up the keys, with a choice between the TT roadster, A6, and S8, I'll grab the S8 everytime. The more I drive it, the more I want to drive it.
Disclaimer: Condition is crucial. If you get either one and it's been "rode hard/put up wet", the experience may be completely different.
03-28-2008, 09:13 AM
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My thoughts......
Ive had my 97 A8 for close to 6 yrs now. I feel like I know the car well. I would say it has been very reliable. Ive done numerous fairly involved maintenance procedures on it. It now has 130,000 miles and I need an update. I like sporty cars. My other is a 67 Porsche 912. My first choice is the S8, but I feel like Im cheating myself because it is so close to the same car Ive had for soo long now. The 04 A8 looks totally different and I love the interior. I DO NOT want to spend a lot of money on repairs. I would probably buy a warranty with either. I would prefer a SWB 04 A8 if I was gonna go that way, but they are hard to find...
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03-28-2008, 12:42 PM
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The general consensus over there is you're OK with an '04 VIN of 8000+.
There are lots of people who've had great cars with much lower VINs, but if you stay above 8000 you're sure to avoid some of the early problems. (They were almost all software-related.)
I love (and hate, of course) my '98 D2, but I'm looking to get an '04 or '05 D3 (just cannot learn to like big grille). I've heard from a very knowledgeable Audi tech that the D3 is much more reliable than the D2 - including much less leak-prone (there's always something dripping out of mine). Also, just my $.02, but I've looked at the L and the SWB cars side by side, and to me the proportions of the L are much nicer.
Another big advantage of the D3 over the D2 is the adjustable suspension through software - you can lower the car with no additional hardware - front and rear independently.
I love (and hate, of course) my '98 D2, but I'm looking to get an '04 or '05 D3 (just cannot learn to like big grille). I've heard from a very knowledgeable Audi tech that the D3 is much more reliable than the D2 - including much less leak-prone (there's always something dripping out of mine). Also, just my $.02, but I've looked at the L and the SWB cars side by side, and to me the proportions of the L are much nicer.
Another big advantage of the D3 over the D2 is the adjustable suspension through software - you can lower the car with no additional hardware - front and rear independently.