Considering a 2003 S8 with 67k miles. What are some common problems?

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10-23-2006, 07:48 AM

Brett G (old)

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Considering a 2003 S8 with 67k miles. What are some common problems?

I am considering getting back into an Audi. I saw a nice deal for a 2003 S8, but it has 67k miles on it. What are the common problems with the 2003 S8 I should be wary of?

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10-23-2006, 08:28 AM

dimitristx

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Re: Considering a 2003 S8 with 67k miles. What are some common problems?

Follow the general "inspection" rules in <a href="http://www.audipages.com"> Audi Pages </a>. The S8's have shown fewer problems relative to A8's of the same years, which mostly have been down to transmission woes, anyway.

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10-23-2006, 09:28 AM

Brett G (old)

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Thanks. How bad are the transmission problems?

How much to repair/replace?

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10-23-2006, 12:38 PM

dimitristx

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While there have been numerous reports of 'hunting' issues with the...

...pre-facelift (pre MY00) A8's, 2001+ models have seen fewer issues (ZF improved some components in the transmission). I have heard, I believe, only one case of an S8 with a problem, but, statistically speaking, this is just an anomaly (and could simply be due to an owner's abuse of the tranny).

It could cost you $3k-$6k to fix a transmission, but I don't think you need to worry about it, really. If everything else on the inspection list checks out 'ok', and your dealer pulls the service issues on the vehicle since it got 'in service' and you don't see any red flags, then you should be worry free.

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