Audi A8 4.2 Quattro 2003

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I've just landed in Derbyshire after 200 miles today. There really is not much out there that can come close for the money in terms of looks, build quality, comfort and growl.

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The S8 V10 is indeed a fabulous car. They are not even particularly prone to costly issues like many such uber barges. They do need a Milltek system to get the best from the V10 in the noise department though, as they are pretty muted as standard.

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The ceramics were only an option. Quite a few don't have them.

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AMGpower said:

Upgrade to the facelift-spec single frame grill bumper?

Freshens it up IMO

they are fitting a new bumper so I could have a word. Saying that, I do think it looks nice the way it is. Does the newer bumper bolt straight on? Then I'm probably into upgrading rear lights and a few other bits and pieces to stop it looking like a mish mash aren't I?

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There are certain things about the description of that W12 that would make me tread very carefully, but there's no denying that if it stacks up, it looks like an awful lot of car.

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AMGpower said:

Should just bolt straight on, although I'm sure Dr G can give you some better advice. LED taillights would be nice as well.

My rear lights are LED but the facelift ones are slightly different. TBH you would probably have to be a bit of a beard to notice.

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Yes, it was recommended by the specialist that I had the gearbox oil changed on the most recent service. While on the subject of the auto box, I have just threaded my way through the traffic to the centre of London. The Sport mode is fabulous for this, as it changes down when slowing down and holds on to gears really nicely on the way up. It makes such a difference compared to leaving it in D, where the box is often caught napping when I try to dart into a gap etc.

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Dropped off at the bodyshop first thing this morning. I'm told it will probably be about a week until I get the call to say it's ready. I am now the temporary custodian of a brand new VW Touran TDI DSG. It really isn't quite the same! Who needs 47 MPG and seven seats anyway?!!

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So three weeks and a £350 excess later, she's finally home. I have missed my car very much, although the £100 a week I saved by driving the Touran TDI nearly covered the excess.
Anyway, I did promise Y2Blade some gratuitously random pics, so here they are. (Apologies for the quality, if BC does eventually end up owning this car, he will no doubt continue the thread and post much better photos, because he's always pointing his camera in peoples faces!)


Home at last!


The kids complain about the lack of heated rear sets in the ML!


It's not B&O, but it's good enough for me!


Yes, that really is fingerprint recognition in a 10 year old car!


I don't think I'll ever tire of the quality and finish of the interior.


I have lost count of the years I waited to get my hands on an Audi with this badge!


V8 is great.


Hope you enjoyed.

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It's the start button for the engine (as long as the key is in your pocket as it has keyless entry and keyless go), that also recognises your fingerprint for your preferences re seat, steering wheel and probably loads of other stuff I don't even notice.

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Forgot to mention, the MOT expired while being repaired, so first stop was the MOT testing station. Passed with flying colours of course!

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B'stard Child said:

Looks great - I'll forgive you about the camera pointing bit

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carreauchompeur said:

Epic, epic car and so well equipped. I'm really missing my V8 A8. An M3 is lovely, and hardly slow, but it's just not as... MIGHTY.

Strange though it may sound, I know exactly what you mean.
It's certainly a very different beast to the VXR8 it replaced.
I put another 12 months tax on this morning at £270.

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Just got back home after a weekend away and a 300 mile drive. Mrs S wanted to take the ML so she could load it up on Friday while i was at work. I thought it would make a change, but i have to tell you, anyone who considers a large SUV as a potential alternative to a luxury four door saloon is, in my opinion, mistaken. The ML is slightly faster than the A8, but the A8 is so much more relaxing to cover ground in due to it's superior comfort and surefooted nature at highish speeds. I won't be talked out of taking the Audi so easily next time!

Edited by slippery on Sunday 24th March 21:36

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The ML is a the 500 with the later 388 BHP 5.5 litre engine. 0-62 in 5.8 seconds.
Nothing negative about the Audi has ever been said to me. I don't think it's anywhere near as brash as a 7 series either.

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Bloody phone won't let me post more than a couple of sentences at a time with error 417!

For what it is, the performance feels strong, very torquey, more than adequate for the type of car. The auto is a bit slurred on the changes compared to the modern stuff, which tends to be much more snappy on full throttle change ups.

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It is possible to retro fit an ipod type set up. Dr G would probably be the best to advise on that, but I asked the question and never got around to doing it.

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The wheels can be found on ebay. They are non genuine and are called RS8s. Not a lot of money, but ride perfectly. Mine are 19s and I actually bought them used from a PHer.

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I get 22-25 MPG on a run (as long as it's not a PH run! ) and have averaged 19.9 MPG in mixed and unrestrained driving over the last year. I used to get 17.8 MPG average over the same period in the VXR8. I can probably get 400 miles from a tankful, but never do. Usually 330-370.

In short, it's a different kind of car to the M5, but it's satisfying in other ways. I'm in no hurry to change and that's unusual for me.

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After spending about three weeks in the body shop, followed by a fair bit of working from home, mileage has been unusually low recently. It was therefore nice to go and stretch the Audi's legs on the local PH Annual Fish and Chip run last weekend. A fantastic range of metal on show, together with some great driving roads, made for a good day out. Considering its barge status, I have to say that the Audi held its own very well in some pretty illustrious company, even if it did look a little out of place!