Audi S8 as an ownership proposition.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

For some years now (as a half way house until I can afford the 10 year itch for a AM V8V) I have had a want for an Audi S8, like this - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

They are available for less, but they're not as nice. As an EG the way the leather has been kept in this one (my trade, I know what looked after leather looks like) suggests this one has been loved.

I'm not ready to buy, priority now is paying for our wedding in August.

So, does anyone know what they are like as an ownership proposition?

I know MPG shall be frightful, I guess 10 mpg if you're pressing along.
I am fully aware that servicing is likely to be £1000+ a time, brakes/tyres etc won't be cheap.
I'm aware that if a Lamborghini engine borkes it shall be ruiness!

It would very much be a second/ best car for us both. We have a 15 plate Insignia estate for day to day/ Sarah's work, and my van for day to day my work.

Are they a reliable machine? Looked after, well serviced yearly would it likely bankrupt me? Are the auto boxes solid? Any other common risks?

Any thoughts welcome.

[briang9]

Looks like a nice example, though not sure buying a car on the condition of the leather is a good idea

Probably best get along to here for some good real world advice

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/index.php?s=2553fef0dbf...

I have a previous generation S8 and a same generation RS6 to this, and if you find a decent mechanic with a TPS account the repair/servicing costs are not too bad.

It's not a Lambo engine actually, however they are pretty reliable, and this generation gearboxes are good too.

Edited by briang9 on Friday 24th February 20:55

[rufmeister]

Had one for a few months a while back, and the S6 V10 for 6 months or so.

Beautiful engines, silky smooth, and sound gorgeous.

The problems with the S8 in particular, is electrics, so many ECU's, not cheap to fix.

Similarly, any engine issues tend to be an engine out job, which is around £2000 before you even start.

My S6 had 140k on it, but full history, and recently had thousands spent on it, so I was confident I wouldn't have a huge bill for a while, so as with all cars, make sure its got a solid history.

Avoid ceramic brakes, unless someone else has just paid to have them replaced.

I'd look at a facelift one, better MMI and LED rear lights.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

Thanks both.

A few comments a questions in response:

The leather comment was as IME 90something % do not/ do not know/do not care how to look after leather. The fact that the leather on this one looks as new after nearly 10 years suggests to me a fastidious owner. May be wrong though.

What year are the facelift models from?

What are the tell tale signs of electrical problems on them?

[briang9]

My comment on the leather was light hearted and not really meant to taken seriously, but you are right it can show signs that the owner is careful. I have never really been aware of specific electrical problems that have cropped up on the A8 forum. They can be prone to blocked drains which can lead to water ingress which in turn can lead to electrical issues, but that can be avoided by dilligent cleaning and maintenace of the drains.

That particular one in the ad you highlighted does look good, and at that price its a lot of car for your money, and it is going to cost a bit more to run than a Vauxhall or a Ford, however the experience is great. If/when you find one probably worth getting a decent independant Audi specialist to look it over, Think it cost me approx £100 when I got mine, well worth it IMHO.

Edited by briang9 on Saturday 25th February 13:26

[rufmeister]

Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:

Thanks both.

A few comments a questions in response:

The leather comment was as IME 90something % do not/ do not know/do not care how to look after leather. The fact that the leather on this one looks as new after nearly 10 years suggests to me a fastidious owner. May be wrong though.

What year are the facelift models from?

What are the tell tale signs of electrical problems on them?

Out of the several I looked at, none had fully functioning soft close and comfort access. Chucked about £500 trying to fix it on the one I bought, with a couple of new handles, but no joy, was told it could be numerous things, so decided not to bother. Shame, as they were features I really wanted.

Facelift, 2008 I think? The front fogs are square, and different, not as nice wheels.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

briang9 said:

If/when you find one probably worth getting a decent independant Audi specialist to look it over, Think it cost me approx £100 when I got mine, well worth it IMHO.

Edited by briang9 on Saturday 25th February 13:26

That's a very good suggestion actually.

[KungFuPanda]

I've had 2 S6 with the same engine and the engines and gearbox are pretty robust. These can however suffer from an oil leak somewhere between the engine and gearbox which necessitates an engine out job. I've also heard that the soft close mechanisms can fail too. Other than that, I've not heard or any other major problems. Being an FSI engine, they can suffer from coking but not as bad on the B7 RS4s.

Servicing can be pretty reasonable at main dealers under the fixed service regime. £265 for an interim service and £699 for a full service which includes replacement of 10 platinum spark plugs. If you want to service yourself, service items are pretty reasonable from either TPS if you want genuine or ECP for pattern parts.

You also need to put aside £1500 for a Milltek...

[KungFuPanda]

Ps, can you come clean my leather

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

KungFuPanda said:

You also need to put aside £1500 for a Milltek...

Thanks for the pointers, and RE the above, yes I would agree.

RE the leather, my company is in my profile, and I could cover Manchester, building in a (not silly) amount for travel. We don't clean, we restore, but if you let me know your requirements I would happily give you the rundown on what we do. Won't say more on here as I've had a thread shut down not too long ago when it went on to work speak, and it became deemed an advert!

[barryrs]

I've been running my S6 for 6 1/2 years now!

It's been remarkably reliable over that time and I covered circa 60k miles, it's only going up for sale soon as I'm back commuting again. Although it's just over 10 years old it's still a nice place to be an really hasn't dated much.

I say go for it.

[KungFuPanda]

Just PMd you Rob! No rush to respond.

Personally, I looked at a couple of D3 S8's much like you are now but the ones at the bottom of the market are a bit rough.I spent a bit more money and decided to go for a D4 3.0 tfsi. Remapped it to circa 400bhp and it's pretty swift. If things work out, you'll be able to see it soon.

[rufmeister]

KungFuPanda said:

Just PMd you Rob! No rush to respond.

Personally, I looked at a couple of D3 S8's much like you are now but the ones at the bottom of the market are a bit rough.I spent a bit more money and decided to go for a D4 3.0 tfsi. Remapped it to circa 400bhp and it's pretty swift. If things work out, you'll be able to see it soon.

You not changed it yet?!

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

KungFuPanda said:

Just PMd you Rob! No rush to respond.

Personally, I looked at a couple of D3 S8's much like you are now but the ones at the bottom of the market are a bit rough.I spent a bit more money and decided to go for a D4 3.0 tfsi. Remapped it to circa 400bhp and it's pretty swift. If things work out, you'll be able to see it soon.

Just seen it, I'll respond/advise etc in due course.

The idea with it would be a toy/best car, and won't be for a while. As mentioned we need to pay for a wedding in August first, so a maybe for 2018. To see a same ilk 8 up close would be nice, whilst I know well what they look like I've never so much as sat in one!

[KungFuPanda]

rufmeister - I love this car. Coming up to a year now which is the longest I've had a car for a while. Just given it an interim service and bought a set of genuine 21" rotors. The wheels came with Dunlop Sport Maxx which are pretty crap. I've got a set of new P Zeros to go on. Just wearing down the current tyres. Since the remap last year, the car has been transformed. Really rapid but in an understated kind of way as it's so quiet and there's no turbo lag. It's make or break time at the moment though. If I'm going to sell, it's going to be soon before the D5 comes out. Next car could be a C7 S6.

Rob - I'll get pics to you next week to see if you can help in any way.

Gents, a pic of the car in it's current guise...

[Tom8]

Generally wonderful cars to own.Subtle, comfortable and stylish and good fun when you want it to be. Also great in tunnels as with a Miltek on there is no other car that sounds as good.

Electricals are more gremlins than failures, but worth sorting. I have done all on mine so is now the complete package and looking to sell in the not too distant future...

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

OK. I'm back here again. Specifically this one has caught my eye.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A few things. Sarah doesn't know yet, so I need her permission, and secondly I'm concerned I'm missing something, as it seems too cheap?

Taking in to account due diligence/ checks mentioned above (good advice all round) does anyone have any thoughts?

I've left the dealer a voicemail, and I shall cut to the chase and ask him if there is anything I need to know about the car when/if he calls back!
Edit, he's called. He says everything is how it should be. The only issues he informed of are a tyre pressure monitor warning light (he said a sensor on the wheel needs changing) and it shall need wheel bearings changing soon. My main thought was why would you not get these done if they are just small jobs??

Oh, and I'd change the interior to black, as I restore leather for a living.

Edited by Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah on Monday 13th November 13:37

[anonymous-user]

Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:

OK. I'm back here again. Specifically this one has caught my eye.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A few things. Sarah doesn't know yet, so I need her permission, and secondly I'm concerned I'm missing something, as it seems too cheap?

Taking in to account due diligence/ checks mentioned above (good advice all round) does anyone have any thoughts?

I've left the dealer a voicemail, and I shall cut to the chase and ask him if there is anything I need to know about the car when/if he calls back!
Edit, he's called. He says everything is how it should be. The only issues he informed of are a tyre pressure monitor warning light (he said a sensor on the wheel needs changing) and it shall need wheel bearings changing soon. My main thought was why would you not get these done if they are just small jobs??

Oh, and I'd change the interior to black, as I restore leather for a living.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 13th November 13:37

These are cheap because not many people want thirsty V10 engines, 127k mile cars, £500+ pa road tax and the perception that the next service bull could be ruinous.

But they are great value, and exceptionally well built.

The tyre pressure sensors: a bit of a minor PITA, these. Once the batteries in the sensors die, the car will ping a warning noise at you. New sensors from Audi are ridiculously expensive, but I got mine from ebay and they work just fine. You fit them, never check the pressures except for novelty value, forget about them, and then only remember them when the batteries wear out again.

Keyless entry: I thought it was a gimmick but love it. The little button on the door handle that you use to lock the car is susceptible to water ingress though. One of mine has died and one is temperamental.

Soft close doors really are a gimmick. Three other women in our house: guess how many can close a car door without slamming it.

The soft close bootlid motors are a bit anaemic - they will close the boot but can struggle to lift it. The fingerprint sensor on the ignition button can be a bit glitchy to recognise your print, but all it does is set AC, ICE, that sort of stuff. The button turns the engine without needing to read your print and the seat adjusts to your key.

One slight downside of that particular car is that it has Bose rather than B&O. But there don't seem to be many B&O cars around right now (there's this one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... which also has 4 zone climate control and the face lift front fogs and rear lights, but the price is a fair bit higher.

My only real quibble is a design point. The button to open the fuel flap is on the inside of the driver's door, and I only seem to be able to remember that once I've got out, closed the door and am standing in front of the closed fuel flap.

[Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah]

Greg66 said:

Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah said:

OK. I'm back here again. Specifically this one has caught my eye.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A few things. Sarah doesn't know yet, so I need her permission, and secondly I'm concerned I'm missing something, as it seems too cheap?

Taking in to account due diligence/ checks mentioned above (good advice all round) does anyone have any thoughts?

I've left the dealer a voicemail, and I shall cut to the chase and ask him if there is anything I need to know about the car when/if he calls back!
Edit, he's called. He says everything is how it should be. The only issues he informed of are a tyre pressure monitor warning light (he said a sensor on the wheel needs changing) and it shall need wheel bearings changing soon. My main thought was why would you not get these done if they are just small jobs??

Oh, and I'd change the interior to black, as I restore leather for a living.

Edited by Fermit The Krog and Sexy Sarah on Monday 13th November 13:37

These are cheap because not many people want thirsty V10 engines, 127k mile cars, £500+ pa road tax and the perception that the next service bull could be ruinous.

But they are great value, and exceptionally well built.

The tyre pressure sensors: a bit of a minor PITA, these. Once the batteries in the sensors die, the car will ping a warning noise at you. New sensors from Audi are ridiculously expensive, but I got mine from ebay and they work just fine. You fit them, never check the pressures except for novelty value, forget about them, and then only remember them when the batteries wear out again.

Keyless entry: I thought it was a gimmick but love it. The little button on the door handle that you use to lock the car is susceptible to water ingress though. One of mine has died and one is temperamental.

Soft close doors really are a gimmick. Three other women in our house: guess how many can close a car door without slamming it.

The soft close bootlid motors are a bit anaemic - they will close the boot but can struggle to lift it. The fingerprint sensor on the ignition button can be a bit glitchy to recognise your print, but all it does is set AC, ICE, that sort of stuff. The button turns the engine without needing to read your print and the seat adjusts to your key.

One slight downside of that particular car is that it has Bose rather than B&O. But there don't seem to be many B&O cars around right now (there's this one: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201... which also has 4 zone climate control and the face lift front fogs and rear lights, but the price is a fair bit higher.

My only real quibble is a design point. The button to open the fuel flap is on the inside of the driver's door, and I only seem to be able to remember that once I've got out, closed the door and am standing in front of the closed fuel flap.

Good pointers, thanks. Anyways, Sarah's having none of it. Never mind the £10k we spent on her car earlier in the year, the £20k extension she's hankering after etc etc. Women do my head in sometimes. Oh well, time to be a little selfish and stash away £500-£1000 a month till I get the required amount me thinks

[richardracer]

If you search for S8 v10 on here you will find a thread I contributed to with a long summary of running costs. I recently sold my car with 172k miles after driving it for 110k miles and over 5 years. Find a well looked after one, a goo mechanic and a copy of VCDS with suitable cable and you will have Q car limousine motoring for not a lot of money.

Good luck

Richardracer