Second hand Audi A8: worryingly tempting

[TorqueDirty]

Talk some sense in to me folks.

I have a 70 mile commute each day now and hammering up and down the motorway in my little Meganne 275 Cup-S is starting to get a bit tiresome. Also I only get about 26mpg (sport mode engaged because I much prefer the mapping).

So, I have idly been thinking about getting something much more comfortable and more economical.

Cue endless searches on autotrader for a replacement. Clearly there are loads of perfectly sensible options - but I don't really want to be that sensible.

I'd like something with a bit of grunt and am not the least bothered by having a modern and refined V6 diesel engine.

The BMW options are probably the most sensible - 5 series or even a 3 series - but I kind of want something a bit different from the norm.

And that is where the frankly ridiculous thoughts about an A8 started. They were not on my radar at all because they are so big but looking at the specs, the mpg and the prices for say a 2017 model it does seem like something of a bargain.

Am I mad? Will I forever regret buying a car that is roughly the same size as the QE2? Or will I discover a whole new world of understated luxury and relative economy? Oh and 4WD is a huge plus because I live in rural Scotland and if it is not raining then it is usually snowing.

Anyone on here got one? Any regrets, issues, recommendations of things to look out for?

Again, this would be a ridiculous choice but if it is not really any more expensive to buy (give or take a couple of grand), run and tax than the other more usual choices what would be the downsides - apart from the obvious issues of parking.

Thoughts and suggestions of effective medication etc all welcome.

Edited by TorqueDirty on Thursday 25th August 09:24

[vikingaero]

One of my friends has a S8.

Engine aside, he's not gelled with it and has been been thinking about selling it on and off for a year. He said that he should have kept his 5-series GT.

I don't think the recent fuel prices have helped. He bought a van to help with his house renovation and he says he much prefers driving his van around!

[Tom8]

A8s are beautiful. You really are cosseted in luxury whichever model you take. I had an S8, albeit older than what you are after. It was fab however I had more issues and trips to the garage with it than I did with 4 TVRs combined. Still loved it though. And would love another.

[Pistonheader101]

just get a 330d and be done

[MYOB]

An A8 has been on my list for a few years but I can’t bring myself to buying one.

I would probably play it safe by getting a petrol 3 series.

[TorqueDirty]

I agree that a 330d or the like would definitely be the sensible choice but sadly I always seem to be drawn to the road less travelled.

Interestingly the equivalent age 530d is actually more expensive than the A8. Probably for good reason but still......

I do worry that the A8 would be a bit too floaty though. Can any one comment on this? I'm particularly thinking of the facelifted version around 2017 - but not the latest model.

[Superflow]

Nice car but too big really for UK

[Shiv_P]

TorqueDirty said:

I agree that a 330d or the like would definitely be the sensible choice but sadly I always seem to be drawn to the road less travelled.

Interestingly the equivalent age 530d is actually more expensive than the A8. Probably for good reason but still......

I do worry that the A8 would be a bit too floaty though. Can any one comment on this? I'm particularly thinking of the facelifted version around 2017 - but not the latest model.

Test drive one. They're exceedingly comfortable, and they can hustle surprisingly well

[Dg504]

Shiv_P said:

Test drive one. They're exceedingly comfortable, and they can hustle surprisingly well

I’ve spent a lot of time being ferried around in an (06?) prev gen 3.0tdi and they’re more “assuredly taut” that floaty. Not something to start throwing around roundabouts of course but rarely, if ever did it feel ‘bargey’.

You’ve now got me looking at this which I can’t find a fault with https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...

[Shiv_P]

Dg504 said:

Shiv_P said:

Test drive one. They're exceedingly comfortable, and they can hustle surprisingly well

I’ve spent a lot of time being ferried around in an (06?) prev gen 3.0tdi and they’re more “assuredly taut” that floaty. Not something to start throwing around roundabouts of course but rarely, if ever did it feel ‘bargey’.

You’ve now got me looking at this which I can’t find a fault with https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...

That's 2 gens old now

[SmithCorona]

Get one. Nothing like barging around in something that is still more refined and comfortable than most cars on the road, and has had most of its depreciation paid for.

The only downside to me with A8s is that they are always boring spec, inside and out.

Also, size wise they are fine for the UK.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want something large that can be hustled at a fair lick then I'd suggest averting your gaze from the A8 & test drive the XJ:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204204...

[Milemuncher]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want something large that can be hustled at a fair lick then I'd suggest averting your gaze from the A8 & test drive the XJ:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204204...

+1

Better to drive, nicer place to sit, not an Audi…

[Shiv_P]

Milemuncher said:

+1

Better to drive, nicer place to sit, not an Audi…

No surprises there

[Milemuncher]

And?

[TorqueDirty]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want something large that can be hustled at a fair lick then I'd suggest averting your gaze from the A8 & test drive the XJ:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204204...

To be honest there is just something about the new XJ that I don't quite connect with. I love the looks of the old XJ but the new one leaves me a bit cold. Amazing car no doubt but I had the 5.0l XKR a while ago and despite it being amazing on paper it was not for me. Not driven one though so I'll withhold judgement!

[Canon_Fodder]

OP IMV the enormity of a land-barge will becoming annoying.

XJ - ye Gods - even more so

There are plenty of very refined mile-munchers that will also feel less morbidly obese

[Jamescrs]

Mate of mine at work had an older one with the 3 litre tdi and took me out in it a couple of times.

Have to say I really liked it.

He did complain ot was too big though and now drives a passat CC instead.

[Milemuncher]

Canon_Fodder said:

OP IMV the enormity of a land-barge will becoming annoying.

XJ - ye Gods - even more so

There are plenty of very refined mile-munchers that will also feel less morbidly obese

Ever driven a modern XJ?

I will accept that not everyone likes the styling and / or image, and some have (justifiable) JLR reliability worries…I was of the same view before I test drove and subsequently bought one. I still say I bought it as a ‘stopgap’, although the more I drive it and live with it the more I like it.

The one thing it NEVER feels is morbidly obese - either relative to its competition or indeed to most (all?) cars in the size class down.

[Runky]

Jamescrs said:

Mate of mine at work had an older one with the 3 litre tdi and took me out in it a couple of times.

Have to say I really liked it.

He did complain ot was too big though and now drives a passat CC instead.

Likewise, a mate has a 14 plate 3l diesel Sport with quilted leather and all the kit anyone would want to make the daily commute comfortable. It's a nice car.
But just to go back to the default BMW for a second. I took my 435d GC for a little family run today, mainly on the Mway sat on 70 (well I did have the grand kids with me)
- 99 miles and averaged 53.5mpg. Can't fault that.

Terry