AUDI A8 D2 4.2 Quattro Sport Bargain Barging
Discussion
I have had my bargain barge now for 2 years, so I thought I would put up a little write up on him, seeing as my "Ronin" cast member has become part of the furniture at home.
I started by looking for a station car, something a little different from the usual VW Polos that seem the default choice, something with a V8 would be good to. I spotted the Ad on here, it was not especially well written or had much detail in it. The car was located in a convenient place to view it, so thought why not, it is the first one I am going to look at, so give it a try.
I find a car in near perfect condition, almost new quality rubber all round, all servicing up to date, and the big items like belts and gearbox oil done. Interior is in great condition, barring the drivers seat, with a tiny bit of wear on it. Well, considering the price, it was a whole lot of V8, aluminium and leather for relative peanuts.
The last two years have been a pleasure, he gives me 90% of the performance of a S8, with longer gearing and a more supple ride. The fuel consumption is bearable in town and on a long run, I have managed to break the 30 MPG barrier a few times, thanks to cruise control and a clear road. Which is not bad for a 16 year old, 4.2 litre V8.
The temptation to drop a gear and hear the DTM soundtrack is always there and the old boy is certainly not slow, especially above 60 MPH, he really gets into his long stride. I am tempted to get a sticker at the back which reads "OLD + BARGE <> SLOW"
He has been reliable, repairs have been minor, starter relay, alternator, preventative suspension work, normal servicing and wear & tear items. The D2, too my eyes at least, is still a great looking car, has aged well.
I have been tempted to look at something different, but there is nothing better, than getting into the car, turning up the seat heater to max, turn up the radio and enjoying the wafty drive home. I still childishly enjoy the electric aerial going up when you turn on the radio. It must be an age thing
I cannot think of much at the price to compare, I lost more in depreciation on a Renault Megane in a year, than I paid for this piece of Ingolstad's finest creations.
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 24th December 09:31
Great car, I drive a D2 S8 as my daily barge. Can't say I've ever seen anywhere near 30 from it though, I think I got 23 on a run once!
If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for it and what have the running costs been like? I'm only 6 months/3k into mine so I've paid for nothing more than an oil change!
If you don't mind me asking, what did you pay for it and what have the running costs been like? I'm only 6 months/3k into mine so I've paid for nothing more than an oil change!
The running cost have been pretty reasonable, servicing is around £150, as the motor takes 7l of synthetic oil for a start. Decent tyres are around £120 + a corner, good quality brake disks and pads are quite reasonable, £60 or so per corner, cheaper for the back set, not sure on the S8 though. The gearbox oil change is around £200 at an independent.
The alternator was £300 fitted, and suspension parts from GSF are cheaper than the equivalent golf parts funnily enough. The back brake caliper was £120 fitted, (If I remember correctly) genuine VW part too, which I thought was okay.
My consumption is averaging around the 21 MPG mark but that is with lots of in town driving, once on the open road, it improves nicely.
I had a ball last year with the snow, so I cannot wait for this year this years first proper snowfall.
The alternator was £300 fitted, and suspension parts from GSF are cheaper than the equivalent golf parts funnily enough. The back brake caliper was £120 fitted, (If I remember correctly) genuine VW part too, which I thought was okay.
My consumption is averaging around the 21 MPG mark but that is with lots of in town driving, once on the open road, it improves nicely.
I had a ball last year with the snow, so I cannot wait for this year this years first proper snowfall.
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 24th December 09:30
Lovely! My S8 was a daily but now only gets used at weekends as I'm commuting by train again (I cycle to the station as it's £5 a day to park!)
I've averaged 16mpg in the 3 years I've owned it, but that's involved a LOT of town work. Best I've ever managed is 21mpg - that's running mainly high octane fuel as well....
There's a few suspension bits on the S8 which aren't shared across the VAG range (front lower arms are eye-watering unless you buy dubious quality pattern parts) and the decent pattern makers don't do them. I've used Meyle HD and been happy. Others report Febi as a good non-OEM option.
Good ones will eventually rise in value as numbers dwindle - they're fairly stable now
I've averaged 16mpg in the 3 years I've owned it, but that's involved a LOT of town work. Best I've ever managed is 21mpg - that's running mainly high octane fuel as well....
There's a few suspension bits on the S8 which aren't shared across the VAG range (front lower arms are eye-watering unless you buy dubious quality pattern parts) and the decent pattern makers don't do them. I've used Meyle HD and been happy. Others report Febi as a good non-OEM option.
Good ones will eventually rise in value as numbers dwindle - they're fairly stable now
Adrian E said:
Yeah, I suspect the A8 and S8 ones are subtly different - Audi quote £250 each for the part alone for the S8
Ouch ! That is an easy £800 for both sides with labour. The S tax is hefty. I did not realise mine had the electric Recaros, so need to replace a piece of trim on the driver seat, and found the standard A8 trim did not fit. It took a bit of searching to get the right trim piece for the specific model.
I could not blame the car, as I had hooked it on my trouser leg and broken it. Du-oh.
Time for the my A8 to be moved on to another, hopefully, barge aficionado. I had a service completed in November / December time, got the MOT sorted out during half term, so barring a good clean, and some interior pics, and putting it in the classifieds, it is ready to go.
I am in two minds about selling it, I thoroughly enjoy driving the car, but something with a drop top would be a nice change, and the kids have been nagging me since selling my previous drop top, of course something with a V8 in it would be certainly civilised
I am in two minds about selling it, I thoroughly enjoy driving the car, but something with a drop top would be a nice change, and the kids have been nagging me since selling my previous drop top, of course something with a V8 in it would be certainly civilised
Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 25th February 18:51
There's a nice looking s4 'vert in the classifieds - dolphin grey with red leather and rns-e - which I keep looking at as a cheap-ish summer car while I wait for a b8 s4 to drop into my lap!
ETA - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C425067# (it's not a multichronic, despite what the advert says!)
ETA - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C425067# (it's not a multichronic, despite what the advert says!)
Edited by Adrian E on Tuesday 25th February 19:26
Adrian E said:
There's a nice looking s4 'vert in the classifieds - dolphin grey with red leather and rns-e - which I keep looking at as a cheap-ish summer car while I wait for a b8 s4 to drop into my lap!
ETA - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C425067# (it's not a multichronic, despite what the advert says!)
I like that, although the bright red interior will take some getting use to. ETA - http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C425067# (it's not a multichronic, despite what the advert says!)
Edited by Adrian E on Tuesday 25th February 19:26
I was thinking of a R129 Merc SL, preferably the 500 but the 300-24 or 320 are also drivable.
I had to do some work on the old boy this weekend, needed to sort out the internal aircon drains, as the were clogged up, also replace the boot central locking vacuum unit, both fairly straight forward little jobs. The parts availability for these cars is excellent, few minutes on ebay, and you usually get what you need.
I did need to do the scuttle drains a few months back, which is more of a pain, as some of them are difficult to get to. There are some good tutorials on the web, so with a little sweat, got them sorted out.
I did need to do the scuttle drains a few months back, which is more of a pain, as some of them are difficult to get to. There are some good tutorials on the web, so with a little sweat, got them sorted out.
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