D3 S8 experience
Discussion
I've pretty much got my mind set around purchasing a D3 S8. The only concern I have is that I've never driven one. I've owned A4s, driven S3s and a C6 RS6, C63 and the like, but something draws me back to the subtle menace of the S8.
I can't find any for sale local to me, so are there any owners in the Edinburgh area who can assist?
I can't find any for sale local to me, so are there any owners in the Edinburgh area who can assist?
There was one in my village in central Perthshire owned by a friend until recently, who has now subsequently sold to another friend of mine in Inverness. I've driven it many times, awesome bit of kit.
Is there something specific you'd like to know?
Rare car now, there's been a couple up at BCA Auction's in recent times (one in Glasgow for example) so worth keeping an eye on their website. Many have detailed reports on condition mielage etc on-line, so not quite as scary going into an auction blind as it once was.
Is there something specific you'd like to know?
Rare car now, there's been a couple up at BCA Auction's in recent times (one in Glasgow for example) so worth keeping an eye on their website. Many have detailed reports on condition mielage etc on-line, so not quite as scary going into an auction blind as it once was.
The 70k(ish) mile last week had only ever been serviced twice and the slightly lower mileage car before that (Wimbledon) made about 2.5k over book. It had reasonable history but needed some paint to make nice.
There have been some fantastic D3 S8 writeups on here from owners but the search is so bad I couldn't find either.
Anyone else remember the thread? Chap who'd had one for a few months, put some miles on and did a great writeup/photos of his impressions.
There have been some fantastic D3 S8 writeups on here from owners but the search is so bad I couldn't find either.
Anyone else remember the thread? Chap who'd had one for a few months, put some miles on and did a great writeup/photos of his impressions.
You should certainly drive one before you buy. They are generally reliable, but as there are so many things on them, chances are that something will go wrong. There are some common faults, some of which are more expensive than others - power boot motor is relatively cheap, but if the power steering pump goes, it's an "engine out" job. You should invest in a warranty.
It's a big car to drive (5 metres long!), and despite the aluminium body, it's heavy. It's fast, but not as fast as you might expect - certainly nowhere near C63 or RS6 fast. It's not a car you drive like a hooligan, and it won't feel agile or nimble around town. It is effortlessly, license threateningly, rapid on motorways.
There's a very good community at http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/ - I've found it invaluable in my first few months of ownership.
It's a big car to drive (5 metres long!), and despite the aluminium body, it's heavy. It's fast, but not as fast as you might expect - certainly nowhere near C63 or RS6 fast. It's not a car you drive like a hooligan, and it won't feel agile or nimble around town. It is effortlessly, license threateningly, rapid on motorways.
There's a very good community at http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/ - I've found it invaluable in my first few months of ownership.
Witchfinder said:
You should certainly drive one before you buy. They are generally reliable, but as there are so many things on them, chances are that something will go wrong. There are some common faults, some of which are more expensive than others - power boot motor is relatively cheap, but if the power steering pump goes, it's an "engine out" job. You should invest in a warranty.
It's a big car to drive (5 metres long!), and despite the aluminium body, it's heavy. It's fast, but not as fast as you might expect - certainly nowhere near C63 or RS6 fast. It's not a car you drive like a hooligan, and it won't feel agile or nimble around town. It is effortlessly, license threateningly, rapid on motorways.
There's a very good community at http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/ - I've found it invaluable in my first few months of ownership.
So I drove a similar age 4.2tdi A8 today and while the torque was fine, I just didn't get the sense of occasion that I was expecting from an executive express. Given I live in Edinburgh, I don't think nimble and agile particularly help with the unsettling cobbled streets. I'm OK with wafting in those situations and it'll never be a Lotus. But on a run to Glasgow I think it'll come into its own.It's a big car to drive (5 metres long!), and despite the aluminium body, it's heavy. It's fast, but not as fast as you might expect - certainly nowhere near C63 or RS6 fast. It's not a car you drive like a hooligan, and it won't feel agile or nimble around town. It is effortlessly, license threateningly, rapid on motorways.
There's a very good community at http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/ - I've found it invaluable in my first few months of ownership.
I'll look into warranties.
Does anyone think B&O is worth it?
I did a write up on mine. It is a wonderful machine, I have miltek which is the best sound I have heard from any car and I have owned a few lovely sounding machines.
Warranty? Don't bother. Put money aside and if you need to fix it it is bad luck. My power steering went. Cost me 1300 quid which warranty wouldn't cover so save yourself the hassle. My electric hand brake failed as they all do. Fixed that too without warranty. I have serviced via Audi to keep service book up to date.
Driving wise, steering is never the best part, but the engine!! Also it is the nicest place you can ever be. I've driven through France on a sub zero grey winter day and sat in lovely double glazed warmth and comfort. Nothing better.
Electrics can be bad so check everything. I have now pretty much fixed everything but it has come at a cost!
Oh. And that V10....
Warranty? Don't bother. Put money aside and if you need to fix it it is bad luck. My power steering went. Cost me 1300 quid which warranty wouldn't cover so save yourself the hassle. My electric hand brake failed as they all do. Fixed that too without warranty. I have serviced via Audi to keep service book up to date.
Driving wise, steering is never the best part, but the engine!! Also it is the nicest place you can ever be. I've driven through France on a sub zero grey winter day and sat in lovely double glazed warmth and comfort. Nothing better.
Electrics can be bad so check everything. I have now pretty much fixed everything but it has come at a cost!
Oh. And that V10....
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