£10k ish to spend on barge A8 or 7 series...?
Discussion
Quite simply this folks - between these two cars only, which would you go for and which is the better package (reliability/equipment etc)? Which of these two models do people prefer? I imagine running costs to be similar for both cars.
Approx £10k
Audi A8 (D3) 2003/04 4.2 Quattro
BMW 735/745i 2002/03 E65
Both would have similar miles I imagine, up to 100,000
Thanks for your thoughts. Before anyone suggests S Class/Phaeton/Jag XJ, they've already been ruled out. It's just between these two.
Cheers.
Approx £10k
Audi A8 (D3) 2003/04 4.2 Quattro
BMW 735/745i 2002/03 E65
Both would have similar miles I imagine, up to 100,000
Thanks for your thoughts. Before anyone suggests S Class/Phaeton/Jag XJ, they've already been ruled out. It's just between these two.
Cheers.
I know exactly what you mean in terms of 7 series ugliness. Isn't the first generation of i-drive a royal pain in the backside too? Of course, I could consider the last of the old shape E38s which remain fantastic value, however, I feel they're now looking just a tad dated....
Interesting that in spite of its challenging looks, there are far more 7 Series on the used market than comparable A8s...
Interesting that in spite of its challenging looks, there are far more 7 Series on the used market than comparable A8s...
Edited by carlingofblack on Thursday 28th October 18:45
jdwoodbury said:
I can vouch for the 745i motor and chances are you would have better pick of cars at 10k, I actually quite like the styling, the Audi is a little bland IMHO.
True, the Audi is bland. But that's a bit like picking the Ssangyong Actyon over Toyota RAV4 because the RAV4 looks dull. 
I've driven diesel versions of both...the Audi felt more sporty and a harder ride, the BM softer and more limo like. The BM was a mass of toys and I honestly felt there was too much to go wrong. The Audi felt better screwed together less toy count but had everyting you really need.
As a side note the missus felt the Audi the more modern car and she believed it to be more suited to a younger driver.
As a side note the missus felt the Audi the more modern car and she believed it to be more suited to a younger driver.
I am in the same predicament as yourself looking at both cars but in diesel form, however after spending many evenings reading through bmw forums the 7 series appears to be a ridiculously unreliable car. I haven't found as much information on reliability issues or horror stories concerning the Audi.
I suggest you have a look on the bmwland website and research the 7 series, i think you will be more inclined to go for the audi after a good few hours of reading, even devoted BMW fans slate the 7 series on reliability.
I suggest you have a look on the bmwland website and research the 7 series, i think you will be more inclined to go for the audi after a good few hours of reading, even devoted BMW fans slate the 7 series on reliability.
750iL. I owned it straight after the TVR. All the toys you can imagine plus a few more.
I looked at the Audi A8 4.2 and had a drive but it really did not inspire me at all.
A very nimble car considering its size and really did not handle like a barge and the acceleration surprised many people.
As for looking a tad dated. The later ones "S" onwards with clear lenses still (to me) look modern.
How about an older Alpina one?
If I had the money I would buy another one tomorrow without thinking. One of the few cars I really, really regret parting with.
I looked at the Audi A8 4.2 and had a drive but it really did not inspire me at all.
A very nimble car considering its size and really did not handle like a barge and the acceleration surprised many people.
As for looking a tad dated. The later ones "S" onwards with clear lenses still (to me) look modern.
How about an older Alpina one?
If I had the money I would buy another one tomorrow without thinking. One of the few cars I really, really regret parting with.
Edited by Morningside on Sunday 31st October 16:52
deckster said:
I can't comment on the driving or ownership experience - but the taxi firm I use has a fleet of 7s, A8s, and E-class Mercs. The BMWs are by some distance the nicer places to sit.
Jesus how much do they charge? the taxi's around here are all old Toyota Corollas or something else similarly boring and smelly. Thanks. The reliability of the 7 is an issue and I have to say I went to see one in the flesh and was bowled over by its ugliness...! The A8 cabin too seems far superior. True to form I'm also back on the XK8 possibility even tho rear room is poor, we already have a family car do no real need for two. 10k seems to get nice enough versions of either Audi or Jag. X308 jags I never much liked, the previous x350 XJ on the other hand looks lovely de chromed. Thanks for your suggestions folks. I'm terrible at flitting from one option to another. Prob not the only petrol head with that complaint though!!
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