Today I bought
Banned
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 31,739
Likes: 69
From: Survivalist enclave
You've got through six months without serious problems so you know the car isn't a bad apple. You also have the satisfaction of knowing there has been zero depreciation.
You now have to decide whether to spend a few quid on the car. Based on what you've posted, I would, all the time keeping the expenditure to a minimum. Once you hit a major problem costing thousands then it's no reserve ebay time. It will 'never' be desirable enough to justify spending thousands on it - just change it for something of the same ilk.
How much more satisfying to tool about in something different to what every other Tom, Dick or Harry is driving.
You now have to decide whether to spend a few quid on the car. Based on what you've posted, I would, all the time keeping the expenditure to a minimum. Once you hit a major problem costing thousands then it's no reserve ebay time. It will 'never' be desirable enough to justify spending thousands on it - just change it for something of the same ilk.
How much more satisfying to tool about in something different to what every other Tom, Dick or Harry is driving.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,326
Likes: 1
From: Ulaanbaatar
Good advice, which I will heed.
The VAG specialist I intend to use advised me the D3 A8 (the model after mine) is the one for me to go for next; the transmission, which is the alleged achilles heel of the D2, is a more robust unit in the D3. When my existing A8 expires, I will look at one, but I can't say I like the styling of the later models quite as much...
The VAG specialist I intend to use advised me the D3 A8 (the model after mine) is the one for me to go for next; the transmission, which is the alleged achilles heel of the D2, is a more robust unit in the D3. When my existing A8 expires, I will look at one, but I can't say I like the styling of the later models quite as much...
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,326
Likes: 1
From: Ulaanbaatar
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,181
Likes: 58
From: Hertford
I remember seeing a D2 at a motorshow.
Instead of painting it, they'd polished it like a Caterham 7 (dunno how that worked with the bumpers!) and it looked stunning.
Definitely from the days before they got all cuntified.
Instead of painting it, they'd polished it like a Caterham 7 (dunno how that worked with the bumpers!) and it looked stunning.
Definitely from the days before they got all cuntified.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
From: Cheltenham
I got myself a 2003 S4 with the same engine as this last year, although I'm fairly sure I'm not getting your mpg. (the mpg is something I've studiously avoided looking at, as I know it'll be bad!).
The V8 experience is great, although something a bit larger would be better to accommodate two child seats so this is quite appealing...
The V8 experience is great, although something a bit larger would be better to accommodate two child seats so this is quite appealing...
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,326
Likes: 1
From: Ulaanbaatar
I have had the first 'problem' with the A8 a couple of days ago; the driver's window stopped half open.
The A8 forum have an excellent archive with the instructions for removing the door trim and it was off in less than 10 minutes; another positive from an era where cars have screws and bolts rather than one-shot sacrificial fastenings.
The loom connector was badly corroded with two of the 8 connection pins on the motor unit having pretty much disintegrated. An Ebay search presented numerous motors and I located one for £15 including postage. This was fitted yesterday and the A8 is flack to fully operational condition.
The car has developed a really annoying 'creak' from both rear suspension units, which I suspect is coming from the springs and their mounting rubbers. When I get the opportunity I may give the suspension a liberal spraying with 3-in-1, or if I CBA, might resort to simply turning up the excellent hi-fi a little...
The A8 forum have an excellent archive with the instructions for removing the door trim and it was off in less than 10 minutes; another positive from an era where cars have screws and bolts rather than one-shot sacrificial fastenings.
The loom connector was badly corroded with two of the 8 connection pins on the motor unit having pretty much disintegrated. An Ebay search presented numerous motors and I located one for £15 including postage. This was fitted yesterday and the A8 is flack to fully operational condition.
The car has developed a really annoying 'creak' from both rear suspension units, which I suspect is coming from the springs and their mounting rubbers. When I get the opportunity I may give the suspension a liberal spraying with 3-in-1, or if I CBA, might resort to simply turning up the excellent hi-fi a little...
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 23,292
Likes: 830
From: Nottingham
This one Nick? I recall that
[img]
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/travel...olished_A8.jpg
[/img]
£15 is acceptable
[img]
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/travel...olished_A8.jpg
[/img]
£15 is acceptable
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 23,292
Likes: 830
From: Nottingham
This one Nick? I recall that
[img]
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/travel...olished_A8.jpg
[/img]
£15 is acceptable
[img]
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/travel...olished_A8.jpg
[/img]
£15 is acceptable
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 0
From: North Hampshire
Very cool car. I'm thinking of getting a V8 barge as a second car, to take some miles off the S and have something I dont care about as much to drive when the weather gets crap. This would fit the bill rather well
it's either one of these, a Lexus GS300, or maybe a 7 series - depends whats around at the time I guess but good to see a positive experience with yours
it's either one of these, a Lexus GS300, or maybe a 7 series - depends whats around at the time I guess but good to see a positive experience with yours
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,181
Likes: 58
From: Hertford
I have had the first 'problem' with the A8 a couple of days ago; the driver's window stopped half open.
The A8 forum have an excellent archive with the instructions for removing the door trim and it was off in less than 10 minutes; another positive from an era where cars have screws and bolts rather than one-shot sacrificial fastenings.
The loom connector was badly corroded with two of the 8 connection pins on the motor unit having pretty much disintegrated. An Ebay search presented numerous motors and I located one for £15 including postage. This was fitted yesterday and the A8 is flack to fully operational condition.
The car has developed a really annoying 'creak' from both rear suspension units, which I suspect is coming from the springs and their mounting rubbers. When I get the opportunity I may give the suspension a liberal spraying with 3-in-1, or if I CBA, might resort to simply turning up the excellent hi-fi a little...
The A8 forum have an excellent archive with the instructions for removing the door trim and it was off in less than 10 minutes; another positive from an era where cars have screws and bolts rather than one-shot sacrificial fastenings.
The loom connector was badly corroded with two of the 8 connection pins on the motor unit having pretty much disintegrated. An Ebay search presented numerous motors and I located one for £15 including postage. This was fitted yesterday and the A8 is flack to fully operational condition.
The car has developed a really annoying 'creak' from both rear suspension units, which I suspect is coming from the springs and their mounting rubbers. When I get the opportunity I may give the suspension a liberal spraying with 3-in-1, or if I CBA, might resort to simply turning up the excellent hi-fi a little...
Try Holt's silicone & rubber spray; it'll probably make it worse straight away, but they should calm down after that. Aside from the DW suspension design, these do seem to have a lot in common with the good ol' Hondas of yore.