Possible move from D2 S8 to Q7
 

So the time may be coming where the D2 S8 no longer works for us as a family wagon. I've been looking into the Q7 which should fit the bill nicely, would just need the right spec which is still to be finalised.

I think IT has a Q7. I'm wondering how it compares to the D2 in size? On paper it's not much longer and a little wider (clearly a good bit taller!). I can't see any side-by-side photos. Does anyone have one they could share?

The things I think I would need which aren't standard are:
Memory seats
Twin pane glass
Xenon plus lights


And also I think I'd need the 4.2tdi for the power! I hear the 3.0 is a little under-powered and that wouldn't do after the S8.

I went D2-D3-Q7. Q7 is narrower than D3 but a bit longer, I did not feel any difference in footprint. Obviously it's higher off the ground and higher roof, softer and longer travel suspension so the drive is quite a bit different. After driving couple I would say up to 2011 3.0TDI feels a bit underpowered, 2011+ gets couple of extra HP but what makes a big difference is 8 speed gearbox instead of 6 speed on pre 2011 and with extra 2 gears makes 3.0TDI feel adequate. Another plus is that road tax is £315 post 2011 instead of £585 for the pre 2011. I think 4.2TDI is £585 for both pre and post 2011. But quite a big difference in prices as well, you can get early ones for £5k but it's hard to get 2011+ for less than 10k.

Cannot really comment about extras as I am not bothered about them.

I agree. Footprint wise, the D2/Q7 feel very similar. Much higher up driving position, far less sporty and lots more body roll, of of which to be expected.

The 3.0 tdi engine is by far the most popular, but the 4.2 TDi seems more reliable, sounds a lot better and has significantly more power. Far more likely to come with a decent spec on it too.

Tax disk for the 4.2 is top band m all the way through i believe, even with the 8 speed box, but as a bonus you don't get the annoying start / stop nonsense.

Big turbo lag on it though, you can tell its diesel. Remap can help a bit with this though. 4.2 petrol is far more nippy, but rare cars and they struggle for grunt at higher speeds where the Tdi turbos are really helpful

Early models had to have twin pane specified if they had DAB from factory, so easier to look for DAB than twin pane when searching. Twin Pane became standard in the later years, possible post facelift / 2011 ish.

Watch with memory seats, as electric steering column is still an option independently of that, so you can end up with memory seats/mirrors but still have a manual steering column (if that bothers you)

Bose is very common on the earlier cars, but it was never standard on any spec so watch for facelift cars when leasing of the base model became popular as there are so many 'basic spec' cars out there with the standard audio which is genuinely quite naff....

Thanks for the replies, I'll certainly look for DAB as I've never seen any yet mention twin pane glazing. I think I can cope with a manual adjustable steering wheel if I have to, just could do without the hassle of everything else as I'm used to the S8 knowing who's driving by which key it is.

I don't think my budget will go to a post 2011 but will know nearer the time if it happens. Is the 3G MMI available prior to 2011? I'm assuming it's a lot better than the 2G.

The tax wouldn't be an issue, well it will, but we're going to get stung as it's going to coincide with a move to Ireland so will be around €2000+ a year no matter what. Even the S8 would be €1800 a year but just wouldn't have the space we would want and I'm not sure it would get the care it requires.

3G mmi is the same as the A8, so came in late 2009.

3G+ came in late 2010 and has things like native bluetooth audio playback, wifi hotspot and google maps / search (although this was discontinued beginning of this year, but seems to randomly burst back into life sometimes)

2G MMI does look really low rez and dated now imo, but still works well in the grand scheme of things.

So I may have found a nice spec Q7 4.2 TDi SLine on a 2011 plate so 3G MMI and facelift with 8 speed box.

Above standard spec would be:
Memory seats
Electric steering column
BOSE
Adaptive Cruise
Adaptive lights
Exclusive paint
Tech Pack High
Panoramic roof

My only concern is the mileage (I've not viewed it yet) at 144k which is only slightly above average for the age. MOT history checks out with very few advisories (mainly tyres/suspension) and no failures, will check the servicing is all ok too.

What are these engines like at higher mileage? Is there anything specific I should be checking?

Sounds nice.

My 4.2 Tdi just rolled over 199K miles and is sweet as a nut - Most of its early miles were all motorway, and these 8 speed 4.2 TDI's have 800nm, they sit at 1500rpm at motorway speeds and just use the torque.

Very rarely, if ever, hear about 4.2 TDi's failing.

If the spec is good, and the price is right, 144K wouldn't concern me at all.

It's now sold but I was watching this one for a while, simply out of interest. 111,000 miles.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284501775...EAAOSwiyRhdW5T

If you're into white cars then it wouldn't take much to de-chav it. Remove the window deflectors, stupid RSQ7 badges, swap the drug dealer wheels for some Audi ones etc.

Thanks Ian. That sounds quite promising, I suspect most of the miles on the one I've been offered are motorway due to the adaptive cruise option. It'll come down to the price in the end so long as the service history is also good.

I saw that one and was watching it but it sold very quickly. Nice spec too.

This is the colour, I think Shiraz Red?
Attachment 27392

Is this the one you're interested in ?

Those wheels look all wrong, and I'm struggling to see a pan roof on it....

Cant confirm the colour without a reg or a vin.