Wanted a8 d2

[bobbyshafto]

Hi All,

I've just started my search for a A8 D2, preferably a 4.2, and hoped that comments and advice on this one http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...to=2002&page=2 would be a good place to start my 'education'! Any and all advice very welcome!

Many Thanks!

[mattylondon]

Hi and welcome,

That is a lovely clean example! Somebody should be along soon with D2 knowledge who can advise.

Best of luck

[bobbyshafto]

Matt,

Many thanks, as I am new to the A8 I am hoping for some guidance to ensure I can get something I can enjoy and cherish for a good few years!

Thanks again,

Neil

[tintin]

Well, I'll start by saying that if I was still looking, I'd probably take a look at this one, for the following reasons -

1) it looks, on the face of it well maintained (pictures, data on history - low mileage, few owners)
2) has a mix of some of the best characteristics (gorgeous green exterior, popular black leather, S8 seats, good "A8 sport" wheels)

Having said that, there are a number of usual things to watch for, and a couple of warning signs:

1) Cambelt - says it's been done, need to check how/when, and if the water pump was done at the same time
2) Gearbox - by far the biggest risk, which at worst can cause a £3k rebuild, though the low mileage, if correct, suggests this is less likely to be a risk
3) Mileage - I'd be sceptical about the mileage figure, simply because it looks a more worn than the miles suggest

Others will no doubt be along and add points to the above. Good luck with your search - it looks like a good place to start.

[David's8]

The Audipages guide is a good start.

http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html

[steamship]

Originally Posted by tintin

2) Gearbox - by far the biggest risk, which at worst can cause a £3k rebuild, though the low mileage, if correct, suggests this is less likely to be a risk
3) Mileage - I'd be sceptical about the mileage figure, simply because it looks a more worn than the miles suggest

Not to confuse our new member, but more to clarify things. BTW Welcome bobbyshafto to the greatest forum... in the world

2) Wasn't the PF a 4-speed box, in which case, more resilient that the FL 5-speed?
3) Mileage seems legit going by previous MOT check.
05/12/2016 89,384 Miles +4,692 Miles
08/12/2015 84,692 Miles +2,037 Miles
09/12/2014 82,655 Miles +10 Miles
04/12/2014 82,645 Miles +2,603 Miles
06/12/2013 80,042 Miles +1,595 Miles
11/01/2013 78,447 Miles +1,953 Miles
15/12/2011 76,494 Miles +1,676 Miles
20/12/2010 74,818 Miles +743 Miles
09/12/2009 74,075 Miles +7,582 Miles
02/12/2008 66,493 Miles +4,297 Miles
04/12/2007 62,196 Miles

[bobbyshafto]

Marvelous, thanks for all the replies so far! The one thing I noticed was it says, lower down the Autotrader page, that the car was imported, not sure if that is good or bad?

Thanks again for the advice and the warm welcome - very much appreciated!

Neil

[sarg]

Originally Posted by tintin

2) Gearbox - by far the biggest risk, which at worst can cause a £3k rebuild, though the low mileage, if correct, suggests this is less likely to be a risk

This

My 4.2 QS had it's first gearbox rebuild at around 72k miles and failed again around 115k miles

Just assume you will have to do it at some point and budget accordingly

[IT]

Its one of the cleanest looking 4.2 pre facelifts I've seen in a long time....

But - despite the usual advert claims, it has no factory options whatsoever.

No PDC. No Xenons, no blinds, no bose, no cruise control etc.

The S8, rightly or wrongly, is far more collectable, and will usually have a better spec on. You'll pay a bit more, but it will hold its value, if not potentially increase.

The 1997/1998 A8 4.2 has a gearbox code of DTD. I recall this well as we used to get asked daily for them as they seemed to be the least reliable of the lot, so as others have said - check / test the gearbox and warranty along with budgeting for a replacement in the mid to longer term.

This is a great classic, but for my money, a facelift A8/S8 would make a better every day car. A higher spec, and glass that lets mobile phone / gps signals through makes it far more useful in the real world - Just depends whether its a daily, or a weekender