Higher mileage D2 S8's

[James7]

Hi folks

I'm after a D2 S8 with a budget of £6K. The majority of the ones I have seen on Autotrader, Pistonheads, etc have over 100k miles on them but I have seen a few lower mileage ones (70-80k miles) for sale. I've never bought a car with this kind of mileage on it before so I'm obviously a bit concerned about things going wrong. I've read that the 4.2 engine is bulletproof. Is this true?? Am I just worrying over nothing as long as the timing belt has been changed and serviced as per Audi schedule??

Any comments and help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

James

[Conan_the_Librarian]

Your right on the engine. 100k is not big mileage at all if it's been serviced properly. I have heard of several over 250K and one with over 400K on it. The timing belt must be done every 80k and it must have had the proper oil.

The transmission though can be a different story. Audi do not service the transmission as they claim it is sealed for life. Remember, life to Audi is until the warranty runs out. If the box is silky smooth and less than 100k you may wish to leave well alone until it shows signs of trouble then do a filter and fluid change. If it's less than 80k you could well benefit from a regular service of filter and fluid every 20k. Over 125k is when they generally start to fail if they are going to. We have a number of examples on here of big mileage boxes, but I think they are the exception.

Personally if I had a high milage transmission I would start a service routine and if it percipitated a transmission fail by disturbing something then I would pay for a rebuild from a reputable transmission specilist and get the guarantees that go with it. These cars are good value and if your handy with a spanner, reasonable for the level of comfort and performance to run.

[James7]

Hi Conan

Firstly, all the best with the new S8. I saw that one on Autotrader last week but was unable to contact the seller as the telephone number was a number short. Secondly, thanks for your comprehensive response to my post.

Some more questions if you could please help me out:

1. What oil grade does the S8 use?
2. Is the filter and oil change on the transmission a job that the garage I use could do? What is involved in doing the oil/filter change?
3. What kind of money are you looking at for a rebuild?

Many thanks

James

[Conan_the_Librarian]

Originally Posted by James7

Hi Conan

Firstly, all the best with the new S8. I saw that one on Autotrader last week but was unable to contact the seller as the telephone number was a number short. Secondly, thanks for your comprehensive response to my post.

Some more questions if you could please help me out:

1. What oil grade does the S8 use?
2. Is the filter and oil change on the transmission a job that the garage I use could do? What is involved in doing the oil/filter change?
3. What kind of money are you looking at for a rebuild?

Many thanks

James

1. There is a bit of a debate going on about this but you can't go wrong with the Audi own brand of Quantum Synata. Read this thread here.

2. If they are handy with a spanner, then yes, the basic transmission fluid change is not difficult just a bit of a pain the first time. Here is a 'how-to' to give to them. Read this so you have all the information you need.

3. Depends how reputable and capable the company is. Expect to pay between £800 and £1500. For the upper area you will likely get a 2 year 24k guarantee. Chester Autos are highly recommended on here. Give them a ring for a price. Any ZF approved dealer will also give you peace of mind. They are here.


HTH

[James7]

Hi Conan

Thanks again for all your help.

James

[ulfilias]

Hi There,

I'd say they are great cars and great value. However don't expect to spend £4-8k on a £65k 10yr old motor car and expect it to be maintinance free !

My S8 has had issues with the timing chain variators, it seems these are prone to wear. My car was 135k when the 1st one went and 165k when the second one did. There may have been issues here when I bought it, but the engine was smooth. Lambdas/Oxygen sensors are a service part in the 80-120k and probably a Maf sensor too. And the belts have been mentioned. If you do the belts high mileage, it may be worth popping the covers off and looking at the variators as you need the front off for the passenger side one, which is half the expense of changing them. Silly resin wear shoes and an 5p O ring seal that means a £350 part!

Brakes are pretty easy to do, particularly the front pads. The rears need a wind in tool and i wouldn't skimp there or you'll need a new gator/caliper - You also get seized parts and Aluminium while it doesn't rust it does exfoiliate, which can be as bad if not worse in some cases.

Handy with a spanner is good....or willing to pay someone else. I'd count on 1-2k running costs a year, but thats pretty good value really.

cya,
Lee