hutch99 Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 I am looking to purchase either a final edition 2002 S8 / A8 4.2/3.7 Quattro or a 2003 / 2004 4.2 / 3.7 Quattro, fuel consumption is not a major consideration. I will be covering about 25k per annum so would be looking for a car with about 60k or less on the clock. Are there any specific areas that I should look out for e.g. electrics / gearbox on the older model? Is the 2003 model significantly better than the older one? Looking around there seems to be about a £3 - 4K premium for the newer model, is it worth the extra cash? This is my first post so thanks in advance for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alera Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 You get air suspension 03 onwards, dvd based sat nav (Millions times better than cd based system), bose sound system as standard plus a much bigger list of optional extras. 5 year service plan was available as well from 03, many of the early cars have it and its very desirable and means you can extend the audi warranty. Plus you get the new shape, down to personal taste I actually really like the d2 a8s but moving forward on resale the d3s will hold its value better I would say in the price range you are looking at. Also consider the d2 a8 came out in 1995, its tried and tested but mechanically its 13 years on vs 5 years on the d3 a8. The d2 a8 was mechanically very reliable in my experience certainly, gearboxes can start to run into problems after 80,000 miles or so, but there are plenty of people on here with 150,000+ on their original gearboxes. On 02 and earlier cars check for dampness in the footwells, there is a well docummented issue with leakage from the air conditioning system, you will find plenty of info on know issues with 02 and older a8s on this forum. performance wise the 4.2 has much more poke than the 3.7 on both the d2 and d3 a8s. More power on the new a8 4.2 unit as well and the car also feels bigger inside. I had a 3.7 d2 02 a8 and it was still plenty fast enough though for the size of the car. The fuel consumption on the 3.7 is not that much better than the 4.2. I got around 24 - 25 miles to the gallon out of my 3.7 mainly driving around town which for such a big car is pretty good I think. I guess its down to what you want I am pressumming for the money you would be looking at an 02 s8 possibly opposed to the 4.2 there are not many 02 4.2 a8s around. There were a few electrical gremlins in the early d3 a8s but most would have been dealt with under warranty / recalls. I have not heard any horror stories. Power boot lid and parking sensors come to mind, easily checked, they will have almost certinaly have been sorted under warranty. Personally if I had the money I would get an 03 onwards car but its down to budget and what you want at the end of the day. All a8s are wonderful cars, make sure you get one with full main dealer history with all the stamps in place and I would get it inspected unless you really know your stuff. £18 - £19k should get you a really nice 03 4.2 a8 with plenty of toys, would be looking at around £15 for a mint 4.2 02 s8 final in comparison. I traded a mint 02 final 3.7 non sport, 43,000 miles lots of toys but no nav for £10,400 a few months back if that helps as well. That was a great car and I only lost around £400 on it depreication wise over 2 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alantong Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi, I have only owned a 2003 (new shape / D3) 4.2 so its difficult to compare to the D2. One thing I would throw in is that 2003/4 A8s are a bargin at the moment as they have the "old style" grill compared to current cars. Some owners care about this as you can put a private plate on a 2005 and no one would know its not a new car. Looking on autotrader for 4.2 V8s you can get 2002 D2s for £9 to 12K 2003/4 D3s for £14K upwards 2005 (new grill) for £25K up If you are willing to risk a higher mileage for a newer car then there is a 2005 with new shape grill on sale for £19995. It has 95K miles but also has every toy you can order such as fingerprint entry, adaptive cruise control, DAB radio, ventilated seats etc etc You should also check when the cambelt / next service / new plugs are due. Buying a car just before this lot is due could set you back a grand. Good luck! Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gadgeteer Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Hi Hutch, I've had both and although I really loved my D2, the D3 is way better. I probably preferred the classic shape of the D2 from the outside whereas the D3 wins hands down on the inside. The air suspension, comfort seats and MMI are worth the extra cash. Cheers, Gadgeteer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch99 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Thanks to everyone for their responses. I really prefer the shape of the S8 d2 and quite like the sound of 360BHP! However I will probably end up getting a d3. Off to look at one on Friday PM so will let you know how I get on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepm Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 Hi If you fancy a D3 4.2, 2003 with 49K on the clock let me know, I am thinking of PX'ing mine. I am fancying a Jag so I doubt I will get a good value for it from a none Audi dealer. It if fully loaded with new front discs and pads, new battery, had the gearbox oil changed, 6mm left on all 4 tyres and is in great nic (even if I do say so myself!). PM me if you are interested and I can send over some details and pics etc (I am near Leeds). Philip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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