Tips for buying S8

[smiffy]

After reading this post you guys have a lot to answer for, I have an A6 2.5 diesel chipped to 200bhp so when I test drove an A8 2.8 I was disappointed with the power available.
So I started reading your forum and now hanker after a S8, I have a test drive booked for 1 on saturday and would welcome your advice on what I should look out for or who to check it over. It is a 1997 80k miles 1 owner with full dealer history, I have bad dealings with local Audi dealers and prefer specialists if you know any in the Midlands.
I hope you guys can give me pointers so I can do a deal on Saturday with confidence as the car will be doing 25k a year so must be reliable.
Thanks,
Graham

 

[Matthewbaldry]

All you really need to take with you is a heavy right foot and a spare pair of underwear /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh_roll.gif

 

[Matthewbaldry]

Oh and of course how could I forget,

A cheque book!

 

[SvenS8]

Hi Smiffy, glad to hear you're a 'convert' to the S8. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif It's a superb car as you will find out for sure!

The full history is good, see if all services have been done, and whether the belt has been changed! (a costly service, but important). I hope you found a good one mate, cause if you did you won't believe how great it is...

Last tip, maybe obvious, but make sure you have a good warranty, just in case. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[SvenS8]

No, that's certainly NOT normal... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Leave it alone I'd say!

Have you checked www.audi.co.uk? Last time I looked they had a few S8's. Or check out Auto Trader? (Think the one at Fontain might be good value) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I don't know how much you want to spend, but be aware there was a 'facelift' in '99 (look for '00 and up!). Apart from 'looks' the engine is a 40V with 365bhp from then on, and there were lots of other changes and upgrades. Not saying the previous one isn't good, but you may want to know this so you can make an educated decision. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif

 

[smiffy]

I have checked out the sites suggested but the Fontain S8 did not suit (will not buy another green car!). As I needed to move fast I am looking at a BMW 540i tomorrow.
I know this is sacrilege but I cannot afford a facelift S8 now but give it another 2 years should be ok.
Thanks for your advice and will keep on looking to see what is happening in the audi world.
Graham

 

[SvenS8]

I meant the silver one btw. It's on 'sale' now at 25k. Did not see a green one at Fontain.

Whatever you do, take your time, or you may be dissapointed! 540i is quite a good car, but it's no S8 by any means... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif But no matter what car you get, make sure it's in good shape, and whether it is what you really want.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif