Bought Another Audi S8
 

I've often posted about my old 2002 S8, one of the few cars (of many) that I've sold and regretted selling. So when I was randomly searching Craigslist and found a 2001 S8 in Chicago with only 79k, I couldn't resist. It's a nice solid original car that needs a few odds and ends but is overall very nice. My wife has already pretty solidly latched onto it, and I'm taking care of a metric crapload worth of maintenance including the timing belt while I'm on vacation for Christmas. These are really incredible cars, the level of engineering, material quality, assembly, and the overall driving experience are pretty awesome. Having owned an X308 XJR and driven many E39 M5s, this is my favorite of the early 2000s super sedans.

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I just cant get past my horrible A6 Turbo experience. I am sure if you own it that it is nice, but I hope you don't have to do any repairs.

Wow, looks really nice! :eek:

I like the silver a lot on it and I particularly like the monochromatic theme on cars, i.e. silver/silver, black/black, grey/grey, etc.

Nice score. :cool:

2 months...maybe

Totally understand. I found that the S8 doesn't seem to have a lot of the same issues as the lesser Audi models. I think they put some extra effort into their $85k flagship.

Thanks and I totally agree. I love the understated German sedans of this era. 500E is still on my short list, I would love to have one of those.

I've already had it for several weeks, so you may lose that one.:)

Looks awesome. Really like it. Why from the rust belt? Isn't that going to hurt, when you have to undo hardware? The car probably is fine - is in an Al body?

I don't have enough time anymore to wrench on something like that. A little burnt out on it too, I guess.

G

Looks pretty clean. If you sell this one, I'll probably have to shoot you...

Nice! I've seen a few come up for sale around here, but the story is always the same: Somebody bought an expensive car and didn't realize it needs expensive maintenance, and so deferred maintenance until it's unreliable (and trashed). I keep hoping to find one that's worth grabbing...

Congrats on the score, Matt!

I miss my Volvo wagons and one day will get another.

Sometimes a certain vehicle will just get in your blood....

Have fun!

It's originally a Utah car, only spent the last 16 months in Chicago. I've been all over underneath and it's still pretty dry, even the fasteners that aren't aluminum. I've already done the transmission fluid/filter and fuel filter, and am doing basically everything on the front side of the motor, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, pulleys, plugs, coils, plugs, vacuum hoses, intake arms, motor mount, oil cooler seals and pipe, and a few hundred worth of other stuff. After that point it will just need a few cosmetic odds and ends and the seals replaced on the final drive and the right rear output shaft.

Looks sharp Matt, congratulations!

Nice pick-up..time for a Ronin re-make!
Looks like you'll be a busy guy in the next week.
How does the S8 compare with the W210 E55?

Ronin.

I haven't owned a W210 E55 but I have driven several. The E55 feels more like a muscle car, the AMG V8 is more shouty where the S8 is much more smooth with a subtle V8 growl. They both handle well and have a nice balance of comfort and sport. The Audi steering is super light at low speeds but weights up well once moving, I remember the MB steering being really wooden at all speeds. I love the styling of the Audi inside and out, the interior is definitely nicer, the S8 Recaro seats are all-time greats, and it has a bigger backseat that can fit adults. I've always liked the look of the E55 exterior but really found the interior to be boring, not enough of an upgrade from the standard old man W210, and the back seats are not all that big.

Overall, I'd rate the S8 as a more cohesive package while the E55 is more of a big engine crammed into an overall just decent car.

It looks like a really clean example. How many owners? Any damage history? Did you get any records with it? What did it cost? If you don't want to mention those things publicly, send me a PM. It's getting really hard to find a clean, low mileage S8, I'm curious where the market is now.

Lovely example. I have a pilot friend who likes cars. Has a nice 911SC, a 72 4.5 MB he is working on and a few old Moto Guzzis. His daily driver is usually something interesting and AWD which we need with our winters. His last one was an S8. Nowhere near as nice as this. He bought it with about this many miles and dumped it when the transmission failed at 180k or so. Has latest gamble is a first gen Infiniti FX35 with just under 100k on the odo.

With the work you are putting into this, will it be a long term keeper? What's the over/under at 6 months ownership?

Looks very nice. Great find!

Glad I'm not the only one! LOL

As my great grandmother used to say, "Use it in good health!"

I actually know Matt in the real world. He is a fine young man...that said, the only over/under I am willing to go with him are his wife and kids!

Cars? He has the attention span of a Cocker Spaniel puppy:D

I am still kicking myself over the silver Targa.

Matt's slowed a bit with age on the flipping.... But just in case... DIBS!!!! ;)


Nice ride Matt! I saw one a while back on BAT and almost texted you but it was late and I know you never respond to those. :p


I've never driven one, but I recall riding in Javadogs and thinking that a car that comfy shouldnt be that quick. Seems like a very comfy place for a long drive!