[s-cars] Opinions: 00 A8 or A6 4.2s added to the stable

[pkrasusky at ups.com]

James Shackled to which Taka suggested:

<<<Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 07:16:53 -0400
From: "Taka Mizutani" <t44tqtro at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Opinions: 00 A8 or A6 4.2s added to the stable

James-
After reading about what you need in the car, I think the A4 Avant is
going
to be too small-
the back seat is cramped unless you're a pre-teen child.

I would take the A8 over the A6- larger engine bay makes it much easier
to
work on the car
and results in lower labor costs for anything that you have to pay a
shop to
do.

Also, the A8 is a much nicer car overall- better quality of materials
and
the like.

I personally think the facelifted 2000 or newer A8s are the way to go-
the
interior has a cleaner
look overall, better stereo controls and the car looks newer.

Taka>>>



Wow!  It's not a Scirocco post!!!  Heh heh heh.

Agreeing with Taka here James.  

At first I was thinking, man, what a tough decision you have as all
three (A6 2.7tt / 4.2 and A8) are good options for you.  But I kept
thinking about you being 6'4"!!!  Tall boy, you are!  Then I started
thinking about engine removal for 2.7tt turbo failures, and the very
cramped engine bay of the A6 4.2 as Taka suggests.

A8's are total sleepers!  I had no idea until I flogged an L recently -
very capable cars.  Drive one and you'll be amazed.  Def. go '00 or
newer for facelift, as the earlier ones pretty much guarantee you trans
failure (no exaggeration, surf AW D2 it's every 3rd post).  They're
pretty easy to work on (relative - nowhere near the I5 / C4 combo!!!),
and are pretty hearty cars, well built.  Few niggles, but the AW D2
board is a great resource for DIY.  Check out www.audipages.com for
buyers guide info.  

Then you hammer around in Flagship awesomeness.  To boot?  You can find
them DIRT cheap, if you know how to look 8-).  You can easily find a
good low mileage and maybe even CPO'd car in your range.

Good luck in your hunt!

-Paul

ps.  Scirocco