I'm new to A8s but looking for one as a daily driver (my 997 Carrera S is not a great daily driver in the Rocky Mountain winters). I'm trying to stay under $50k. So, can you guys help me with this dilemma:

I've noticed several '07 S8's for sale these days, with prices in the sub-$50,000 range. At this price they tend to have pretty high mileage, like 50k or more. And they are NOT CPO at this price. Do you guys think it would be a mistake to get into an S8 with this kind of mileage without a CPO warranty? It's a good $20k less than comparable cars with 30k or fewer miles so it's pretty tempting. But my allroad badly needed its CPO warranty. I'm pretty scared of a Lambo V-10 at 75k miles....

The other option at this price is an '07 sport with 40k or fewer miles and CPO. Thoughts?

I'm pretty scared of a Lambo V-10 at 75k miles....

The other option at this price is an '07 sport with 40k or fewer miles and CPO. Thoughts?[/QUOTE]

Since both have timing chains instead of a belt, I wouldn't worry about the mechanical aspects of the engines. Both use the same type of coil packs and the fuel system is similar so no difference.

Get whicever one you'd like the best.

Personally, I don't want a SWB 8 series so I'd go for an A8L but that's just me.

In my opinion, owning one of these without CPO would be a nightmare.
I am on my second D3 S8. It is a wonderful machine but it has had issues all covered under warranty and each one would have cost thousands to fix.
By all means get an S8 and high mileage should not be an issue, the cars are built strong - mechanically. The weakness is in the systems side and this can go wrong in 2 weeks as easily as in 10 years.
Buy one but ensure it is under the Audi certified program and don't own it past the warranty.

They tend to plummet farther in resale and come fully loaded.... and typically are low mileage cars that are well taken care of. adding S8 swaybars and upgrading tires to 275/35/20's will go along ways to improving the handling are reducing the feeling of the extra length.. and there are a few other mods available if you're so inclined.

Coming from a well tuned RS6 I find it's rare that I miss the extra power or handling edge, but enjoy the W12's luxury daily... Like the other noted the S8 / W12 are chain driven motors and fairly low maintence, the systems however.... FWIW O2 Sensors on my car require a motor R & R .....don't ask how I know.

regards,

E