Audi’s S products from the early 2000s are a conundrum for me. I think the S6 Avant is neat, but I don’t love it. I think the S4 is neat, but I don’t love it. Even the mighty RS4 should capture all of my attention – but it doesn’t. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is about these cars that I find lacking, but collectively they all fall short for me.
But the S8? I love the S8. And for the same reason that I can’t quite identify what’s missing from the other models, I’m at a loss to fully quantify what it is I find so perfect about the D2. But it is just about perfect; arguably the best looking big-body Audi made to date, and though newer cars have far more power, when it came to the early 2000s this was the punchy package you wanted if you liked to drive rather than be chauffeured.
Unlike some other early 2000s big executives, the S8 still looks the boss today. Mean, low and long, it is remarkably fresh despite the design being the best part of 20 years old. Yet they remain some of the best values out there. Find a good one, and you’ll have class, speed and style which defy the price you paid:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Audi S8 on quattroworld.com
Year: 2001
Model: S8
Engine: 4.2 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 134,500 mi
Price: $7,500 OBO
For sale is my all aluminum, hand-built, 360hp 2001 Audi S8 with 134,500 miles. The car is Ming Blue over Platinum Grey interior – Of the 831 sold in this year, 20 were sold with this combo. The Carfax states there are five owners but I am the fourth – Something wonky must have happened when I renewed the registration. Selling because I don’t really have enough room for four cars in my life right now. I would trust this car to drive across the country with no issues.
Album of Pictures
Driving Video
Start up VideoPros:
Sport Seats
Transmission recoded to 00111. Much more sporty
Timing belt completed at 83k (have paperwork)
Parking Sensors
Solar sunroof – keeps the fan on to cool the car off somewhat in the hot sun. Previous owner replaced the fan in 2014 (have paperwork)
Front Bilstein Sport shocks
Audi S5 wheels with 275/35/19 Michelin AS3+ including a matching spare
Body is completely straight with no corrosion
Bluetooth call/audio adapter to stock radio
12†Subwoofer integrated into the bose system
Interior lighting replaced by LEDs
Set of mounted snow tires included
Thule Roof Rack included
Rubber floor matsMaintenance under my ownership:
123k Front L + R Diff Seal
123k Oil Change and Filter
124k Vacuum Hoses
124k Replaced lower L+R quarter panel rock guards
125k New Tires
125k Front Axle Boots
127.5k Spark Plugs
128.5k Power Steering Fluid Flush
128.5k Front Control Arms
129k Brake Lines x4 and Fluid Flush
130k Oil Change and Filter
133k Trans Filter + Fluid + TransGo Pressure Regulator Valve
133k Brake Block
133k Air Filter Replaced
134k Cabin Air Filters ReplacedThe Cons listed below are me being particularly picky because the car cleans up very well and is an amazing cruiser. The pictures can do the talking!
Cons:
Weeping of valve cover gaskets
Oily Power Steering lines
Headliner uneven in the rear
Bumpers have slight paint fade and scratches
Some dead pixels in the instrument clusterAsking $7,500 OBO. Car is currently titled and registered in Michigan but it has only been in DC and AL under my ownership, with DC being the farthest north the car has been. Car is currently located in SE AL.
If you have any questions or would like to see pictures of anything specific, please let me know. I can be reached via email
The seller outlines both the strengths and weaknesses of this example well. You’re not going to jump in to one of these early S8s and not have some repair to do, but having the bulk of the major items addressed is certainly reassuring. You’ve still got a few years on the next timing belt, and between the transmission reflash to Euro specs and recent filter service, it should provide less of a worry. The Speedline-made S5 wheels give a good, aggressive look without being over the top. Ming Blue Pearl Effect over Platinum leather is a great combination, too, and both look to be in good overall shape. Certainly, at 135,000 miles and now 17 years old, it’s not perfect – but it represents a great driver candidate and is priced well in the marketplace. With a good history and excellent presentation, this looks like a great example to jump in to.
The seller can be reached directly via email HERE
-Carter
Audi’s 500e.
Unfortunately AoA’s NLA policies kill it as a daily driver prospect. Shame.
It’s a shame these didn’t come with steering wheel audio controls.
@KrautHammer – Do you mean that you can’t get parts for it anymore? Not sure what AoA’s NLA policy is.
@Krauthammer @E88guy – until recently, getting most parts for older Audis has been very difficult. Audi Tradition does sell a lot of them – more than you’d expect – but AoA disallowed importation of the parts directly to dealers, and Audi for a time refused to sell to individuals outside of a dealer in the U.S., making it impossible to get the parts. However, if you were/are clever, you could find an intermediary willing to ship them to you, but it is complicated and expensive.
Recently, AoA rescinded their U.S. ban – at least, in theory. Many people continue to have difficulty finding willing dealers to order the parts, with many all-out refusing to deal with older cars.
It’s not solely a VAG problem, as it’s been difficult to find some parts for my E61 recently. But Audi certainly didn’t make it any easier on enthusiasts.
That said, there’s a pretty active community supporting these cars. If we’ve managed to keep 4000 quattros and Coupe GTs going to this point with nearly zero dealer support and for a time without the interweb, I’d like to think that it will be at least a bit easier moving forward for enthusiasts with chassis-specific internet groups.
@Cory, I always found that strange too – my Passat has them, but the Audi sport wheels didn’t have any in this generation.
@Carter: what is hard to get? Everything? Usual parts, like alternators, starters, rotors, belts, usual wear items? Or silly stuff like plastic stuff that breaks, or that sunroof fan? I really do not know. I look at this and think, wow this would make a nice budget high-class driver, and I don’t drive far at all most days. I know there is work and money involved, and I am fine with that. I know a lot of MB and BMW parts are available aftermarket, but their cars that really appeal to me in this price range are few. I know a lot more about P cars, but hell I am not going to ever afford to daily a 911.
Audi Tradition is a joke. A wonderful website, when it’s up, where you can point and click any available part right up until you enter a U.S. address!
You might arm twist a dealer who will mark it up 30% but only after you provide paperwork dhoheing you own the car. Even more hoops if it is a ROW car here.
Audi, is so far off base here it puts painful to admit bwing an old school supporter and they really don’t care either which is really galling!
@Doug I don’t have a specific list of NLA parts, but there is a follower who has one and could probably comment if they see the post. I looked to see if I could find an assembled list and don’t see anything. You can spend a few hours perusing the D2 list and probably learn of the major hurdles though: https://forums.quattroworld.com/a8/
@Doug. From a quick google search I don’t think it would be a problem to get most parts but not the same day. I see choices between some new, remanufactured, and used. One site lists 1,000 used parts with a starter at $50. Remanufactured starter motor for $161. New TRW lower control arm $75.
Thanks everyone.
I’m in love. But I need to put about $3K into my 951 this summer, so that ties up my Audi fund.