Word, old school S8's are sex on wheels

 

A8 all the way.

 

The Phaeton is still a cool looking car, but the A8 blows it away, and I'd rather have less weight to carry.

Resale may not be an issue, but I would guess that the resale value rate (% drop every year) is greater than the Phaeton - even when you buy it with substantial drop to then already.

I'd love to have a 99-00 S8, but they are not easy to find. Saw one on the interstate in Atlanta - looked like new, black on tan.....beautiful. I liked Auditech's description, "sex on wheels."

 

Any more maintenance issues with the S8 over the A8?

 

No, the S8 and A8 share the same issues.

 

We went the other way. Since a low mileage A8 was still out of our comfort zone pricewise and the phaeton depreciated so tremendously we bought a '05 V8 phaeton with 34k miles for under 25 thousand. It's admittedly not as sporty as the A8 but more luxurious and rare. We love the looks of the big VW as does everyone we know.

 

Auditech79, bulletproof? This would be fabulous news to me. I have a 98 with 162K. Great car. Just had tranny rebuilt by a reputable vendor. You posted in '07. It's now '09. Do you still have the same opinion?

 

Lets start off with the debate. I have driven both cars extensively to point out first. Every phaeton that I came across used had major issues with it, as in been in accidents or over 3 owners or been at auctions. Even without that I have heard many electrical problems that the A8 didn't suffer. When I test drove it the Phaetons glove box wouldn't even pop. The seats in the phaeton are top among any car it compares with. The Nav system is CD so it is very slow, but besides that the car is feature rich and very elegant. Inside that is. Outside the back is awesome looking in my opinion but the front looks bloated like a passat ate a Jetta. Also it has horrible gas mileage because it is an all steel frame borrowing from the Bentley frame. I probably would have gotten the Phaeton if it were available in good condition. But I couldnt find any and I even drove a few states away to look at them. Congrats on finding a nice one, have you had any problems with yours? And good thing you didnt get the 04!

 

Good to see this debate going. I'm still considering the 06-08 Audi A8 but started reading about the repair cost. Now I'm looking @ VW Pheaton as a second option. What was the last model year of this car? Anyone know why VW discontinued it?

 

It was discontinued because it did not catch on in the U.S. and did not sell nearly enough cars. And since the Phaeton is older and less popular it will also cost a lot more. Like I said I wouldn't get the Phaeton because of the difficulties I've experienced just test driving them. If you get an A8 just don't get an 04 if you don't have to. And I suggest finding a good place to have your maintenance done besides the ripoff stealer.