Thinking about what to replace the octy with. Need to do a few bits and bobs to the octy and got looking at Audi A8's, I know, getting old and was looking for something comfy/fast/rust proof . But after looking at the various engine options and the costings and I am drawn back to the 1.8T as THE engine to beat for tuneability and economy..

Dropped down to looking at A6/A4 avants (more specifically S6/S4 :D) but not sure if the 2.7's are as solid as the 1.8's so looked at a couple of A4 Avant 1.8T quattro's

What other options are there or what is the pick of the Audi's?

Car has to be 4x4 as the driving experience with the octy has sold me on that for good.

Manual preferably or auto with flappy paddles (oem upgrade would be fine too)

Has to be petrol (I do love LPG) so not sure about FSI conversions yet?

Has to be quick (or mappable)

Needs to be able to take my 9'6" longboard inside (like the octy does, not bad for a medium hatch)

Would like heated leather and lots of toys, specifically cruise, lots of airbags (curtain, knee etc)

Would love an A8 for longevity but how good is the galvanising on the other Audi's?

Opinions please... And be gentle!

i like the a8 well the d2 s8 to be precise, but i don't think you will ever get the fuel economy you are looking for.

the a8 is a space frame car though (audi space frame) and is ally so wont have the same issues rusting as the other galvanized cars (rest of audi cars)

 

Have owned the 2.7 engine too in an a6 and that was a nice engine, a real crusier. Probably no faster than a mapped vrs in reality due to the extra weight etc, but was a great car for going across continents in. It wasn't economic however. An awesome car to be in (a quattro sport spec) with lots of toys and a huge load space. Tbh i keep thinking of going back to one, mine was a 2001 and was a much nicer car to be in with so much extra and available spec over the vrs of the same age. I know its not fair to compare, but what am saying is its like a newer car in comparison!

 

As you say for power and economy its the 20v really.

 

I would still get a 1.9 derv and fit a hybrid, but i know you don't wanna hear that

 

I also like dsg and the audi tiptronic setup, having had that in my audi i would have again..but again you lose fuel economy, and i hear dsg isn't too reliable with age.

thank me later

 

even with lpg..

 

not sure on the wheels or the interior colour, though i do love nogaro blue!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-S8-QUATTRO-4-2-V8-PRINS-LPG-/221335275466?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item33889c47ca

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-S8-4-2-V8-Quattro-FSH-Only-94K-Miles-/261349676047?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cd9a7940f

 

Loads of car for the money imo

 

I would get a pre 2001, as they don't pay the higher ved rate based on emissions.

 

Also need to be careful with fitting of lpg kit, as the body is ally you can't use stainless fixers, you get a reaction iirc called galvanic corrosion

Big fan of B5 S4 wagons. Had a blue one a few years ago - stage 1 remap too.

 

B5 S4 estate, 81K miles, £4,500 Silver and mint.

 

B5 S4 estate, 120k miles, Nogaro blue £4,500 but extensive SH.

 

Just need to have some back up for the turbos if/when they need replaced 

 

Not the best on fuel though but the power offsets that surely  :clap:

i like those too, I decided (for me anyway) that the b6 s4 is newer/safer etc and think thats what i would probably get out of the two despite the engine being less tuneable. I think though am not sure it is also meant to be more reliable than the 2.7 in nothing else due to the fact there are no turbos.

The 2.7 would be more fun though, especially with a couple of hybrids on there, they make for very rapid cars!

 

I also like the c5 s6, recon that what i would get in reality over the s8 if i ever got another audi, the s6 lpgd is a more practical car, for me anyway over the s8. I recon the s8 is a more special car, but the s6 would be easier/better to live with on a daily basis.

Budget ?

 

Another low mileage mk 1U 4x4

 

mk2 4x4 Octy

 

Passat 4x4

 

How about something Japanese

 

4th gen Subaru Legacy with EE engine

 

8th gen Mitsubushi Galant VR4

some good thoughts there?  

 

its driving the lexus thats making me crave the luxobarge driving style but I want to keep the ability to hustle when needed (drove the octy like I stole it last night and boy does it shift for a 13 year old, old farts car )

 

problem for me it getting something that the engine will last and last with regular maintenance obviously, but more importantly bodywork and chassis.  the Lexus is great as the steel is thick and tends not to rust if chipped (has an old Previa that had a stone chip for 4 years without ever rusting?) but the underneath needs to go in for proper underseal (another thread).  

 

as I don't tend to change my cars often I like to get it right. May pass the octy to my dad (he may be 70 but he still likes to DRIVE )

 

I love the little A2 being aluminium it realy does go well for a small car and the longevity of it was what got me looking at the A8's (like you Luca I like the D2 S8 ) only problem is fitting the surfboard inside.

 

I like the legacy/Legnum estates as well but what are they like on bodywork with age?

My boras for sale soon

I like the legacy/Legnum estates as well but what are they like on bodywork with age?

 

Those of the age I've mentioned seem just as good/bad as any steel monocoque German car

 

Older generations, not so good - cheaper quality steel under the paint, and poorer quality paint (like a french car tbh)

Those 2 S8 are lush if the missus wasn't so against a saloon I'd have one. Have you thought about a Audi allroad in 2.7t form I had a 2.5 tdi one it was brilliant but the diesel wasn't for us mpg was worse than my stage 1 octy. The allroad air suspension was excellent super comfy, sports mode or off road for green lane. Some people are put off by the suspension but mine was great it's a simple system google it you see some horror stories but dig a bit deeper and it's usually down to dealers lack of knowledge diagnosing them causing massive bills. Most dealers just fit parts until a fault goes that's not diagnosis. Any way rant over try an allroad they are very cool.

Those 2 S8 are lush if the missus wasn't so against a saloon I'd have one. Have you thought about a Audi allroad in 2.7t form I had a 2.5 tdi one it was brilliant but the diesel wasn't for us mpg was worse than my stage 1 octy. The allroad air suspension was excellent super comfy, sports mode or off road for green lane. Some people are put off by the suspension but mine was great it's a simple system google it you see some horror stories but dig a bit deeper and it's usually down to dealers lack of knowledge diagnosing them causing massive bills. Most dealers just fit parts until a fault goes that's not diagnosis. Any way rant over try an allroad they are very cool.

I have always liked the idea of the 2.7 bi turbo which was the engine I like in the S4 as it is really good with a remap but not sure if I could get 35 on a run especially with the taller allroad. I suppose I could live with 30 at the very outside but it is going to be a daily workhorse as well as a fun car so LPG economy is important.

thats a great engine, but you won't get 35 on a run, trust me you won't.

 

mine was the 2.7t quattro sport spec so around 230-50 bhp iirc...a detuned s4 engine in effect.

 

25-28ish is more likely i would say! if you don't get the tiptronic you may get a mile or two more per gallon, but why would you not get the tiptronic in an audi, they are so much nicer than manual for everyday driving and still have full manual control on the steering wheel when you need it.

What about a Subaru?  You can get (very) fast versions of them all, the Forester and Legacy estate are brilliant cars.  Superb handling, too.  Servicing is quite expensive though, mainly as some versions of the flat-four "Boxer" engine require frequent timing belt changes.

 

I've had loads of Japanese stuff and it's brilliant; utterly reliable (with far less niggling problems than VAG stuff, it has to be said!)  They're very "light" to drive though (steering, gearchange, pedals) when compared to the VAG cars, which some people don't like (although I do).

 

I reckon you'll struggle to get economy as good as the 1.8T from any quick petrol car, so it might be worth factoring in the cost of a good LPG conversion into your budget.  Beware cars that are for sale already with LPG conversions fitted though as they may not have been installed very well or may have faults with the system, plus if they're not run on petrol very often you can get petrol fuel injector problems due to lack of use.  You always have to wonder why someone would be selling an LPG car when it'll be achieving the equivalent of 50-60mpg due to the cheaper fuel costs...

Do you put your longboard in the front footwell with the passenger seat back recined?

Interested in this topic  as I carry 3 shortboards in bags at all times plus a 6 9 step up in winter. With the back seats out there is just room for wetsuit container and some tools for work, leaving the front passenger seat free. The load length is the minimum I would want.

Looked at some SUV's and the load length is the problem. Too short although as cars get wider the boards go in diagonal.

I get 27mpg on my roads and journeys.

Looked at Foresters 2003-2008 as the extra ground clearance would be nice. They are shorter in the back (to back of front seats) by 6 “ . Higher fuel consumption presumably aerodynamics.

Would like to look / drive a similar age Outback. Would expect similar mpg to my car.

LPG on the Subaru gets mixed success but looks like the H6 definetly ruled out.

Newer diesel versions would make more sense.

 

Volvo XC70 post 2003. The petrol 2.5T doesn't seem suitable for LPG. Most are D5 diesel which don't look especially economic.

SAAB  9-3X 2.0T XWD Not many about who knows if LPG suitable so too much of a gamble. The diesel version is not 4X4.

Big old Diesel 4x4 Hilux Surf, Shogun Sport etc. Poor economy and drive.

4Motion Transporter van . Expensive and not very economical diesel. Good resale value.

People carriers. Wasn't there a  4motion Sharon?

Edited 20 December, 201312 yr by MarkyD

Yes there are several engine options for the 4mo Sharons' - think only the 2.8 v6 4mo was avaliable in uk though

Not a fan of the sharan, driven a few and they are not good.

My 9'6 has to go in with tail on the dash and the parcel shelf dropped so the nose dips into the boot. That's with the centre fin out as well. My old 9'2 used to go nose into the footwell with fins over the seat back into the boot.

Would love a van but people want stupid money for them, ideal would be the v6 4mo Caravelle

Considering a rx400h with LPG too..

I looked at the xc volvos when looking for swmbos rx and I have to say they were not a patch on the lexus.

Always liked the legacy estate

I've had a sharan tdi absolute bag of s@&£ suspension horrible to work on, poor interior, handles like the titanic, on the plus side was excellent on fuel and loaded up with 5 people and full camping gear for a week was spot on.

However MPV driving feels like you've given up on life might as well just give the missus the keys and sit in the back with the kids.