Hey guys so if you have followed my other threads I’ve posted, which hasn’t been a lot but I’ve had my 2023 RDX Aspec for a year and a couple months. Prior to that I had an SQ5 where I had a stage 1 and 2 tune on it. Which brings me to my question.

I have an opportunity to get a 2016 Audi S8 Plus for $33K. It has 80k miles on it BUT it has about $20k in mods. Which brings the total HP to like 800!! I was able to see it and drive it and it’s legit!! What you guys think?

 

Two completely different vehicles. If you want it and can afford it - life is short - buy what you want. Note that the maintenance on a 8 year old Audi with mods will be significantly higher than the 2023 RDX.

 

Audi > Acura

 

Heavily-modded, high-mileage German performance sedan?

I'm sure it'll be a hoot, but I hope you set aside a good amount of money for maintenance and repairs.

 

Ask your bank account this question....80k miles is up there for an Audi....

 

Yea that's definitely what i've thought about, but my neighbor who told me about the S8 works at a high end car shop that specializes in German cars, in particular Audi. He actually has an Audi also but its a wagon. So i feel i'd save hella money on labor at least because he knows what he's doing when it comes to maintenance, etc.. but you're right, something to think about.

 

The thing with German cars is not only is there a lot of complexity with basic maintenance (i.e removing the entire engine to change a timing belt or water pump...etc) but that the parts themselves can be very very pricey.

My small anecdote is that the VW dealer wanted $550 for the blower motor on an 09 Touareg, the same exact part on my 07 MDX was $150 from the Acura dealer. I'm sure it's an amazing car, but I wouldn't touch it personally. Not to mention the technology is going to feel ancient in there.

 

Save enough for this license plate frame

 

In terms of expense?

 

I'm not motivated by power at all so I would stick with the Acura.

But something to keep in mind -- a car with a tune was probably flogged by the previous owner. Probably getting ready for major work with brakes, suspension, etc. unless it has a lot of new parts. I wouldn't touch a car with a tune for a used buy. But that's just me. YMMV.

 

I 2nd this comment, German cars, especially those that trace back to VW, have become crap.

 

Agree - owned a German product for years - once it got up in miles and outside warranty - trips to the dealer or a good mechanic were super expensive. Personally I despise going to the dealer - especially when out of warranty for repairs. But everyone else has there priorities - may be the OP needs to get that S8 to feed the need for speed (which the RDX does not have).

 

I always say this — if you have a need for speed and you’re buying a souped up ICE car, you're doing it wrong. A BEV is going to outgun it while being much cheaper to maintain and operate. In other words, if you have a need for speed, get a Model Y Performance or, if your budget allows, a Model X Plaid. With the MXP you get supercar acceleration.

 

Or OP can slap on a phearable stage 3 tune and call it a day. No it won't give S8 performance and the RDX is still an SUV but it's probably close enough and still reliable enough to daily.

 

A German sedan is not my cup of tea. Also, what are you really gonna do with 800 HP? As others have said, there are more practical and cost-effective options if you really want speed. And cooler looking too.

 

Why get to the next stop light first of course!

 

Get everywhere first, with a big grin on you face - buy a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance (biggest bang for performance these days IMO) - you'll be having coffee ahead, while everyone tries to keep up! Effortless insane performance. Wasn't a huge EV fan - till I drove a Model 3 performance in 2022 - just came away with "wow". The model Y Performance is a similar rocket ship.

 

Yea so i've thought about an all electric vehicle and yes i checked out the Tesla Plaid and also the ZDX but electric doesn't work for me. I drive way too much with me being a couple bands as my side gig. We do a lot of weddings outta town, etc.. EVERY weekend. Just to give you some perspective, I've only had my RDX for a year and a few months and I already have 42,000 miles on it! So unfortunately the range wouldn't work out for me. Me being outta town somewhere heading home at 12 midnight and worrying if i'll make it back or if there's even a charging station otw home. That's too much to have to deal with. Now I could still go with the ZDX and just rent something for my gigs which i've thought about also.

 

Btw, it is most definitely the "need for speed" that i'm missing since having an SQ5 and i had a cold air intake, AWE exhaust, Stage 1 and 2 tune on it. Soooo we like what we like lol As far as my RDX, i did have a cold air intake and charge pipe installed on it. So that's pretty cool.. but still no where near the SQ5.

 

I have the same issue. The EV infrastructure is good in my metro (Philly) but once I get outside of that it can get a little dicey and I like to travel to remote areas so I am still hesitant about jumping on board even though it would be perfect for my day to day.

With all of the driving you do you could get a hybrid or a PHEV, the savings would add up quickly...I have been looking into those.

 

Aside from Toyota/Lexus, PHEV has some of the worst reliability ratings.

 

Yea agreed! I'd definitely jump on a Lexus before anything else. But i'd rather just keep the RDX.

 

Dang - 45K miles in less than one year. Keep the RDX as your reliable daily, make a deal on the S8 as your non-daily weekend or part-time vehicle.

 

No.. 42K miles in a year a 3 months.

 

But still hella miles in that amount of time smh

 

This sounds like a huge money pit down the road. Have you ever maintained a modified car? If you have the experience, and then have time and money, give it a try. If not, stick with something trustworthy to make your life simpler.

 

Performance isn't all about 0-60. This is where electric cars ,other than the Lucid Air Sapphire, fall short. The driving dynamics simply don't cut it. The RDX isn't the quickest in a straight line, but it's more fun in the corners than it has any right being.

 

Yea the SQ5 i had before was modded.. but not as heavily modded as this. I'm passing up on it. The miles is just way too high with the amount of driving i do. If it was a secondary car then i'd jump all over it. But can't afford both the S8 and the RDX. So as of now, i'll hold on to the RDX and will more than likely keep it until the wheels fall off and make that as a 2nd car, then maybe in 2-3 yrs get an S4 or M series BMW as a lease. Just makes the most sense as of right now.

 

To be honest, it is a relief to me that you have the experience, and that you passed on the car. I did not say these because I did not want to sound like parents, but when a comprehensively modified car breaks down, it tends to be a cascade of issues that can drive you and your wallet crazy. Besides, the number of S8 in the US probably can be counted on one hand, ok I am exaggerating, but you get the point what that could mean in the maintenance cost.

Besides leasing, you might also consider getting an off-lease M car down the road. Personally, I feel M cars are relatively easy to maintain compared to S/AMG, due to the sheer number of supply.

 

Lol this made me breathe a literal sigh of relief. I've owned vehicles growing up that I legitimately had no buisness owning because of repair costs and maintenance. They're so so fun when they're running well, but my God does that little bit of fun dissolve when shit hits the fan.

 

HAHAH you guys are funny but i definitely appreciate and value the feedback and your opinions hence why i wanted to reach out. But yea i'm good. We'll see what the future holds. I'll hold onto the RDX and enjoy it as i continue to rack up hella miles on it year by year LMAO and then treat myself to a nice sports car. Maybe the M we'll see. Ofc i'll keep you guys updated.

 

Wise decision - IMO. Enjoy the RDX - it is super reliable - especially for all those miles you drive.