Thinking about purchasing an S7

[Allen121]

Thinking of purchasing an S7 and wondering what the maintenance costs are and any known issues I should be aware of? Also, is there room to negotiate or should I expect to pay MSRP? Thanks!

[DeerHunter]

Thinking of purchasing an S7 and wondering what the maintenance costs are and any known issues I should be aware of? Also, is there room to negotiate or should I expect to pay MSRP? Thanks!

Audi Care is about $800 or so and takes care of maintenance for four years (IIRC). There is a recall for a leaking fuel line but the new part will be installed before you take delivery, so it's not really an issue that will affect you. Fuel costs can either be reasonable, if you show restraint (yeah, sure) or outrageous, if you drive it like you stole it. You will also have a permanent smile affixed to your face, a la The Joker.

There's probably more wriggle room if you can find a 2013 still on a dealer lot. Otherwise, there are loyalty dollars (about $1,500) and you can get 6% off MSRP if you're a lifetime member of the Audi Club (http://www.audiclubna.org/). Good luck!

[VeryBadman]

Thinking of purchasing an S7 and wondering what the maintenance costs are and any known issues I should be aware of? Also, is there room to negotiate or should I expect to pay MSRP? Thanks!

+1 for getting Audi care to take care of maintenance for at least 50k miles. Only known issue is fuel line leak but that should be taken care before you drive out of the door but better make sure to confirm about that with dealer anyway. Like DeerHunter said, fuel cost is very reasonable for the power if you drive within speed limit or cruise on the freeway but well, we wouldn't buy this type of car to drive like that anyway so be prepared for it being thirsty but worth it IMO. S6/7 is one hell fun to drive yet still very comfortable like you should expect from a luxury mid-size sedan.

However, DON'T buy it at MSRP! There will always be room for negotiation. I would try to offer them invoice + $500 for the start of conversation. If you can find any dealer with 2013 one on lot which is basically the same as 2014, I'm sure that you can get 6% off MSRP easily. Just don't give in and play hard ball with them, they want to sell you a car so they will try to make you happy and buy it.

Good luck!

[Allen121]

Thanks guys! I don't care too much about fuel consumption. I drive an Aston Martin V8 Vantage now and that thing is a thirsty beast!

I'm also interested in bumping up the HP and read that the best way is to flash the ECU. Truth? Any other recommendations? I'm also planning to replace the grille with the RS7 version, which I've read is doable.

[monoseanism]

If you have an Aston Martin, why not just spend a tad more and get an RS7?

[Allen121]

Because I'd get my balls cut off (by my wife) if I spend another $100K+ on a car. lol This is going to be my new daily driver.

[sciblades]

Because I'd get my balls cut off (by my wife) if I spend another $100K+ on a car. lol This is going to be my new daily driver.

the honesty!!, I understand plus you can make a s7 go plenty fast if that is what you are after.

[Allen121]

I have to pick my battles. As long as I don't spend $100K+ and mod it incrementally, I'm good to go.

[monoseanism]

I have to pick my battles. As long as I don't spend $100K+ and mod it incrementally, I'm good to go.

I know your pain well. My wife is making me sell my R8 :(

[Allen121]

I know your pain well. My wife is making me sell my R8 :(

That's a beautiful car! I almost bought an R8 before choosing an AM. I have a feeling my wife make me do the same for my AM in the near future.

[LINDW4LL]

Thanks guys!

I'm also interested in bumping up the HP and read that the best way is to flash the ECU. Truth? Any other recommendations? I'm also planning to replace the grille with the RS7 version, which I've read is doable.

Yes, that is the best way. Flashing the ECU takes you from around 400whp to 480whp. For comparison I think the 4.3 Vantages usually put down around 310whp.

[Allen121]

Yes, that is the best way. Flashing the ECU takes you from around 400whp to 480whp. For comparison I think the 4.3 Vantages usually put down around 310whp.

Yep, the 4.3 Vantage are roughly 300-310 RWHP.

[DOCEVG]

My wife is making me sell my R8 :(

She is not. You just want an avant, and you know it!

[monoseanism]

She is not. You just want an avant, and you know it!

OMG i loath Avants. Unless we are talking the new RS6, then i love them.