Who's moved from a B7 to a B8?

[fbox]

I’m curious how many of you have contemplated (or even completed) a move from your B7 avant to a B8 avant.

I currently own a 2006 that’s nearly fully loaded. I’ve had her for just over three years, originally purchased as a CPO with 34K on the clock. She’s nearing 74K now and running like a champ. I worked through some gremlins under warranty, completed a handful of minor mods (chip, sway, etc.), and she’s otherwise been as reliable as any Audi could be expected.

There are a couple of small aesthetic issues. A subtle door ding. A fixed-but-still-visible windshield chip. A scratch on the read loading deck. A weird dent on the back of the driver’s seat that was present when I bought her. Very minor stuff that’s more than acceptable given her age.

As she sits, she’s easily one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. (For the record, my third Audi with the other two having been S4s.)

But then there’s the allure of something new. A B8. More modern shape, better nav and audio, nicer transmission (my B7 is an AT), etc. I imagine reliability gets better with the B8, but, as mentioned, my B7 has been pretty solid. Perhaps I’m wondering if she’ll continue to be as the mileage climbs?

I’ve been watching local prices for a couple of months now and the B8 (an ’09 or a ’10, most likely) is just within my financial reach.

Have any of you made this jump? If so, any regrets?

If you haven’t made the jump (for anything other than financial reasons), why not?

[howardfootball]

I haven't made the switch my self, but my uncle recently switched from a B7 to a B8 and I have to say It is much nicer than the B7 was. It's more refined and IMO looks better inside and out. He went from an B7 RS4 to a B8 S4 though.

[SilverThing]

have seriously considered this myself over the past few months and have driven several B8 avants to check 'em out - very nice and a real upgrade over the B7 A4 imo - feels more solid, better handling and w/ the 8-sp auto tranny ( starting in '11), it really gets off the line quite nicely (much better than the 6-sp tip in the B7). If I can't find the right B7 S4 avant by next spring ('s what I really want next), then I will make the move to a B8 Avant. Sport pkg and ADS are must haves, tho - ADS tightens everything up (steering, suspension, etc.) and makes all the difference in how the car handles. Chip it, put on a nice exhaust and it would make a very nice ride.

[ginch]

It's more refined and IMO looks better inside and out. He went from an B7 RS4 to a B8 S4 though.

Wow!!! I would so have to disagree with you there. Oh well. Everyone has their opinions I guess. The reason I would never go to the B8 Avant is because it isn't available in S4 trim and they are auto only! No thanks!!!

[naiku]

Contemplated it as well for when the time comes to trade in my B7. I have driven 3 different B8 sedans (loaners) and they are overall a much nicer place to be. My only real complaint is the seats being really flat, and the 4 spoke steering wheel (both I assume easily rectified). The B8 Avant, especially in higher trim levels, is a great looking car.

If it were not for the fact that my next car will likely be something more along the lines of a sports car (we now have an SUV for family duty) then I would seriously consider a B8 Avant.

[d.p]

I did. Went from a B6 S4 avant > B7 S4 avant > B8 A4 avant now.

The only regret is the auto but at this point I can deal with it. I wouldn't have wanted a manual A4 anyway.

The trim, appearance and room more than make up for it.

[fbox]

I did. Went from a B6 S4 avant > B7 S4 avant > B8 A4 avant now.

Wow, you made quite a series of jumps here! Congrats on a beautiful B8. Love the Titanium.

I've spent the last couple of weeks driving different cars. Now I'm torn.

I'm not a fan of the 6spd (AT) B8, so '09 and '10s are out. I do like the 8spd '11+, but the whole car feels kinda soft compared to my B7. Almost too lounge-y. Seats feel flat, suspension feels soft, and the overall dimensions feel a tad big. Like C6 big. However, the interior is clearly a step up from the B7. Nicer dash and I love the newer MMI setup.

Unexpectedly, I found myself behind the wheel of a B7 S4 avant, too. Oh my. Having owned a B6 S4, I'd forgotten how the V8 feels. And sounds! Sigh. My brain says No, but my heart sings Yes! Would I really spend that kind of cash on a five year old car?

And then I find myself back in my B7, for now. It's awesome. Love it, even. But I yearn for something new. We'll see.

Thanks to all for the helpful posts above.

[Axel-]

Never will. No B8 S4 Avants available on this side of the pond.

[phatAvant]

I went from B6 Avant to e46 M3 to B8 Avant as needed an Avant again and a TDI. No B7 but B6's are so alike, it half counts.

I love the new look, interior room is a lot better (it really is quite a lot bigger), and I think it feels less soft if you go for a nice sports/S-line model, I wouldnt have gone for one without the S-line stuff personally.

[fatbrembos]

Wow!!! I would so have to disagree with you there. Oh well. Everyone has their opinions I guess. The reason I would never go to the B8 Avant is because it isn't available in S4 trim and they are auto only! No thanks!!!

i have to agree,

the auto part is literally a killer, as well as the fact that honest and again in my own opinion every time im in a b8 i feel as if the interior is a bit cheap, not as well put together as the b7. The fact that you cant get a s4 avant is probably the dumbest thing ive ever seen. All in all i love my b7, and love my v8 even though it kills my wallet. Would i love a b8? Yes. Would i get one knowing i will have to be auto? NO, if i were to buy an avant would it have to be stupidly packaged out so i could feel a bit better about buying it? yes

I think its a beautiful car all around, the exterior is beautiful and those lights are amazing, but aside from that it doesnt really do it for me

in my opinion its just not worth the 40k + price tag. Rather just buy another b7 s4 avant 6mt thats stupidly clean.

Again thats my opinion, no one has to agree with what i think but just wanted to share my point of view

[KneeDragger]

i have to agree,

the auto part is literally a killer, as well as the fact that honest and again in my own opinion every time im in a b8 i feel as if the interior is a bit cheap, not as well put together as the b7. The fact that you cant get a s4 avant is probably the dumbest thing ive ever seen. All in all i love my b7, and love my v8 even though it kills my wallet. Would i love a b8? Yes. Would i get one knowing i will have to be auto? NO, if i were to buy an avant would it have to be stupidly packaged out so i could feel a bit better about buying it? yes

I think its a beautiful car all around, the exterior is beautiful and those lights are amazing, but aside from that it doesnt really do it for me

in my opinion its just not worth the 40k + price tag. Rather just buy another b7 s4 avant 6mt thats stupidly clean.

Again thats my opinion, no one has to agree with what i think but just wanted to share my point of view

well said in my book

[sickspeed]

i went from a B6 avant to a B7 avant, both in manual, to a B8 avant in auto. i still miss my B7 bc i had it perfect, wheels, suspension, giac, sways etc and it was just great. unlike most though, one of the reasons i made the change was to get the auto so my wife could drive it if need be. there were certainly other reasons though too like an improved engine and tranny and a little bigger in size. then when i came across a fully loaded s-line B8 avant, i basically couldnt resist. in my experience, if you can get your hands on second hand fully loaded cars and then tweak them to your liking, youve got quite a combo on your hands, in a month or so, my B8 avant will be lowered on 20" wheels, stage 2 (310+tq) and still get 34 mpg. thats in a comfortable, awd, auto, wagon! ive always gotten a lot of compliments on my avants and i think the B7 is still a great platform but if there are certain things you might like in a B8, it too is a great package. it probably comes down more to needs and finances than anything else though. that is, if it aint broke (and its a B7) theres probably no real need to fix it (by getting a B8). the B8 is just the next iteration of an already great package; a little bigger, little more refined, etc.