Audi S7

[arize84]

People,

Just joined forum because I'm very close to pulling trigger on low mile 2016 Audi S7 with the B&O stereo (which I really wanted). Is an S7 worth upgrade over an A7? S7 is about a $14K up-charge over a a comparably equipped A7. Should I consider getting the cheaper A7 and tuning it (post warranty) for increased performance. General thoughts comments, welcome. Thanks.

[bhamcarnut]

If you haven’t done so, go drive both. It’s all about personal preference. I drove an A8, A7, and S7. Fell in love with the S7.


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[dee5330]

As an A7 owner. Get the S7! Tuning the A7 will leave you wanting more.

[Burnt]

Current A7 TDI driver here. I would drop 14k and my car instantly for a S7 right now. Kids want to race you all the time. Tune the S7 and you've got enough power for most cars on the road.

[16s3pang]

I recently went from an S3 to an RS7. (I know big jump). Always wanted an RS model and love the rS7. Timing was right in my life to make the jump, so I did.

Even with the RS7, I get the "kiddies" who want to race all the time. 99% of the time I just ignore but there are a few times that I surprise them and myself on how of a beast this car can be when needed.

Drove both and see what car appeals to you and then go for it.

[RAF_S7]

As a former A7 owner, I purchased the S7 after 3 months of A7 ownership.

If I could have afforded the RS7 at the time I would have purchased that!

My S7 is now APR Stage I

It’s adictive, and nothing you do to the 3.0T engine will ever make it sound like the 4.0TT

[SpectreGadget]

At the very least, make sure the A7 has the sport suspension. I really wanted a S7, but my budget wouldn't afford it. I have a stage 2 tube now and does wake it up a lot.

[arize84]

Guys, thanks for the quick response. I test drove an A7 but used S7s are hard to find at Atlanta area dealers; I will have to fly out of state to purchase the car. Coming from a Lexus LS460, I will say that I was underwhelmed by the luxuriousness of the A7. The S7, I'm contemplating comes with the quilted leather sport seats and alcantara finishes.

My heart has always leaned towards the S7 and your responses are reinforcing my instincts.

[Frenetic]

Ha, I dumped a brand-new LS460 to get an S7. Very, very, very happy I did.

[rabbitdog]

If you want to test the difference between Bose and B&O i recommend use Spotify and download an album with highest quality possible. Play it in A7/S7 with Bose and then with one that has B&O. Tune the bass/treb to how u usually would like it. Do the same in both cars. I found there was so much more base and clarity in the B&O. When I test drove it and just played FM radio it didn’t do the justice. Try hook it up via Bluetooth and then cable too to see difference.
If you can find a good CPO C7/C7.5 RS7 I think it would be more worth it than trying to spend on upgrades and tune.

[SpectreGadget]

I love my B&O. I probably need to replace a speaker tho...

[Kodachrome]

I'd say go for the S7.

In late 2011, my wife and I were buying our first Audi and were looking at 2012 A4's. We drove a couple of nice premium versions and then a sweeet little prestige and took it. The psychology here is that we could have saved $10K and got a middle of the lineup one but just LOVED the one we got and never regretted it.

Fast forward (pun intended) to this Fall and things looked vastly different for us in terms of ability to upgrade. I test drove an S6, A7, S7 and RS7. I thought I was in heaven with the S7 especially with the low milage and top shelf build, talked to my good friend at the dealer about how much more the RS7 is to maintain ( breaks ) and almost passed on driving it.

Then I took the RS7 for a spin, did launch control and said a loud "OMG, I am SO fucked, LOL!

The miles were still very low, the previous owner is a well known pro Audi / movie driver who has won numerous times in pro racing and took *insanely* good care of it, I could have eaten lunch off the engine.

Getting this car in this condition with the maintenance paid for at this price is kinda a once in a lifetime, so you have to go with your gut and that is what I am sharing here, go with your gut.

Go with your gut.

[arize84]

Again thanks for all the responses. Let me also tackle the question another way; what are the downsides of the S7 (especially with respect to reliability). I ask because the car I'm looking at is not a CPO though it has under 20K miles and has about 14 months left under the factory warranty.

[Frenetic]

I would buy the S7 and an extended warranty, either directly from Audi or a reputable third party. You can search the forums about the warranties and the prices are typically negotiable.

[arize84]

Are 3rd party warranty companies reliable?

[Dirt]

I had a loaded A6 loaner when I dropped off my S6 for service and fell in love with my car all over again. I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, but it sure left me wanting. A7 to S7 is going to be the same.

[Bdubs]

So many variables in the decision process. Depending on what type of car(s) you're coming from, and what you're hoping for in your next car...the decision could go either way. I purchased my 2016 S6 last spring after spending a couple of years in a 2013 BMW X5M that was Dinan stage 1. I wanted something still fast, but less aggressive/loud and with far better fuel economy. I tried to convince myself to like the A7 (need a rear bench so couldn't consider the S7 without biting off a seat swap) and the A6 in 3.0T prestige form, even drove a Nardo A6 with the sport seats/red stitching (can't remember the name for that setup) and although quick, the guttural "oomph" I was used to in the X5M just wasn't there, and at this stage in my life I get 1 car to do everything, and it has to hold 5 people. I probably looked at A7s and A6s for 5-6 months, debating if they would fit the bill for me, and considered tuning, etc. Then, one day on another trip to the local Audi dealer to check out a new A7 they had come in, I saw a lease return that hadn't even hit their lot yet - and ended up buying it.

Nothing really replaces the V8TT setup if you move down into the V6s. But, if you haven't been used to "more" on the road, the driving experience in an A7 or A6 is likely more than enough. I had fun driving all of the cars I tested, for me I just put having the V8TT above all else.

As for buying a car with 14 months left on warranty but no CPO - I did that with my X5M. Prior to it coming off warranty, I had a trusted BMW specialist shop do a full inspection and then took that report to BMW and had all issues, even little things, taken care of under warranty. I never bought an extended warranty, but did offload the M with about 45k miles on it as I could feel the tide of repair bills looming. Lots can go wrong with hoses, seals, etc. when you jam a high HP twin turbo V8 under the hood - lots of heat generated so things will just eventually fail over time.

Happy shopping...I actually think I enjoy that more than car ownership.

[Eugeinus]

Do it - you'll regret getting the A7 and will always be looking to upgrade. I had a 13' A6 for 2 years until I found a 16' S6. Looks wise it's not super different but the V8 grumble, and finally get the S is an awesome feeling. Looks on peoples faces when you walk them in a sleeper sedan is also hilarious. Enjoy it, you only live once!

[arize84]

You are right. I'm 39 and I suspect in another 10 years I might not care about driving a speed demon. So get that experience now, when it still means something to me.

[arize84]

I'd say go for the S7.

In late 2011, my wife and I were buying our first Audi and were looking at 2012 A4's. We drove a couple of nice premium versions and then a sweeet little prestige and took it. The psychology here is that we could have saved $10K and got a middle of the lineup one but just LOVED the one we got and never regretted it.

Fast forward (pun intended) to this Fall and things looked vastly different for us in terms of ability to upgrade. I test drove an S6, A7, S7 and RS7. I thought I was in heaven with the S7 especially with the low milage and top shelf build, talked to my good friend at the dealer about how much more the RS7 is to maintain ( breaks ) and almost passed on driving it.

Then I took the RS7 for a spin, did launch control and said a loud "OMG, I am SO fucked, LOL!

The miles were still very low, the previous owner is a well known pro Audi / movie driver who has won numerous times in pro racing and took *insanely* good care of it, I could have eaten lunch off the engine.

Getting this car in this condition with the maintenance paid for at this price is kinda a once in a lifetime, so you have to go with your gut and that is what I am sharing here, go with your gut.

Go with your gut.

Thanks for the detailed feedback

[Frenetic]

I heard good things about Fidelity Warranties here in this forum: http://www.fidelitywarrantyservices.com/

Factory Discount Warranty was also mentioned here in other threads: http://fd-warranty.com/ I'm not sure if they sell third-party warranties or just repackage Audi's Pure Protection. Might want to call them and ask.

USAA has a warranty and so does Geico, but they have purchase limitations I think.

And of course Audi's Pure Protection: https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...O-Brochure.pdf https://www.audiusa.com/myaudi/protection-plans

I would just call all of them and see who offers the best deal. Also, just make sure whatever car you buy isn't flagged TD1 (i.e., been tuned/modified and discovered by the dealer) as this will void warranties.

Are 3rd party warranty companies reliable?

[SPONGE]

If price isnt a concern the obvious choice is S7.

Do u need a fast car? What do u want out it?

I have a modified A6. I wish I bought an S6. But when I hear how much for Rotors and other maintenance items in comparison to the A6. I went with the A6. Plus, The 3.0T engine is reliable and you can increase power with some tunes and pulleys. My car with custom exhaust sounds weak in comparison to my boys S6 with
Custom exhaust.

[Roccorace]

I have had all three, 12 A7, 14 S7, and 17 RS7. The S7 I had was completely loaded an the RS I currently have is Bose. The B&O is amazing but even though I am picky about my music I still love the Bose.

I did upgrade my Bose sub with a JL and installed an Alpine amp. That change outweighs the difference in mids and highs of the B&O.

I had Milltek unresonated exhaust on my S and now on my RS. The S was the sound I liked the best. Unreal. Compliments every single time I drove it.

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[arize84]

A monkey wrench has been thrown into the works. My old lady woke up this morning really putting pressure on me to stretch for a 911 instead. I personally think an S7 looks better but I suspect I am in the minority with that view point. The S7 will cost 60K before tax, a used 4s will come in around 74K. The upside to the 911 is more reliability (I assume), holds value and more prestige; downside is no trunk space. The upside for the S is more practical space, better stereo (i'm picky) and I like Audi's air suspension. Anyone experienced both cars?

[digdah]

A monkey wrench has been thrown into the works. My old lady woke up this morning really putting pressure on me to stretch for a 911 instead. I personally think an S7 looks better but I suspect I am in the minority with that view point. The S7 will cost 60K before tax, a used 4s will come in around 74K. The upside to the 911 is more reliability (I assume), holds value and more prestige; downside is no trunk space. The upside for the S is more practical space, better stereo (i'm picky) and I like Audi's air suspension. Anyone experienced both cars?

Sorry I don't have any experience in either but sir, does your whe have an unmarried sister? Asking for a friend

My wife flat out was not entertaining any kind of Porsche cause we were pregnant at the time. Even though I wanted the Panamera it was not worth trying to prove a 4 door sedan existed with that badge. Man those hormonal changes were strong at that time.

[highPSI-S4]

A monkey wrench has been thrown into the works. My old lady woke up this morning really putting pressure on me to stretch for a 911 instead. I personally think an S7 looks better but I suspect I am in the minority with that view point. The S7 will cost 60K before tax, a used 4s will come in around 74K. The upside to the 911 is more reliability (I assume), holds value and more prestige; downside is no trunk space. The upside for the S is more practical space, better stereo (i'm picky) and I like Audi's air suspension. Anyone experienced both cars?

no experience on any newer Porsche's, But I did get my boy to trade in his 04 997 Porsche Carrera for the S7. He Wife wanted something more practical for winters and also something she could drive, that being said my boy wanted something that fit the wife's nees but was also fun to drive.

I let him drive my STG2 S6 and that was pretty much a done deal. He now owns 13' S7 and loves it!

[arize84]

Sorry I don't have any experience in either but sir, does your whe have an unmarried sister? Asking for a friend

My wife flat out was not entertaining any kind of Porsche cause we were pregnant at the time. Even though I wanted the Panamera it was not worth trying to prove a 4 door sedan existed with that badge. Man those hormonal changes were strong at that time.

Hehehe. Funny that you bring pregnancy up, my wife is due next Saturday. So we went to look at some 911s this afternoon. I'm 6'5, 300 pounds, with very wide shoulders, and just can't imagine myself being comfortable in that cabin and seat for an extended period. So back to the Audi dealer to test drive the A7 (no S7s around here). I liked how the A7 drives and definitely want more power than that. Outside of the carbon fiber does the S7 use better materials in the interior? I'm not impressed by the A7 leather seating.

[arize84]

I have had all three, 12 A7, 14 S7, and 17 RS7. The S7 I had was completely loaded an the RS I currently have is Bose. The B&O is amazing but even though I am picky about my music I still love the Bose.

I did upgrade my Bose sub with a JL and installed an Alpine amp. That change outweighs the difference in mids and highs of the B&O.

I had Milltek unresonated exhaust on my S and now on my RS. The S was the sound I liked the best. Unreal. Compliments every single time I drove it.

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How well do the interiors of the car age?

[Roccorace]

Typical driver's side lower bolster wear and tear and good everywhere else.

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[digdah]

Hehehe. Funny that you bring pregnancy up, my wife is due next Saturday. So we went to look at some 911s this afternoon. I'm 6'5, 300 pounds, with very wide shoulders, and just can't imagine myself being comfortable in that cabin and seat for an extended period. So back to the Audi dealer to test drive the A7 (no S7s around here). I liked how the A7 drives and definitely want more power than that. Outside of the carbon fiber does the S7 use better materials in the interior? I'm not impressed by the A7 leather seating.

Congrats on the new addition. Yeah getting in and out of a 911 would be a bit of a challenge.

So.......does she have any sisters?

[arize84]

Congrats on the new addition. Yeah getting in and out of a 911 would be a bit of a challenge.

So.......does she have any sisters?

She's taken

[rayray]

... So back to the Audi dealer to test drive the A7 (no S7s around here).

Which dealer are you going to??? Audi Atlanta(Peachtree/285) and Audi Marietta definitely has one on the lot... both white if I recall.

[audi til I die]

If this helps you any:

Before buying my S7: I never drove an S6, never drove S7. Never drove a 4.0tt


Bought a well spec'd C7.5 S7 from Miami, shipped it to Chicago. No regrets.

[arize84]

Which dealer are you going to??? Audi Atlanta(Peachtree/285) and Audi Marietta definitely has one on the lot... both white if I recall.

Nothing used. I'm flying down to Fort Lauderdale in the morning to pick up the one I had in mind.

- - - Updated - - -

Typical driver's side lower bolster wear and tear and good everywhere else.

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Thanks.

[3g_bishi]

Bro

The a7 isn’t even an a7 it’s like an a6.5 for real. Make sure you get at least the s7. You will thank your self later. Perform better. Drive better. Funner to have. Sexier. Also better investment you will get a bigger return.
So far no downsides really


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[arize84]

Finalizing paper work on the S7. Car looks beautiful in and out. I never thought myself as red car guy but this Misano red is crazy beautiful. Stock pipes surprisingly sound pretty good. Previous owner only put 10k miles in it and kept it very clean. Now have to figure out the most scenic route from south Florida to Atlanta.

[arize84]

After a couple of days. I'm really happy with my decision. Here are some things

-Intuitiveness of the MMI interface. Though fully loaded with options, the interface is easy to use and very intuitive
-The quality of the materials in the cabin is absolutely top notch and a much better feel than the A7 interior
-The car comes with the sport package which gives a very nice exhaust note and sport differential
-If the radio or phone is already on, it does not turn off when turn the engine already on, this is a pet peeve of mine in my lexus
-Acceleration is beautifully smooth

Minor quibbles:
- In car navigation still not as good as my cell phone
-I wish sport seat was a little wider
-Door soft close almost useless since the door has to almost fully closed for it to kick in. Lexus has a much better implementation
-I wish it had the Lexus hold feature

[3g_bishi]

After a couple of days. I'm really happy with my decision. Here are some things

-Intuitiveness of the MMI interface. Though fully loaded with options, the interface is easy to use and very intuitive
-The quality of the materials in the cabin is absolutely top notch and a much better feel than the A7 interior
-The car comes with the sport package which gives a very nice exhaust note and sport differential
-If the radio or phone is already on, it does not turn off when turn the engine already on, this is a pet peeve of mine in my lexus
-Acceleration is beautifully smooth

Minor quibbles:
- In car navigation still not as good as my cell phone
-I wish sport seat was a little wider
-Door soft close almost useless since the door has to almost fully closed for it to kick in. Lexus has a much better implementation
-I wish it had the Lexus hold feature

Happy for you. Elaborate on this “hold” feature.


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[arize84]

Happy for you. Elaborate on this “hold” feature.


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In lexus's, the car can automatically apply parking break when car comes to complete stop and automatically releases when the accelerator is depressed. It saves you from having to manually ride your brakes when in stop and go traffic.

[slobdogg]

In lexus's, the car can automatically apply parking break when car comes to complete stop and automatically releases when the accelerator is depressed. It saves you from having to manually ride your brakes when in stop and go traffic.

My '17 MDX had something similar, although you had to push a button for it to trigger and then it would apply in the same manner. I do miss that feature.

HOWEVER, if you have adaptive cruise then you can force yourself into this feature from a stop by turning on cruise. When you are stopped and turn on cruise you can then take your foot off the brake and the car will stay ?braked? ?broke? :).