Need help with decision A6 or A8?
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Need help with decision A6 or A8?
I am in the market for a C7 Auto. Although I would love to own an M7, my wife would also need to drive it and she does not drive stick. I have owned C5 / C6 and only had replaced a transmission on the C5 after 210k miles, never on the C6. Both cars hardly ever in the shop for repairs. This C7 will be a daily driver for me and plan on putting over 100k miles on it like my past vettes.
After countless research on the C7 A8. I cant help notice the displeasure of them. Either complaints of jerkiness or going into the shop for tranny related issues. I dont remember so much so with the A6's.
The C7 will not be tracked, nor will there be use of the paddle shift. I am also not looking for the Z51 features. It will be used but not abused. For someone that will use the heck out of it, which model should fit my needs? 2014 A6 with less than 5k miles or a New C7 A8? Am I worrying too much?
Appreciate the advice.
Joe.
After countless research on the C7 A8. I cant help notice the displeasure of them. Either complaints of jerkiness or going into the shop for tranny related issues. I dont remember so much so with the A6's.
The C7 will not be tracked, nor will there be use of the paddle shift. I am also not looking for the Z51 features. It will be used but not abused. For someone that will use the heck out of it, which model should fit my needs? 2014 A6 with less than 5k miles or a New C7 A8? Am I worrying too much?
Appreciate the advice.
Joe.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: NJ
all valid points and questions. A6 is tried and true. A8 is the latest and greatest.
for me, no way i could not have the A8 after driving so many of them and owning plenty of A6's in all forms SUV, Pickups, C6 G8 etc. Even my Sierra and Jeep have the A8..
you're worrying too much just get the A8 no regrets. the A6 will leave you wanting after enjoying an A8 at some point. that's my opinion.
for me, no way i could not have the A8 after driving so many of them and owning plenty of A6's in all forms SUV, Pickups, C6 G8 etc. Even my Sierra and Jeep have the A8..
you're worrying too much just get the A8 no regrets. the A6 will leave you wanting after enjoying an A8 at some point. that's my opinion.
Last edited by 24/Eray; Dec 6, 2016 at 08:53 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: St. Petersburg FL
I have a low mileage '14 3LT vert with an A6 and LOVE it! Before my purchase, I drove a '16 A8 for several days and found no reason to prefer it to the A6. Several thoughts...
1. A search on this forum will support the notion that 2014's are extremely reliable. Mine certainly is.
2. A 2014 A6 actually comes with a slightly lower rear gear ratio than a non-Z51 A8 (if memory serves, it's about a 2.56 vs 2.41:1). That, along with fewer gears requiring fewer shifts should translate into slightly quicker acceleration... if that's your thing.
3. Peace of mind. The A6 is tried and true and basically bullet proof. Additionally, as **** as I am, I'd drive myself crazy anticipating any small anomaly driving an A8 C7.
I'd again choose an A6 2014 C7 over an A8 C7.
Just my $ .02.
1. A search on this forum will support the notion that 2014's are extremely reliable. Mine certainly is.
2. A 2014 A6 actually comes with a slightly lower rear gear ratio than a non-Z51 A8 (if memory serves, it's about a 2.56 vs 2.41:1). That, along with fewer gears requiring fewer shifts should translate into slightly quicker acceleration... if that's your thing.
3. Peace of mind. The A6 is tried and true and basically bullet proof. Additionally, as **** as I am, I'd drive myself crazy anticipating any small anomaly driving an A8 C7.
I'd again choose an A6 2014 C7 over an A8 C7.
Just my $ .02.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,793
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From: God's Country The Old Dominion
Re: A6 vs A8
I'm with you and considering the same options. I was ready to grab the A8 until I researched the issues. I'm sure it's skewed because we generally hear complants over praise but I know (with my luck) I would be the guy having problems. It would be very disappointing to see my C7 being disassembled.
I am searching for a low mileage A6 outfitted just as you describe. Good luck with your search.
I am searching for a low mileage A6 outfitted just as you describe. Good luck with your search.
Safety Car
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From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
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St. Jude Donor '12
Let me start by saying I have NO personal experience with an A8 trans. My C7 has the A6 and I can tell you that it is flawless and I never have to worry about any of the A8 problems.
My fuel mileage is great, shifts are crisp. No overheating, no shuddering, no slipping, no issues.
Percentage wise I'm sure the A8 problems are low but there sure seems like a lot of issues. It would kill me to buy a new corvette with the A8 and have all or any of the problems listed on the forum. More gears seems to translate into more problems and more money.
My fuel mileage is great, shifts are crisp. No overheating, no shuddering, no slipping, no issues.
Percentage wise I'm sure the A8 problems are low but there sure seems like a lot of issues. It would kill me to buy a new corvette with the A8 and have all or any of the problems listed on the forum. More gears seems to translate into more problems and more money.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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From: Guelph, Ontario
If the decision was between a 2014 and a 2015 I would say to go for the 2014 for the more reliable A6 and you wouldn't want to have a 2015 with the A8 that was reaching the end of it's warranty. But if there is the option here to buy a new one with a full warranty then you have that to protect you should you have any problems with the A8.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Walhalla South Carolina
I am picking up a new A8 Grand Sport today and am concerned with the A8 as well. My question is who in the world needs 8 gears and now they are talking A10. I don't get it. I sure hope my new GS A8 gives good service. GM just bought back my 2016 stingray for a different reason than the A8 so I don't want that aggravation again.
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
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You don't get it ? It's called EPA compliance. I'd tolerate the A10 vs a gas guzzler tax. Paid that on the Z06 and the CTS-V. The gov will just waste it on frivolous crap.
Race Director
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
OP, no matter what you buy, if it's used, get the warranty service record before you put any money down or reach agreement. The warranty record will tell you how the tranny has performed on the C7. If the car is not sold by a GM dealer, you may have to pay a few dollars for the print out using the VIN number, but well worth it.
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Thank you gentlemen for all the advice and comments. No doubt I will get the extended warranty and money is not the driving factor. I can pull the trigger on an extremely low mileage 2014 in the 50's or I can finance 15k'ish for a new C7. My concern is "in the shop" time which I want to cut down to a bare bare minimum, even if its under warranty.
Joe
Joe
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Bergen county NJ
Joe your expectations of shop time for the A8 in my opinion is unwarranted. If you want the lowest purchase price I believe a 2014 c7 a6 would be your best bet.
Fwiw I think your price targets are high..shop around and I'm a huge fan of the gmepp warranty usually purchased in the 29th month of operation of the vehicle by one of the forum venders. Their pricing is usually the best.
Have fun and good luck deciding...
Make sure you get the color and options you desire.
Years back I bought an automatic c5 as I wanted my wife to drive the car on occasion...she literally never did. She liked her trucks back in those days and was always concerned sh would ding the corvette etc...so my next few corvettes have had manual transmissions...
With the new A8 transmission technology...I am buying an A8 on my next corvette instead of a manual as...it's that good from a driving perspective in my opinion.
..
Fwiw I think your price targets are high..shop around and I'm a huge fan of the gmepp warranty usually purchased in the 29th month of operation of the vehicle by one of the forum venders. Their pricing is usually the best.
Have fun and good luck deciding...
Make sure you get the color and options you desire.
Years back I bought an automatic c5 as I wanted my wife to drive the car on occasion...she literally never did. She liked her trucks back in those days and was always concerned sh would ding the corvette etc...so my next few corvettes have had manual transmissions...
With the new A8 transmission technology...I am buying an A8 on my next corvette instead of a manual as...it's that good from a driving perspective in my opinion.
..
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
I have a 14 a6 and it is a very good unit. I purchased a 16 Camaro RS w/ a8 for my wife and find it to be a good unit also. I do not know what the design differences are between the a8 in a Camaro and the Corvette unit due to placement in the driveline, but either are very good transmissions, with quick positive shifts. Just my .02 worth.
Good Luck with your choice.
Good Luck with your choice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Georgetown TX
Thank you gentlemen for all the advice and comments. No doubt I will get the extended warranty and money is not the driving factor. I can pull the trigger on an extremely low mileage 2014 in the 50's or I can finance 15k'ish for a new C7. My concern is "in the shop" time which I want to cut down to a bare bare minimum, even if its under warranty.
Joe
Joe
I own a 2016 Escalade that jerks along at low speeds always hunting for the right gear (just like every other 8 speed auto I have driven). I have not driven another A8 yet that I would own.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Bainbridge Island WA
I'm very happy with the A8, closing in on 20K miles now. I drove Acuras before, which are well-known for smooth transmissions. This is its equal in every respect. Note: I'm very easy on it. But I can't help but point out the earlier model will have depreciated significantly so you will get a much better deal having let the previous owner take the hit. Unless the Android Auto thing is very important to you then you might consider the earlier model.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
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From: Windermere FL
I faced the exact same delema. But when I bought my A8, the A8 problems were not well known or documented, as they had not been out very long.
At the time, the 2014's were not much less than the new 2015's - so I made the choice of getting an A8 2015. The tranny was replaced with 100 miles on the clock. This was my first brand new Vette, and the disappointment was extreme to say the least.
GM did replace the tranny and I have not yet again experienced all the issues many others here have - which is great. But I bought an extended warrenty as I am not sure the A8 will hold.
That being said, I had a C6 with the A6 and it was bullet proof. I miss not having to worry about the tranny every time there is any little hiccup. Other than that, the C7 is an outstanding car.
You have the advantage of knowing exactly what you are getting into with the A8, plus the costs of the '14, with only 5k miles on it, are much less now too - a great value!
Good luck with your decision, which ever way you decide on going.
At the time, the 2014's were not much less than the new 2015's - so I made the choice of getting an A8 2015. The tranny was replaced with 100 miles on the clock. This was my first brand new Vette, and the disappointment was extreme to say the least.
GM did replace the tranny and I have not yet again experienced all the issues many others here have - which is great. But I bought an extended warrenty as I am not sure the A8 will hold.
That being said, I had a C6 with the A6 and it was bullet proof. I miss not having to worry about the tranny every time there is any little hiccup. Other than that, the C7 is an outstanding car.
You have the advantage of knowing exactly what you are getting into with the A8, plus the costs of the '14, with only 5k miles on it, are much less now too - a great value!
Good luck with your decision, which ever way you decide on going.
Last edited by Flame Red; Dec 7, 2016 at 11:45 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Walhalla South Carolina
I get the EPA , SO the A8 eliminates the guzzler tax, Z has A8 and is still taxed as a guzzler, may have as much to do with the 650 HP. When and if the A10 hits the market, no guzzler, correct. In any case my beef is GM didn't do the necessary R/D on the A8 before they sold the cars. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I am done.
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
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I get the EPA , SO the A8 eliminates the guzzler tax, Z has A8 and is still taxed as a guzzler, may have as much to do with the 650 HP. When and if the A10 hits the market, no guzzler, correct. In any case my beef is GM didn't do the necessary R/D on the A8 before they sold the cars. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I am done.