A6 vs A8
Roadster Madness. 😠
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Ventura Co Ca
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St. Jude Donor '13, '20-'21
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Joined: May 1999
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From: Windermere FL
I will post a bit of a different take.
Before I got the C7 with the A8, I had a C6 with the A6 and that tranny was rock solid. I never heard of many issues with the A6, and never gave the A6 a second thought. I thought, wrongly, that GM's A8 would also be rock solid. Not so much!
I waited for the 2015 model just for the A8. Boy, did I regret that. The A8 I got had problems right out of the box and GM fixed it on the very last day before I could lemon it. It was my first brand new vette, and I was this close to sending it back to GM. I was really bummed out.
And the Stealership had both a manual and an A8 when I was shopping exactly the same except for the tranny. Boy, did I regret not getting the manual!
Yes, if the A8;s torque converter is not too far gone, indeed the new fluid coupled with a Range device will fix it. However, if the torque converter is too far gone, even the new fluid will not help with the shutter. So shop carefully if you go for the A8!
I would not be a bit concerned with a 2014.
Before I got the C7 with the A8, I had a C6 with the A6 and that tranny was rock solid. I never heard of many issues with the A6, and never gave the A6 a second thought. I thought, wrongly, that GM's A8 would also be rock solid. Not so much!
I waited for the 2015 model just for the A8. Boy, did I regret that. The A8 I got had problems right out of the box and GM fixed it on the very last day before I could lemon it. It was my first brand new vette, and I was this close to sending it back to GM. I was really bummed out.
And the Stealership had both a manual and an A8 when I was shopping exactly the same except for the tranny. Boy, did I regret not getting the manual!
Yes, if the A8;s torque converter is not too far gone, indeed the new fluid coupled with a Range device will fix it. However, if the torque converter is too far gone, even the new fluid will not help with the shutter. So shop carefully if you go for the A8!
I would not be a bit concerned with a 2014.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
I will post a bit of a different take.
Before I got the C7 with the A8, I had a C6 with the A6 and that tranny was rock solid. I never heard of many issues with the A6, and never gave the A6 a second thought. I thought, wrongly, that GM's A8 would also be rock solid. Not so much!
I waited for the 2015 model just for the A8. Boy, did I regret that. The A8 I got had problems right out of the box and GM fixed it on the very last day before I could lemon it. It was my first brand new vette, and I was this close to sending it back to GM. I was really bummed out.
And the Stealership had both a manual and an A8 when I was shopping exactly the same except for the tranny. Boy, did I regret not getting the manual!
Yes, if the A8;s torque converter is not too far gone, indeed the new fluid coupled with a Range device will fix it. However, if the torque converter is too far gone, even the new fluid will not help with the shutter. So shop carefully if you go for the A8!
I would not be a bit concerned with a 2014.
Before I got the C7 with the A8, I had a C6 with the A6 and that tranny was rock solid. I never heard of many issues with the A6, and never gave the A6 a second thought. I thought, wrongly, that GM's A8 would also be rock solid. Not so much!
I waited for the 2015 model just for the A8. Boy, did I regret that. The A8 I got had problems right out of the box and GM fixed it on the very last day before I could lemon it. It was my first brand new vette, and I was this close to sending it back to GM. I was really bummed out.
And the Stealership had both a manual and an A8 when I was shopping exactly the same except for the tranny. Boy, did I regret not getting the manual!
Yes, if the A8;s torque converter is not too far gone, indeed the new fluid coupled with a Range device will fix it. However, if the torque converter is too far gone, even the new fluid will not help with the shutter. So shop carefully if you go for the A8!
I would not be a bit concerned with a 2014.
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I would purchase the car that checks out best for you. The A6 has not had the problems exhibited by the A8, but with the triple flush the A8 seems to work fine. There are plenty of happy A6 and A8 owners.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
That's exactly what I am about to do. I was shopping for a manual just because of the A8 issues and the much lower gear ratios, then I was open to an Auto 2014 for the A6 because it was tried and true.
The current target in my search is a 2014 auto A6 and if everything else checks out, I am buying it Friday.
The current target in my search is a 2014 auto A6 and if everything else checks out, I am buying it Friday.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Plymouth Massachusetts
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My A6 was Great and so is my A8
Also my 3LT was Great and so is my 3LZ interior Pick the car that fits your budget and condition. Good Luck
Also my 3LT was Great and so is my 3LZ interior Pick the car that fits your budget and condition. Good Luck
CF Community Team
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From: Pittsburgh
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The A6 is rock solid, the A8 with the proper flush will be reliable also
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,381
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From: Central Fl. Leesburg
I recently had to have the triple flush on my 2014 A6 due to shudder, so there. There's a thread about the A6 shudder.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tion-info.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tion-info.html
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 425
Likes: 272
From: Cape Coral,FL
If you really want a worry free A8 buy one that was built Feb 2019 or later. That's when GM started the correct fluid at factory level. Also throw in a range device the v4 mode beats up the tq convertor which is trying to compensate for the vibration, also the issue with the valves failing. I have a 2019 GS built April 2019 range device put in on day one. I have about 9000 miles on her with no trans issues what so ever. The fluid is the bigger issue v4 seems to be hit or miss some guys have a ton of mileage and no issues. The fluid on the other hand is an issue for almost all I believe.
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There are no worry-free A8's, despite what GM will tell you. Buy the 2014.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 425
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From: Cape Coral,FL
That's completely inaccurate many have had zero issues with the A8. Not saying it's perfect but there is nothing wrong with an A8 with the right fluid. Now GM screwed the pooch with the fluid not being changed until 2019. That's why there have been so many issues for so long. It also has a smaller tq convertor for space so the convertor has issues with v4 mode. However it has more to do with the fluid. I'm so tired of everyone bashing the A8. Other than the above issues which are fluid and v4 mode tell me how have the A8 failed. I haven't heard anyone complain their trans grenaded. It's always the shutter issue combined with the v4 is tough on the tq convertor. Take away the bad fluid and v4 the trans is fine.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
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From: Lagrange KY
It’s just my opinion, but it seems to me that only ones I hear bashing the A8 are the ones who have had problems with it. And based on all the comments, it is a pretty sizable number. My guess is that if you experienced the same issues, you might be a bit disappointed as well. Especially after having shelled out $50 or $60+ k for your dream car. I know that nothing man made is always perfect, but in this case I think the designers have clearly failed. And I also think GM needs to step up to the plate, acknowledge the problems and extend the warranty on the drive train for a much longer period than the current 5yr/60k miles. At a minimum of 10yr/100k miles. And perform the triple flush (if needed) free of charge with no questions asked. The run around SOME of the dealerships are pulling on C7 A8 owners for that service is inexcusable. Again, just my opinions. YMMV
Racer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 425
Likes: 272
From: Cape Coral,FL
It’s just my opinion, but it seems to me that only ones I hear bashing the A8 are the ones who have had problems with it. And based on all the comments, it is a pretty sizable number. My guess is that if you experienced the same issues, you might be a bit disappointed as well. Especially after having shelled out $50 or $60+ k for your dream car. I know that nothing man made is always perfect, but in this case I think the designers have clearly failed. And I also think GM needs to step up to the plate, acknowledge the problems and extend the warranty on the drive train for a much longer period than the current 5yr/60k miles. At a minimum of 10yr/100k miles. And perform the triple flush (if needed) free of charge with no questions asked. The run around SOME of the dealerships are pulling on C7 A8 owners for that service is inexcusable. Again, just my opinions. YMMV
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,432
Likes: 3,285
From: Hartford WI
That's completely inaccurate many have had zero issues with the A8. Not saying it's perfect but there is nothing wrong with an A8 with the right fluid. Now GM screwed the pooch with the fluid not being changed until 2019. That's why there have been so many issues for so long. It also has a smaller tq convertor for space so the convertor has issues with v4 mode. However it has more to do with the fluid. I'm so tired of everyone bashing the A8. Other than the above issues which are fluid and v4 mode tell me how have the A8 failed. I haven't heard anyone complain their trans grenaded. It's always the shutter issue combined with the v4 is tough on the tq convertor. Take away the bad fluid and v4 the trans is fine.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 187
Likes: 33
From: GA/SC/NC
I have a 2015 with the A8. I like most things about it. Although, I have replaced the torque tube and torque converter both out of warranty. I also, have to do a trans relearn ever 5-6 months with HPT to keep the transmission shifting smooth and fast.