How concerned should I be about the A8?
#1
How concerned should I be about the A8?
First of all, I cannot believe my last log in was March 2011. Wow. Just wow. Time is flying. Anyway, I知 back and considering picking up a slightly used 2018 Z06 or GS. Actually leaning toward the GS. I prefer auto but I知 seriously concerned about all I have read about so many having majors trans issues Exactly how prevelant is the issue and how can I know if buying from a dealer if it痴 not CPO?? Should i stay away or it痴 not as bad as it seems. Thanks..
Popular Reply
01-15-2019, 05:38 PM
Safety Car
You can probably buy new for very little more than used. Then you wouldn't need to be concerned about problems or abuse of the used vehicle. If you can handle the M7 I would go in that direction. The A8 has had some problems. But if you must have the A8 that would be fine. Forums have a way of exaggerating any problems.
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#3
Extremely.........
#4
Safety Car
You can probably buy new for very little more than used. Then you wouldn't need to be concerned about problems or abuse of the used vehicle. If you can handle the M7 I would go in that direction. The A8 has had some problems. But if you must have the A8 that would be fine. Forums have a way of exaggerating any problems.
#5
Race Director
...considering picking up a slightly used 2018 Z06 or GS. Actually leaning toward the GS. I prefer auto but I知 seriously concerned about all I have read about so many having majors trans issues Exactly how prevelant is the issue and how can I know if buying from a dealer if it痴 not CPO?? Should i stay away or it痴 not as bad as it seems. Thanks..
#6
Melting Slicks
#8
Le Mans Master
Unless progress goes backward, the c8 will blow away the c7. Sadly it may not offer a manual trans.
#10
Melting Slicks
Sorry to say there's been plenty of threads about the on going problems with the auto 8. I'm sure you can find a lot of them by using the search button. But like Oneslackr said there's also so many owners with the auto that don't have any problems at all. It's only the problematic ones they always post about. In my opinion it's a roll of the dice. I'd be a little leery if it was me. Sorry I didn't have that dilemma because I got the 7 speed Manual[ which ] is what I wanted anyways Good luck with your decision, worst case scenario you have a warranty, but who wants to deal with all that Also I forgot to add I don't know how true it is , but I hear the auto 8 in the earlier yrs 18 and 19 have less or no problems. Hopefully someone with a 18 -19 could chime in with more specifics
Last edited by mdolandese; 01-15-2019 at 09:58 PM.
#11
Drifting
If you search you will find driveability issues with M7. It's not perfect. No issues with my A8. Makes for a much quicker LT1 powered car. More gear choices and seamless acceleration.
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Rayland (01-16-2019)
#12
Exactly. .....
#13
Le Mans Master
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You essentially have to shovel the bull crap out of the way as you get answers to your questions. There have been very very few issues with the manual compared to the Automatic 8. Not zero issues with the manual, but very few. If you can do it and enjoy a manual buy it. The manual is a tried and true transmission on the Corvette. This new A8? Not so much, but it is probably around 5 percent or so have A8 issues. I'm just guessing at that number, but from what I have been reading that would probably be the worst case percentage. GM made a huge mistake and won't take ownership. It's a big elephant in their living room. Of all things in this day and age and they can't get the main part of the car figured out. Evidently their idea of reliability is as long as most are working well that's good enough. I have 88,000 miles on my A8 with no issues, but consider myself very fortunate.
#14
Race Director
You essentially have to shovel the bull crap out of the way as you get answers to your questions. There have been very very few issues with the manual compared to the Automatic 8. Not zero issues with the manual, but very few. If you can do it and enjoy a manual buy it. The manual is a tried and true transmission on the Corvette. This new A8? Not so much, but it is probably around 5 percent or so have A8 issues. I'm just guessing at that number, but from what I have been reading that would probably be the worst case percentage. GM made a huge mistake and won't take ownership. It's a big elephant in their living room. Of all things in this day and age and they can't get the main part of the car figured out. Evidently their idea of reliability is as long as most are working well that's good enough. I have 88,000 miles on my A8 with no issues, but consider myself very fortunate.
OP, as you, I was on the fence as whether to go M7 or A8 when purchasing my GS as I've most always had manuals. However decision was made for me as I was very specific as to what color combo and features I wanted for my GS convertible and couldn't fine them in a M7. You will fine dealers don't typically stock manuals as they sit on their lots far too long.
I've had zero issues with my A8 and am glad I went with it. If all-out performance is important to you then you may want to go with the A8.
Failure rate seems to be in the 3%>5% range being much less in the later models.
Good luck in your decision.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 01-16-2019 at 05:52 AM.
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#16
Team Owner
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#17
Team Owner
The A8 definitely has problems, why buy something you are always going to worry about. Every time it hard shifts or shudders you are going to think oh no is my A8 biting the dust. Get the M7 and enjoy your Vette to the fullest.
#18
Premium Supporting Vendor
First of all, I cannot believe my last log in was March 2011. Wow. Just wow. Time is flying. Anyway, I知 back and considering picking up a slightly used 2018 Z06 or GS. Actually leaning toward the GS. I prefer auto but I知 seriously concerned about all I have read about so many having majors trans issues Exactly how prevelant is the issue and how can I know if buying from a dealer if it痴 not CPO?? Should i stay away or it痴 not as bad as it seems. Thanks..
My .02
#19
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
IMHO, the A8 problem is real, but the number of cars affected is exaggerated on the forums. If you buy new, you have a three year B2B warranty that can be extended for around $1500 with a forum dealer that discounts GM warranties. Of all the guys I know with an A8, none have had a hint of a problem. And for those that do have a problem, flushing and replacing the fluid works in many cases. When I was researching this issue, I found a few used cars that had transmission issues, much less than 5%. Of those, all but one were resolved by flushing with the newer fluid.
I know those that have had the problem can be exasperated with waiting for corrective action.
I know those that have had the problem can be exasperated with waiting for corrective action.
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#20
Le Mans Master
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