Bklynjames

Hello,

I was told to post to the D2 forum from the D3 forum as more people here have a better understanding of the vehicle. But here goes

Hi All,

I need someone's opinion on a 2003 Audi S8 with 164k miles. We are looking to purchase the vehicle from a private buyer. The seller has receipts for all new upper and lower motor gaskets and for a new transmission. With the new motor work he has also replaced the timing chain and water pump with serpentine belt. The vehicle has been garage kept and has almost no signs of wear and tear. My question is how long would someone expect to get out of the vehicle with more than just the typical upkeep? He is asking 6k for the vehicle.

Thank you,

albundy3670

You will want to replace the transmission fluid and filter every 25,000 miles.
The motors are bulletproof if the timing belt is done.
audipages Home is a good link for info.
Also searching this forum is invaluable.
Personally I have driven an A8 as my daily driver for over a decade.
These cars require some attention although if you have the Ross Tech software it helps with the diagnosis.
I don't see any reason you can't get 5 years plus if the maintenance you described was done.
My car was over 250,000 miles before the transmission gave out.
BTW, I looked at a 2000 A8 yesterday with 63,000 advertised miles for 7k.
The instrument cluster was bad and the interior was pretty rough so it was a pass for me. Anyway there's my 2 cents. Good luck!

omarcarbomb

glad to know I'm not the only person changing my transmission fluid that often. 25-30K.
I paid $3500 for the transmission rebuild
comparatively money wise the cost of changing the fluid every 30K doesn't seem to bother me.

Also can't hurt to change twice close together when you get the car because some thing like 1/3 of the fluid is in the torque converter and doesn't get out.