mecop186

Hi all... I'm brand-spanking new to your group and I hope someone here
can give me some pointers(?).
I am negotiating the purchase of a 1997 A8 Quattro with 133,000 miles.
It has ALL the bells and whistles on it, including a phone that is
kinda creepy (dirty,etc.)
The dealer is asking $8,900
For a vehicle as nice as this, and with an original sticker of
$64,000, wassup with the depreciation??
Also, what do I need to look for in the way of replacing things?

Any and ALL input would be greatly accepted!
Thanks
Bob

tozoM8

<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html">http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html</a</li></ul>

ex-a8drifter

Should be less than that! closer to 7500.

mecop186

thanks!
I was going to go with 7000 cash and see what I could do... it need's a new antennae, the floor mats are gone, the radio does not work (a fuse?), the driverside headlight lens is broken, and the outisde mirrors have a film or something that makes them look cloudy. Oh, any way to recon the leather? The back seat leather is very dry.
Thanks again
Bob

ex-a8drifter

It might be a flood recovery if the radio is not working and the leather is dry or cracked. My car has every option working(except headrest, steering wheel warmer). I just clocked 161K in my car. The mirrors might be the auto dim film separating from the glass. You can either buy new ones or get the stick on repairs from Autozone. I know some forum members have sold their cars in great condition for around 7k.

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

I don't know how long you plan to keep your A8, but it's better to find a high mileage but extremely well kept and pay a little more than buy a beat up car with a lower price than normal. It costs a lot to fix anything in the A8. The perfect body and interior is a must. FYI,
I was interested in this car until he has no service or owner's records.<ul><li><a href="http://www.craigslist.org/nby/car/79377518.html">98 A8 12900 &amp; 75k</a></li></ul>

badgerbolt

With what you are buyinng you are due a rebuilt tranny at $4,000. Front ends on your car will be gone by now, that's another $2,500 for all the control arms. Plus your going to have various oil leaks, $1,500 should cover it if you get lucky and don't have a headgasket. I'd walk unless you can do all the work yourself or know a good Audi mechanic(non-dealership).

mecop186

Hi...
Thank you for the advice. I ran the VIN (WAUBG84D3VN001005) thru Carfax and it came back with 18 records found. After I save my pennies, I'll purchase the report (retired cop on a VERY sucky, limited disabilty retirement!)
Again, thanks for the advice.
Bob

aroadimake

Hi mecop186...don't know if anyone told you yet, but your car has apparently been in the hands of dealers for the last 18 months. If the car has yet to find a retail home, there is probably a reason. I ran a carfax (I'm a dealer myself) to get this info. The good news is that the car has had a pretty consistent service record based on the history reports. Even still, I would be seriously questioning why the car has not been privately titled in so long. Best of luck to you!

mecop186

Hi!
First, thank you!
Yup, the dealer has been using it... he drives it to the auctions because he says he likes the car...
I have seen the car on the lot for the past year, but I also see him in it ALL the time. Also, the price a YEAR ago was 12,900... why the HUGE drop in $$ do you think?
Thanks again,
Bob