Jason S8

I have a '98 S8, with 50k miles on the clock - I need advice/comments on how many miles the car is likely to run to without any significant engine / suspension deterioration. Assume the following :

- serviced regularly by Audi main dealer
- not driven too hard (no track use, anyway)
- well cared for
- mileage about 15k per year.

Is 200k miles realistic? I need to know because I'm planning to install an Alpine in-car entertainment system (and Porsche bi-turbo brakes) and will only bother if the car will last me 10 years or so - I don't like the way the new A8 is likely to look when it comes out, so I have to hang onto my car as long as I can !!

April

water pump, alternator, starter, etc to have to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000. If you have the auto trans, do expect that to pack up at some point if going a long distance AND time.

Change fluids regularly - especially coolant and oil. Pay attention to rubber - seals, hoses, belts.

I have seen A8s with 200,000 miles on them at the dealership for servicing. They are otherwise young cars. The plastic, leather and rubber will fail until the cumulative effect is too much to keep up with. Stay ahead of the maintainence curve and you should be just fine. They are very well built cars.

My '87 Alfa has 226,000 mailes and requires constant tweaking ( and has since I purchased it 10 years ago ). New rubber, solenoids, starter, alternator, water pumps, etc. I do put it on the track once or twice a year.