borden

Hi guys. I came across a 02 a8 that is certified with warranty up to 100k (it has 42k right now) with clean title but some minor damage.

The car hit something hard on the right wheel and has front-end suspension damage.
This is what I was told so far but did not see the car (that will happen in few hours).

Car needs new front bumper cover (old one has a crack, not bad but needs to be replaced), (will 00 on bumper fit?? Or it has to be an 02?)
Needs repaired or replaced right fender (it is damaged toward the bottom near the door)--will 00 on fit or it needs an 02?)
both front bags. --are they the same as 97 on A8 or are they 02 specific??

And some suspension components. (what ever that means. Getting it up on the lift in few hours. (will 99 suspension components work on a 02?? (CONTROLL ARMS, ETC?
The car yard drives from what I was told.

The strut tower is intact but may need a new strut!>

The asking price is 27.5k but I can get it for 26k or less.

Assuming I need to replace entire right side suspension, how much do you think it will cost me to repair the mechanical faults??

I know that body will cost me about 1000$ + parts. (400$ in used parts or so)
How much do you think I should pay for it make it worth my while?? I know that 40K buys it at a dealer.

Thank you

DM

PaulW

I don't know how many miles....but unless it's something like 20K or less, you might want to pass unless the damage is very small.

I think an 00 bumper will fit an 02.

The control arms on the 02 are different as compared to a 99, the diameters are different on a few components. The 00 and newer control arms are more expensive.

You need to look very closely at the "coke cans" that supports the bumper for any deformation.

<img src="http://www.audipages.com/Tech_Articles/Body/fer11.JPG">

The coke cans have the bumper shock absorber inserted into them. They are made to deform on low impact crashes and based on an A8 body book I have, are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.

Would that be relative to straightening and welding the frame? I think so.....

Take a bunch of pictures and post them....we'd love to dice them apart and give you our ideas....

houseofsound

your control arm set order if you get the 02. I'm not sure if the 97 and 02 are the same, but if they are not let me know so I can get you the correct set.

Matt

borden

thanks.

If I were to get the car, I will order the 2nd set if that is possible.

Thanks

DM

borden

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46320/1.jpg"></center><p>Paul, will check the coke mounts. for the bumper struts.

I don't think that the hit was that strong to the bumper. WHat I am somewhat concered with is the Stearing rack, etc. It is protected well by the shield but don't know if it saved it this time arround.
How expensiv are inner tie rods??

Here are some pics of the damage to the outside of the car from outside: note the fine line on the damaged fender. (the buttom is the only thing damaged)

Thanks DM

borden

<ul><li><a href="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46320/2.jpg">http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/46320/2.jpg</a</li></ul>

borden

I am keeping my 99 regardless. My wife fell in love with it as well. (she drives very little so it will last a very long time.!

PaulW

The suspension parts including tie rods are not that expensive, a inner/outer tie rod is $120.

Unless something crazy happened, I wouldn't worry about the steering rack.

I pushed my business partner's 98 A8 front end in about 2" once....needed a new fender, new hood, grill, AC condenser, two xenon buckets and labor.....$12K.

Take some closer pics and post them. You might also need the bumper shock absorbers....but if the coke can is in tact (inspect it closely) you most likely won't have any frame repair to perform. That is the component that will deform on an accident.

pw

CEB

...is how it ended up at a body shop. Who is selling it - the body shop - the owner - the insurance company?

borden

NOt sure, will have more history to tell you later on this evening.

DM