barryl

Hello,

Very nice site!

I'm thinking of buying a used A8. My budget is limited.
I want to spend no more than $20K. Is it possible to
find a decent car for that amount of money? I don't mind
high mileage, as long as the car was well maintained.

Are there any particular years to avoid? I have been
looking for '98s because I want the tiptronic trans.

Anything else to know?

Thanks,
Barry

ryoung

.
addressing this issue, but I'm sure there are others.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/8064.phtml">Used S8 advice</a></li></ul>

ryoung

<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/7932.phtml">Used '00 A8</a></li></ul>

lhmagma

You might be able to find a 3.7 (non-quattro) around that price but even at that, I believe you would require some luck to find one that is in good shape. I'm afraid anything less than 25 would be a bit of a beater or may have been wrecked at some point or both.

Also, if you haven't already put one together, I'd consider creating a service/repair budget/stash - particularly if you can't find an Audi Assured (certified) car. As related to this, if you have the time, page through as many posts on this board as you can. You'll find that there is a list of problems (thankfully, most of them are not killers) that consistently crop up in these cars. I'd jot them down and reference them against the service records of any potential purchase.

Lastly, hate to say it but if you find a good 4.2 for less than 25 without being extremely lucky, there are going to be a lot of unhappy owners (no leasees) come trade-in time.

PaulW

Last June, and it was in perfect shape, albiet a 97. Look at the cars on ebay, you'll have an idea of where the market low end is. You can get a 97 or 98 for less than 25K with 40-80K miles.

pw

barryl

Hello,

Thanks for the info.

Knowing what goes wrong on the cars is definitely something
I want to learn, and I'm doing my homework. I do almost all
the repair work myself, so as long as parts are reasonably
priced I should be OK.

I have identified a few '98 4.2 with 80-90K miles. I have not
checked the service records on them, but I would not buy
a car with that many miles without records.

I'm not in a rush, so I can wait for the right car. Who knows,
if I wait long enough, either the car's will get cheaper, and /
or my budget will increase.

Thanks again,

Barry

GMikes97A8Q

I have a 97 A8Q with around 86,000 miles that has been very well maintained. I am in the prcess of completely rebuilding the brakes (i.e., new rotors, pad, brakefluid etc...). The reason I am telling you this is I may be selling it soon. New job may require a newer vehicle. don't know for sure yet what the car plan is like. So, if you have any interest let me know and I will get you more details. Don't want to post price on list, it may upset some people. But, would be in the low $20,000's.

lhmagma

Here's one to add to your "watchlist" if you haven't already. I had mine replaced around 20K miles (approx. 3 years from in-service date) along with the valve cover gaskets.

Also, if you're still researching, I wouldn't mind seeing your "watchlist".

PaulW

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