Can't get my front struts to air up!!!!!!
11-25-2012, 05:39 PM
#41
afford
I should clear up that my car was purchased as a project. It ran when I got it but someone had tried to install some aftermarket air suspension and I've been piecing it back together a bit at a time. From what I can tell someone hit a curb at some good speed and took out the lower lip of the front bumper, air compressor bracket, radiator support, cooling fan shroud and from investigation, the front right strut bag. It's not as if it failed one day... someone busted it up. So as far as all the parts needing to be replaced in it....I'd bet most of them would be fine. This whole thing started over how much of an investment do I need to make when I know how to fix 99% of the problems with the car. This strut is the 1%. I'm pretty stubborn.
I'd love to see people get those busted up A8's and put some of them back on the road. You can't do that if you get any of the work done at a dealer....you'll go broke. But if some of the expensive things can be done by me and you, then people like me who could never afford this car otherwise can get a nice ride for cheap.
I'd love to see people get those busted up A8's and put some of them back on the road. You can't do that if you get any of the work done at a dealer....you'll go broke. But if some of the expensive things can be done by me and you, then people like me who could never afford this car otherwise can get a nice ride for cheap.
my point is by common sense is not worth it unless your time has no value.
Now when you talk about afford I think you can afford a new one but you don't know it.
if you can fix 99% percent of the problems in this car, come work for me.
you'll make enough for a new one every year.
11-26-2012, 03:33 AM
#43
Banned
Thread Starter
11-26-2012, 04:14 AM
#44
AudiWorld Super User
But would it be enogh for a new one just every two years along with the full cost of ownership and the cost of a home (in tax-happy California) and the full cost of a family and saving for kid's college and retirement etc?
11-26-2012, 09:02 AM
#45
AudiWorld Wiseguy
rebuild
Quick question. Why is everyone talking about $1700 dollar replacement struts when you can easily get rebuilt ones for $650? Ok, the damper isn't rebuilt but it's been tested and found to be within spec so not an issue as far as I'm concerned.
11-26-2012, 09:23 AM
#46
AudiWorld Super User
Difference between $650 for a rebuilt strut and $20 for needed parts plus do it yourself satisfaction is a very good reason for me. $1700 would be even better reason. 
11-26-2012, 09:57 AM
#47
AudiWorld Wiseguy
The airbag is the "easy" part if you already have the tools and can source the parts, but can the damper be stripped down and rebuilt/replaced also? Then it would be fair to compare this to a $1700 replacement unit rather than a $650 rebuild.
11-26-2012, 01:30 PM
#48
ownership
if you change the car every 2 years you don't have to worry about cost of ownership, factory warranty covers any repairs needed.
housing this days is not bad unless you want to live by the beach.
11-27-2012, 06:44 PM
#49
specs
there's a reason BMW, MERCEDES, AUDI and all other high line cars only sell them as an assembly.
if this is your first A8 you would not know the difference anyway until you drive it with new units.
11-28-2012, 07:49 PM
#50
AudiWorld Wiseguy
Although your point about not knowing the difference with new units is somewhat meaningless? Who in their right mind is going to spend what amounts to 50%+ of the car's value on a set of new struts to fit into an old car. That's why repairing them if possible makes sense, otherwise the car will quickly become good for nothing but scrap.
I don't know if you intend it, but you come across as having a very condescending "main dealer" type attitude with regards this sort of thing.