consider buying 2004 A8 with about 80-90K miles
 

Is there anything special about this model?

Actually I'm in between lower mileage 2005 A6 and higher mileage 2004 A8. Kinda leaning on A8 side more and more.

Any opinions?

Two words..................... Service History.
 

Make sure not one thing has been missed in cars scheduled service.

Re: Two words..................... Service History.
 

Or factor that into the price. Ex. Timing belt replacement at 75k miles.

Plan on the ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) compressor failing at some point. $1k for part, $500 labor although not that bad for DIY's. Biggest PITA is the fuse under the dash. Search for my past post on the story and picture poster.

Re: Two words..................... Service History.
 

I think if the D3 ( especially an 04 ) has gone thru all the known problems and were corrected, its a new car again. For me, I am at 55k and one major item left is the timing belt. All the other known problems were taking care of by the dealer at no charge.