I am looking at an 1997 A8 with 75k miles, owner claims transmission was repaired w/new clutches and clutch basket and seals.

Having it inspected and plan to use the audi pages http://www.audipages.com/usedA8.html inspection sheet. Any thoughts?

Current ride is a 01 Olds Aurora w/4.0 and my wife's car is an A6 2.8.

 

and almost everything that could go wrong has but the car has 120k on it now and is after I fixed all the issues like trans, control arms (which is normal wear and tear) I am very happy no issues

 

I also own a 97 A8 with 150,000 miles and if you can buy the car at a low enough price, do it! They are great cars although many parts are hard to get (expensive) because 97 is the only year they were used. Other than that I have no complaints. My wife has a 98 A8 and loves her car too. You will need to change the timing belt at 90,000 miles. Audiworld and audipages will make it a good purchase if you use them. Enjoy, Mike.

 

a lot of parts like the coolat expansion tank etc carry over to facelift. I havent had an issue getting parts for my car at all. I've replaced a lot too! I don't belive parts are that much more expensive than any other parts, not like a Chevy, but compared to other imports, I think its comparable. The only thing that would get expesive is the labor at Audi dealerships.

 

I purchased mines for $6k with 140-ish K miles on it. Really love taking care of it and I'd do anything to improve/maintain its performance and look.

So far, I've had 4 disappointments:
1) I replaced a high beam bulb and still couldn't get it to work. Got some help that it might be electrical issue, but still yet need some tool (VAG-COM) to iron that out.

2) I experience some shaking/noise from the front whenever I max out my steering radius. Cause was likely to be CV boot or axle. I replaced both front outer CV boot as 2 different mechanic said they cracked open and it would cause damage to axle and more if I don't replace them soon. Did that at a mechanic shop for $600 and I feel almost no difference other than believeing I did the right thing by preventing "the big repair."

3) Previous owner claims there might be keyless entry lost by other previous owners. Anyway, I called Audi dealers to find out if mines has one; they couldn't check for me! I still don't buy the idea that they couldn't check if my A8Q has one by my VIN. Plus, I seriously thought that all A8Q has keyless entry.

4) I must use my key to open back trunk. The button located in door jam doesn't work. Or maybe there's some sort of safety switch in the trunk?!

Anyway, I just hope that anybody consider owning an Audi, especially the A8 would consider some thousands of $$ overhead after purchasing. e.g. I owned it since last summer, and spent just under $2k on parts/minor upgrade/maintenance.

All in all, if you own one, you've gotta enjoy her as much as you can! I certainly do

 

OTHER PREVIOUS OWNERS (1997-2005):
--- New transmission service (new fluid & filter)
--- New brake pads (both front & rear)
--- Replaced inner & outer tie rods (front wheels)
--- Replaced oil pan gasket
--- Upgraded Eibach sport springs
--- Installed DVD system in center console
--- might have more work done not recorded here...


PREVIOUS OWNER (2005-2006):
--- New misc. cabin light bulbs
--- New windshield washer jets
--- Replaced front control arm
--- Replaced drive shaft seal
--- Replaced exhaust seals
--- Replaced spark plugs


ME (2006-Present):
--- 4 wheel alignment
--- New tires
--- New chrome license plate holder
--- New air filter
--- New headlights (all bulbs)
--- New windshield wiper blade
--- New brake fluid (flush & fill)
--- New Front outer CV Boot
--- New lug nuts for front control arm
--- Re-adjust front control arm tension

 

1) check the fuse and the relay for the high beam. If they are good, then check the switch on the steering column.
2)I have that noise, but only at very low speed at full lock with throttle.
3)You need two keys and a remote, then you can program it to your car.
4) If the glove compartment is locked or the key slot on the trunk is vertical, the button on the door pillar doesn't work.

 

1) hmm... i don't have the manual still, where would that fuse be located?

2) i'll just ignore that noise as it's less frequently heard than before.

3) do i need vag-com to program it or was the programming capability built-in to any of the flip-key-keyless entry available on eBay?

4) the glove box was locked... i'm much happier now. thanks for the info!

 

<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc.html">https://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc.html</a</li></ul>

 

will try it out soon. well, need to buy an extra key from dealer first, since i only got one. thanks a lot!