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-   -   Argh! Decisions, decisions re: A8 (https://www.audiforum.ca/audi-mailing-list-45/argh-decisions-decisions-re-a8-7958/)

Steve Sears 11-16-2005 01:37 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
Dan,
As I understand it, and others more well versed in the nuances of the
different generations of quattro may feel free to chime in and correct me,
but if you've got different rolling diameters on various locations of the
car, then the quattro system will redistribute torque accordingly, as it
reads a smaller diameter tire as a slipping tire. I'm sure that a minor
difference in diameter would not do damage in the short term, but I would
never replace less than a full set on a q.
I've had the (mis-)fortune to have repairs made to my tires - as my car
seems to attract drywall screws, nails, etc. as I drive around construction
projects in my work - had one of the punctures been fatal, I would have gone
for a new set.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

"Dano58" <dan.dibiase@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1132156680.967425.64140@g43g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com...
> Steve, I've never heard about the 4-tires thing on a quattro..... I
> know that you're supposed to have tires with the same tread depth (or
> within about a 3% variance) on the same axle, but have never heard that
> you must replace all 4 at the same time! I'm asking because I recently
> tore a chunk out of one rear tire, so I purchased one new tire and put
> the (unused) spare on the same axle as the new tire....
>
> Dan D
> '04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
> Central NJ USA
>




Steve Sears 11-16-2005 01:48 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
amz,
It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an "inspection"
would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)

"[ a m z ]" <amz.REMOVETHIS@eskimo.REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:H1Lef.50$I14.482@news.uswest.net...
> "Steve Sears" wrote:
>> amz,
>> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc. (+front
>> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your purchase -
>> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
>> one
>> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
>> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
>> only

> 2
>> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
>> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
>> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.
>> Cheers!
>> Steve Sears
>> 1987 Audi 5kTQ
>> 1980 Audi 5k
>> 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

>
> Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The tire
> thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> The
> good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two tires
> and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> "internal
> inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> alignment
> and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their internal
> invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> I
> can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
>
> Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> the
> car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> have Tiptronic.
>
> Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> miles down the road.
>
> My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> until
> the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long ago,
> but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my 5ksq
> has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to have
> a
> car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
>
>




Steve Sears 11-16-2005 01:48 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
amz,
It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an "inspection"
would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)

"[ a m z ]" <amz.REMOVETHIS@eskimo.REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:H1Lef.50$I14.482@news.uswest.net...
> "Steve Sears" wrote:
>> amz,
>> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc. (+front
>> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your purchase -
>> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
>> one
>> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
>> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
>> only

> 2
>> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
>> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
>> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.
>> Cheers!
>> Steve Sears
>> 1987 Audi 5kTQ
>> 1980 Audi 5k
>> 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

>
> Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The tire
> thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> The
> good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two tires
> and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> "internal
> inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> alignment
> and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their internal
> invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> I
> can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
>
> Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> the
> car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> have Tiptronic.
>
> Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> miles down the road.
>
> My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> until
> the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long ago,
> but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my 5ksq
> has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to have
> a
> car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
>
>




Steve Sears 11-16-2005 01:48 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
amz,
It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an "inspection"
would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)

"[ a m z ]" <amz.REMOVETHIS@eskimo.REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:H1Lef.50$I14.482@news.uswest.net...
> "Steve Sears" wrote:
>> amz,
>> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc. (+front
>> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your purchase -
>> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
>> one
>> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
>> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
>> only

> 2
>> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
>> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
>> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.
>> Cheers!
>> Steve Sears
>> 1987 Audi 5kTQ
>> 1980 Audi 5k
>> 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

>
> Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The tire
> thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> The
> good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two tires
> and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> "internal
> inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> alignment
> and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their internal
> invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> I
> can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
>
> Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> the
> car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> have Tiptronic.
>
> Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> miles down the road.
>
> My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> until
> the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long ago,
> but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my 5ksq
> has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to have
> a
> car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
>
>




Steve Sears 11-16-2005 01:48 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
amz,
It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an "inspection"
would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)

"[ a m z ]" <amz.REMOVETHIS@eskimo.REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:H1Lef.50$I14.482@news.uswest.net...
> "Steve Sears" wrote:
>> amz,
>> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc. (+front
>> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your purchase -
>> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
>> one
>> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
>> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
>> only

> 2
>> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
>> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
>> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.
>> Cheers!
>> Steve Sears
>> 1987 Audi 5kTQ
>> 1980 Audi 5k
>> 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes

>
> Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The tire
> thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> The
> good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two tires
> and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> "internal
> inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> alignment
> and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their internal
> invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> I
> can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
>
> Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> the
> car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> have Tiptronic.
>
> Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> miles down the road.
>
> My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> until
> the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long ago,
> but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my 5ksq
> has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to have
> a
> car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
>
>




[ a m z ] 11-16-2005 02:15 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
"Steve Sears" wrote:
> "[ a m z ]" wrote:
> > "Steve Sears" wrote:
> >> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc.

(+front
> >> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your

purchase -
> >> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
> >> one
> >> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
> >> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
> >> only 2
> >> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
> >> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
> >> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.

> >
> > Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The

tire
> > thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> > The
> > good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two

tires
> > and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> > "internal
> > inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> > alignment
> > and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their

internal
> > invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> > I can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
> >
> > Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> > the
> > car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> > reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> > have Tiptronic.
> >
> > Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> > timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> > miles down the road.
> >
> > My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> > until
> > the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long

ago,
> > but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my

5ksq
> > has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to

have
> > a car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
> >
> >

> It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
> Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
> from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
> and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
> A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
> aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an

"inspection"
> would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
> Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?


Audiworld is the next step.

My gut and brain are telling me that the #3 (non-Audi dealer) car is not the
way to go, but my heart says, "blaaaaaccckkkk.... Tiptronnnnnnic..." :-)

I checked CarFax and it shows as a lease return.

Thanks for the feedback. At this point, I've got to reconcile the various
issues between the blue & black cars with the fact that my lender won't give
me anything close to what the private seller (blue car) wants -- not to
mention the fact that I'd have to put $1,500 OOP into the timing belt, water
pump, etc. We'll see how it goes. Who knows? I've tracked down a few more
A8's and maybe I just need to be patient.



[ a m z ] 11-16-2005 02:15 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
"Steve Sears" wrote:
> "[ a m z ]" wrote:
> > "Steve Sears" wrote:
> >> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc.

(+front
> >> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your

purchase -
> >> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
> >> one
> >> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
> >> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
> >> only 2
> >> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
> >> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
> >> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.

> >
> > Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The

tire
> > thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> > The
> > good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two

tires
> > and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> > "internal
> > inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> > alignment
> > and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their

internal
> > invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> > I can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
> >
> > Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> > the
> > car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> > reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> > have Tiptronic.
> >
> > Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> > timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> > miles down the road.
> >
> > My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> > until
> > the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long

ago,
> > but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my

5ksq
> > has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to

have
> > a car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
> >
> >

> It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
> Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
> from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
> and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
> A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
> aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an

"inspection"
> would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
> Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?


Audiworld is the next step.

My gut and brain are telling me that the #3 (non-Audi dealer) car is not the
way to go, but my heart says, "blaaaaaccckkkk.... Tiptronnnnnnic..." :-)

I checked CarFax and it shows as a lease return.

Thanks for the feedback. At this point, I've got to reconcile the various
issues between the blue & black cars with the fact that my lender won't give
me anything close to what the private seller (blue car) wants -- not to
mention the fact that I'd have to put $1,500 OOP into the timing belt, water
pump, etc. We'll see how it goes. Who knows? I've tracked down a few more
A8's and maybe I just need to be patient.



[ a m z ] 11-16-2005 02:15 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
"Steve Sears" wrote:
> "[ a m z ]" wrote:
> > "Steve Sears" wrote:
> >> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc.

(+front
> >> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your

purchase -
> >> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
> >> one
> >> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
> >> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
> >> only 2
> >> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
> >> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
> >> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.

> >
> > Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The

tire
> > thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> > The
> > good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two

tires
> > and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> > "internal
> > inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> > alignment
> > and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their

internal
> > invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> > I can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
> >
> > Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> > the
> > car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> > reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> > have Tiptronic.
> >
> > Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> > timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> > miles down the road.
> >
> > My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> > until
> > the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long

ago,
> > but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my

5ksq
> > has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to

have
> > a car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
> >
> >

> It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
> Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
> from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
> and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
> A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
> aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an

"inspection"
> would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
> Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?


Audiworld is the next step.

My gut and brain are telling me that the #3 (non-Audi dealer) car is not the
way to go, but my heart says, "blaaaaaccckkkk.... Tiptronnnnnnic..." :-)

I checked CarFax and it shows as a lease return.

Thanks for the feedback. At this point, I've got to reconcile the various
issues between the blue & black cars with the fact that my lender won't give
me anything close to what the private seller (blue car) wants -- not to
mention the fact that I'd have to put $1,500 OOP into the timing belt, water
pump, etc. We'll see how it goes. Who knows? I've tracked down a few more
A8's and maybe I just need to be patient.



[ a m z ] 11-16-2005 02:15 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
"Steve Sears" wrote:
> "[ a m z ]" wrote:
> > "Steve Sears" wrote:
> >> I'd go with #2, with the provision that the timing belt/pump/etc.

(+front
> >> crank seal while you're in there?) gets replaced prior to your

purchase -
> >> otherwise take it out of the price. #1 seems nice - and it's the only
> >> one
> >> of the three that doesn't need an immediate t-belt servicing (take "No
> >> records" to mean "Not done" on #3). I'd run away from #3 - replacing
> >> only 2
> >> tires on a quattro is a death sentence for the diffs (owning a 5kq you
> >> should know that) and them telling you that they'll fix things like the
> >> alignment is worth the paper it's written on.

> >
> > Thanks for the feedback. Those are generally my thoughts, too. The

tire
> > thing re: #3 was in the back of my mind and that's why I mentioned it.
> > The
> > good thing, of course, is that they literally JUST replaced the two

tires
> > and did the brakes. I actually test-drove the car prior to their
> > "internal
> > inspection" and apparently was the one who pointed out the brake,
> > alignment
> > and bad (right front) tire issue. They faxed me a copy of their

internal
> > invoice (it is a non-Audi major brand dealership) showing the work done.
> > I can always get another pair of tires to even out the set.
> >
> > Question: If the purchase is conditioned on doing x,y and z repairs and
> > the
> > car is inspected by an independent shop prior to purchase, is there any
> > reason to still avoid it? It is black/tan (my preferred color) and does
> > have Tiptronic.
> >
> > Also... how well can a transmission be inspected? Even if I assume the
> > timing belt has to be done, I don't want the tranny to fail on me 5,000
> > miles down the road.
> >
> > My biggest concern with #1 is the mileage. Yes, I get about 2-3 years
> > until
> > the next timing belt service and the tranny was flushed not too long

ago,
> > but I have the same concern about overall tranny condition. Also, my

5ksq
> > has all kinds of dying or dead "conveniences" and it would be nice to

have
> > a car with all working accessories (for as long as that lasts).
> >
> >

> It might be just me, but #3 sounds like trouble in the making. "Monkey
> Lads" can be found at dealerships too, and Audi's shops are not excluded
> from that rule. It appears that someone was not satisfied with their car
> and traded it in on a {insert other brand here}.
> A transmission shop might be consulted on the inspection issue, although
> aside from opening it up to check slack/etc, I believe that an

"inspection"
> would involve a check of the fluid, and see how it behaves in a drive.
> Have you tired asking the A8 forum on Audiworld?


Audiworld is the next step.

My gut and brain are telling me that the #3 (non-Audi dealer) car is not the
way to go, but my heart says, "blaaaaaccckkkk.... Tiptronnnnnnic..." :-)

I checked CarFax and it shows as a lease return.

Thanks for the feedback. At this point, I've got to reconcile the various
issues between the blue & black cars with the fact that my lender won't give
me anything close to what the private seller (blue car) wants -- not to
mention the fact that I'd have to put $1,500 OOP into the timing belt, water
pump, etc. We'll see how it goes. Who knows? I've tracked down a few more
A8's and maybe I just need to be patient.



Jonathan Morton 11-16-2005 03:04 PM

Re: Thoughts & suggestions wanted re: Audi A8
 
"[ a m z ]" <amz.REMOVETHIS@eskimo.REMOVETHIS.com> wrote in message
news:rqMef.79$8U4.3572@news.uswest.net...
>
> Audiworld is the next step.
>
> My gut and brain are telling me that the #3 (non-Audi dealer) car is not

the
> way to go, but my heart says, "blaaaaaccckkkk.... Tiptronnnnnnic..."

:-)

Hmm... the thing that immediately struck me about no 3 was the word
"alignment". That really is one of the things you can't put right on a
quattro - after all, if it could be put right, why hasn't it been done?

No 1 is getting very close to timing belt time - 60k miles is plenty.

Not sure about the "only replace all four tyres at once" point. That was
allegedly true on the pre-Torsen diff cars, but it isn't specified now - and
in any event how is one supposed to deal with the fact that the fronts
always wear more quickly than the rears?

The post-facelift cars (mid-'99 on in Europe, but I'm not sure about the
position in North America, where I presume you are) are probably worth going
for if you can find one.

Expensive cars to run, but go for it - no comparison with an A6.

Regards

Jonathan




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