As the title states, I'm looking at picking one up....

I've found an 05 A8 w/154K and no issues (so far) and they're asking $16,900. I'm pretty sure it does not have an electric trunk or ac'd/massaging seats, as far as I know, it has everything else.

I've done a bit of reading and I see completely mixed reviews; almost a perfect 50/50 split between people loving and hating these things...I really love the car but my experience is based on seeing it in picturest, I'm going for a test drive tomorrow but I'm looking for advice on what to look for. If it passes my initial inspection then I will take it to a dealer for a full inspection.

My questions are
What I should look for initially?
What maintenance needs to be done around 150K? How much are they (approx)?
I know it's a little vague but...in general what does it cost per year to run these things?
Anything else I should know?

Thanks.

 

You should be able to find a free maintenance schedule for the A8 online, that tells you in detail what is supposed to be done at what mileage. This website has good info but for some reason it has almost every year EXCEPT 2005. audimidtowntoronto.com/en/service/maintenance/index.spy
However it should give a rough idea of the maintenance you need on the 2005 if u look at the years after and before it.

 

Timing belt is a biggie.

 

its a luxury car with luxury priced repairs.
i have one exactly like that.
16k is gook price for 150km.
many errors can be pulled and wiped with a diagnostic.
timing belt is done around 115km. ask if done.
everything is pricey but i can say in the 5 years ive owned it only regular maintenance.
park aid is a must with a car that size. the room inside is unbeatable.
its a gas guzzler.
quattro unbeatable and gps is too.
adaptive suspension is awesome in all weather.
i really like the car but be prepared to pay for maintenance as she ages
do pull the maintenance from audi site