I'm torn and hoping that others on here might have some thoughts and/or suggestions.
Looking to replace my 1988 5000s quattro with, most likely, an A8 (1997 to
2000). I have a few options -- each with positives and negatives. Price is an issue, but much of that is in the hands of my lender. Any car I'd buy would be inspected by independent Audi-friendly shop. Here are a few of the ones I'm looking at:
- 1997 A8 with 135,000 miles. Ivory (pearl?) & tan. Also owned by an enthusiast who did most of his own work on it. Timing belt was done by dealer back around 80K. Lots of other small stuff, including a half axle and CV boots done within the past 20K. Interior OK (driver's seat pretty worn), but plenty of little annoyances (driver seat heat iffy, rear power shade doesn't work, a few other conveniences don't work). Has ceramic brake pads and V-rated rubber with plenty of tread. Seller says he's flexible on price.
- 1997 A8 with 99,000 miles. Dark blue & tan. Nicely maintained by an Audi enthusiast. Most work done by owner. Tranny rebuilt not long ago, but still hasn't had timing belt or water pump worked on. Drives nice, but brakes are a little spongy for my tastes.
- 1998 A8 with 88,000 miles. Black & tan. At a non-Audi dealership. Supposedly a lease return. Beautiful exterior and interior. Brakes done by the non-Audi dealer. Alignment may be an issue, but they promised to fix & make sure car is fully safe and legal. No records available for if/when timing belt, etc. may have been done.
ANY thoughts would be appreciated. There are a few other cars I'm considering (incl. a nice 2000 A8 that is a 3hr. drive away), but these are the top contenders at the moment.
I would appreciate any public or private comments, suggestions or questions I should ask them or myself. FYI... I'm open to getting an A6 if it is zippy and nice enough, but an A4 is too small.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
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