Hi all :)

[Brian]

Hi all,
I'm new to Audi's - and the A8 Parts Forums. I'm Brian from the Isle of Wight and I'm [strike]an alcoholic![/strike] erm, not yet an Audi owner, however I soon will be!

My car history is fairly chequered, from Citroen to Ford to BMW to Lexus to Jeep etc. I currently own a massive '91 Toyota Landcruiser with a 4 inch lift kit (Which I think I'll keep as it is just so much fun!) My favourite type of car is the Luxury Super Saloon, I've owned a BMW 750 (Awesome V12 which was just right for the German Autobahns while I was based out there, and two Lexus LS400's I loved all of these cars. I have never owned an Audi and I think its about time to start! I now have my eye on several 2003/4 A8's which look nice, but what do I know!!

I am after the 4.2 V8, and it must have the flappy paddles. Never driven a flappy paddle before, and just want a go at one now. My Budget is around £5000.

I was wondering if you guys have any advice on what to look for in a pre loved A8. I know all the usual stuff like the big smoke and yoghurt - unusual tire wear - rust in the corners - knocking - dodgey mods etc. (I don't want a boy racers project car, they are usually just about to fall apart from ill treatment!) *But is there anything A8 specific that I should be looking for? (Apart from buckets of pure refined awesome of course!!)

My budget is around £4500-£5000 and I'm still looking around the interwebs...

Have fun guys,
Brian

[Norretal]

Hi Brian, welcome to the forum, you've chosen the correct place to seek knowledge, experience and advice on all things A8

There will be loads of members along soon to welcome you and offer advice, but in the meantime post any links to A8's your keeping an eye on and you'll get loads of feedback on your choices, as well as "do's and don't's" and potential pitfalls.

I'm sure you'll find the right car for you within your budget if you do your research on here and heed the advice offered your way, there may even be a good option for sale through a forum member !

[Professor Peach]

Welcome along Brian.

Enjoy your stay!

[madcjd]

Hi Brian.
Welcome to the forum!
As you see, I'm not one of the 'regulars' on here, but, can offer a little advice.
In my opinion, you should easily be able to pick up a nice A8 for £5K.
I sold my old 2003 D3, last March, for £4K. It was a 4.2 petrol with some good options, but, far from a 'high spec' one! It had sport options (seats, susp and 19"wheels) and keyless/fingerprint entry/start. It was in lovely condition for it's 130K miles.
If you aren't scared of high mileage cars (and you should not be) then you'll be fine. Obviously, an A8 with lots of paperwork supporting mainteneance performed, low ownership, dealer/specialist history would be high on the list of what to look for.
All car forums tend to show some pretty scary scenarios and experiences, but, all the other thousands of owners who don't have any car issues tend not to broadcast that on forums............so read between the lines and don't be too put off by the horror stories.
There's some fantastic, helpful knowledge with these guys on this forum and I'm sure they'll offer good, helpful advice.
If you do get an A8 and you enjoy working your own vehicles, then, you must invest in some diagnostics software/equipment.

I didn't have any issues with my last D3 (or current one for that matter), so, not sure what to say to look out for particularly. If the car drives well and everything (inc air suspension) seems to work well, that's a good start. check the MMI screen functions correctly (smooth extension and retraction). Check all the functions on the MMI. Check all the buttons/switches you can see as a failed motor could prove to be expensive. Check the usual things like coolant temp, no unwanted lights on display, a smooth gearbox action, etc. I would try and take the car on all road scenarios - A,B motorways etc. Let the car sit running for a while to make sure it doesn't overheat. Like you said, you probably know all this anyway, but.....just worth mentioning.

Good luck with your search Brian. If you get one you will be truly smitten!

[Brian]

Hi there,
Thanks for your time, and the warm welcome guys

Here's a car I'm looking at so far - there were loads more but they have all disappeared...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...trol?logcode=p

There's also this one, but I don't really want to buy a modded car... Love the colour though..

http://www.gumtree.com/p/audi/audi-a...ome/1100847950

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Other things,
The colour needs to be black, white, or silver/grey. There was a maroon A8 with a brown interior (It looked like it was imported straight from the 70's!) which I was considering, but held off due to the colour. I would consider a dark blue too. I don't want any insurance write off's in case I want to sell t in the future. Interior needs to be black or grey - but would consider cream. I don't particularly want brown but again I'll consider it with the right option level. I don't want a car that's had some old Nokia phone cradle bolted into the leather - it looks horrible!

--------------------------

I'm definitely taking my time over this... Unless the perfect car comes along..

Just a few other things, do the 2003/4 A8's come with any Aux sockets/bluetooth for phone/ipod type stuff? Do all of the 2003/4 models have the Air suspension? I do a lot of work that's on building sites and roughish ground. I'm also not fussed between the SWB and LWB versions. The LWB will be great for my Mum and Gran though Do you usually get more options with the L?

Thanks again for your time all,
Brian

[madcjd]

Re the 2 cars...........

The autotrader one does not have keyless and has the 'less desirable' seat style.

The gumtree one looks ready for a bank job.

I'd steer clear of both (personally)

All the D3s have air suspension - but one of the functions is 'lift' which would benefit some roughish ground giving extra clearance.
I believe the LWB models have a few more goodies, but, nothing too exciting.

[Brian]

Thanks, I'll keep waiting then

Those guys in the background look like a bunch of drug dealers!!

Brian

[Brian]

How about this one?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...h-2005/3717213

Brian

[mattylondon]

Hi Brian,

Welcome along mate

There isn't much choice out there for a petrol D3 at the moment. Hold tight and something will come along. Good luck

[briang9]

welcome from another......