Hello all! This is my first communication.

Hi guys,

Firstly I would like to say that its an an absolute honour to be part of a community with so many A8 enthusiasts, reading the posts/threads-It sure looks like someone out there can give me suggestions for my dilemna.
I have a lovely 2000 (X) 4.2L quattro with 155k on it, she'd been standing around for a while and when I finally decided to use her, I discovered that the torque converter (so it seems) has gone - Having spoken to a few transmission people, they all suggest that because of the mileage, its best to change the box as well,as its probably had it - This will cost at least £1800. I then called A8 Parts (saviours of our kind!!!) to try and locate a 2ndhand box, unfortunately they dont have one at the minute - My cars codes are AQF EUS FBE - Please can someone possibly advise me on what I can do?
Does safety mode actually prevent serious damage to the box, or it time to bite the bullet?