Sadly, my A8 4.2 QS has to go...imminently

[DailyMike]

My health is failing...currently having Kidney function tests, worsening asthma and next spinal surgery scheduled for New Years Eve. Arthritis is spreading too, so I'm generally falling apart. My dear old Mum would say "You need rubbing out and re-drawing son"...bless her! I can fall INTO the driving seat, but rapidly approaching the state where I need a block & tackle to get out again.

So, with great sadness, my 2002 A8 D2 4.2 Quattro Sport has to go. Since I bought her in December 2018, the only problems I had (nightmare at the time) were a failing Crankcase Sensor; advice on here said change the sensor and it's not missed a beat since and a broken Ignition barrel. After starting the car with a screwdriver for a while, parts were sourced from our sponsors, so end of problem when fitted.

The LPG problem when I bought her was just a high resistance fuse! Easily sorted by local specialist in Hull. After cold-start, the LPG ALWAYS kicks in within a mile of leaving home so, at 55.7p/litre at Morrisons Nationwide, she's infinitely easier on the pocket than that unleaded stuff!!

I told my kids when I bought her that they'd be giving me a "Viking Funeral" in her. Unfortunately, I just have to let her go to someone who can truly enjoy driving her now.

The Feb 19 MOT advisories have been sorted, replacement (premium brand) rubber all round and also replacement drop links...whatever they are...were fitted too. The knocking sounds over rough surfaces diskappeared when they were replaced.

This is a wonderful car and I am genuinely sad that we must part company. The paintwork was due to be spruced up with a mop and polish and the rear offside C-post resprayed...looks like someone's taken a scotch pad to remove bird sh1*t or similar and the both bumpers resprayed. My go-to bodyshop here in Beverley quoted me £250 all-in to get her looking just great!

194,400 miles came up when I drove her to my pre-op appointment this morning. Afterwards, I just drove for another 100+ miles...just because I could. It made me feel great...until I struggled to get out again..haha!

Don't know what to ask for her so, I'm open to sensible offers. I've got a huge amount of Invoices, all MOT's and lotsa other stuff from previous owners and the service book and handbook. I have total faith in the car and am prepared to deliver her anywhere in the UK for fuel and cost of a heavily discounted train ticket home with my disabled train discount pass. I drove her up to Isle of Mull and Skye earlier this year and loved every minute of the trip.

The negatives:
Sunroof cycles open and shut when switched. A forumite on here said it'll "need a good clean and then it'll work again". I just can't physically stretch across to do that job. An allen key enabled it to be opened, allowing me to enjoy the glorious sunshine on several occasions this year!
Since I bought it, the same persistent error codes appear, bringing the orange EML on...all to do with the Lambda Sensor. I bought a VAG thingy to clear them and the Orange Engine light, but they keep coming back. The VAG thingy goes with the car.

I'll get some pictures taken and posted over the next couple of days, but my mode of transport of necessity will now be my 2000 Range Rover 4.6 V8. I can both slide into her seats AND, more importantly, slide out with relative ease. The Air Suspension will be really helpful too. She's been off road since I bought the A8, but sailed through the MOT a couple of weeks ago.

Sorry this is a depressing read...but that's the reality of my circumstances. I hope she finds a new home with someone on here. She drives great, radio/CD plays as it should and the double glazing ensures you don't need to crank up the volume as the speedo heads North from zero to whatever speed you choose to back off at:~}

Any questions, please ask. TTFN...