Misc questions on buing an A8L. Inspections, etc.

[Mr.C]

Hopefully this will be my last thread in a while, as I have been opening quite a few. The car in question is an 01 A8L, Black on Grey.

- The guy that is selling the car I most likely will buy has had it serviced at P G Performance here in Surrey. Anyone heard of them?

- Where do I take the car for a *good* inspection? One that preferably is done by someone with experience with these cars. OpenRoad wants $200+tax for it, seems steep.

- Any good place to buy tires for it that won't cost me an arm and a leg? The car is on original 19" rims.

and finally,

- Am I completely fucking insane to buy this car with only 3 or 4k to cover emergency repairs in the first year of use?

Thanks guys.

[littledog]

Just a reference that in the past 2 years my 99.5 A4 had ~$8000 in maintenance (timing belt, water pump, all the belts/tensioners, control arms, coilpacks, spark plugs, ICU, coolant flange/sensor, rear differential, various bushings, summer/winter tires, etc.)

[Mr.C]

Originally Posted by littledog

Just a reference that in the past 2 years my 99.5 A4 had ~$8000 in maintenance (timing belt, water pump, all the belts/tensioners, control arms, coilpacks, spark plugs, ICU, coolant flange/sensor, rear differential, various bushings, summer/winter tires, etc.)

Timing Belt/Tensioner/Pumps/Tires have been done recently. The idea is that worst case, not counting oil changes, I'll have to sink in another 4 grand into it this year, but hopefully not.

[DavidYeh]

PG performance is a reputable shop for the VW/AUDI market locally.

Tires bought online through discount tire direct will save you money when shipped to point roberts and even if you have to pay taxes on it, the savings are still there. National Tire Warehouse is one thats local.

Shift autosports in Burnaby can inspect your vehicle, they are VW/AUDI specific and are reasonably priced.

Its hard to say without knowing the car if 3-4 grand saved aside will be enough to cover any maintenance issues, but keep in mind luxury vehicles in terms of repairs/maintenance is never cheap and could potentially cost a good amount.

Good luck with your purchase!

[chewbacca]

PG Performance is a very reputable shop, if the owner says it's been consistently maintained there the car should be in great condition. Please understand that you're purchasing an $80,000 car, maintenance won't be that of a $20,000 car. They are pigs on gas. I absolutely love A8Ls and plan on picking one up in the future for a VIP project. Be prepared to drive around in the smoothest, most comfortable and luxurious ride of your life.

BTW, the D2 A8 never came with 19" rims - someone's replaced them.

Information about the 01 A8L: AudiWorld - Model Guide

Originally Posted by littledog

Just a reference that in the past 2 years my 99.5 A4 had ~$8000 in maintenance (timing belt, water pump, all the belts/tensioners, control arms, coilpacks, spark plugs, ICU, coolant flange/sensor, rear differential, various bushings, summer/winter tires, etc.)

WOW you got raped!

[Mr.C]

Originally Posted by chewbacca

PG Performance is a very reputable shop, if the owner says it's been consistently maintained there the car should be in great condition. Please understand that you're purchasing an $80,000 car, maintenance won't be that of a $20,000 car. They are pigs on gas. I absolutely love A8Ls and plan on picking one up in the future for a VIP project. Be prepared to drive around in the smoothest, most comfortable and luxurious ride of your life.

BTW, the D2 A8 never came with 19" rims - someone's replaced them.

Information about the 01 A8L: AudiWorld - Model Guide

17 mpg city is bad? My standards are messed up then.

The wheels are 18s, my bad:



I am aware they cost a bit more to maintain, yes.

So, to recap, inspection at P G performance or Shift Autosports would be a good thing? Anybody else care to chime in?

[skyxx]

You're planning to buy an A8L and you're trying to penny pinch? really? Down the road, the car will not be cheap to maintain.

[monkeywrench]

Originally Posted by skyxx

You're planning to buy an A8L and you're trying to penny pinch? really? Down the road, the car will not be cheap to maintain.

Exactly the point. I've seen these things so many times with issues I don't even want to discuss about it lol

[Mr.C]

Originally Posted by skyxx

You're planning to buy an A8L and you're trying to penny pinch? really? Down the road, the car will not be cheap to maintain.

Penny pinch where? I don't care about price. I want a good inspection, not to take it to a dealership, burn $225, and have a second year apprentice fill out a checklist and say the car is OK. Hence where I say, and I quote:

"One that preferably is done by someone with experience with these cars."

I'm not looking for cheap, although cheap is always good. I'm looking for someone who knows what the fuck they're doing, and what to look for. I can go over a list too, but I don't know specifically what to look for in these cars. I guess I should have been more specific.

[bcrdukes]

Just buy a Honda Accord.

[Mr.C]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Just buy a Honda Accord.

K, thanks. If I wanted one I'd already have one.

[melloman]

I got my A4 about a year ago. Got it inspected by BCAA and Shift.
Shift & PG are both good. So is... Hansig and Blitzkreig.
Go to whatever is the closest =P

With maintanence.. Audi's are expensive.. I've spent about $2000~ in the last year.. both rear wheel bearings went and that was a $800 bill. Then my synthetic oil changes add up every 5000km. But if the big 4 (timing belt, waterpump, pulley tensioner, thermostat) are done, you should be good.

If you want to know the common problems.. go search VWVortex and Audizine.. common places to read peoples problems.