Audi A8 2.8 Quattro - Going to look at one (any advice)?

[richard300]

Hi, I am off this afternoon to go and look at a 51 Registration (1st Generation) Audi A8.
Its the 2.8 Quattro model (Sport pack) with 129k (Full Service History)

The car had a cambelt change in 2011 and was recently serviced. It has a good amount of MOT and TAX and in dark blue with beige Recaro interior and 18" wheels, looks stunning.

However a friend tells me they are nothing but trouble? Is this true? He warns me that EVERYTHING electrical can fail, that the car has air suspension that fails, the ECU's fail, the heating system fails and the gearbox's fail....

Are they really that bad?

Does anyone have any recommendations for things to look or listen for, when i go to view?
Obviously i can check everything electrical works and make sure the box changes up and down smoothly.
What signs show that air suspension is failing?

Thanks,

Richard.

[richard300]

Thanks....

I'm not to fussed about speed or brisk pace.... This is to be used as my daily, so it just sits in traffic on a 4 mile commute with a stop off to drop the kids at school/child minder.

The priority is comfort, equipment, AutoBox and something that will see 100miles on £30 of fuel.

Would it be obvious if the air/electronic part of the suspension had failed?

Tony: Is the emitting of oil smoke on the cold start, anything to worry about?

[richard300]

This is the advert for the car:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

my intention is to pay £1750 is its nice enough.

[richard300]

I have not yet been to view this car (as my plans changed over the weekend) however I think I may still go and have a look (as its only 12miles away) - They do sound like trouble though!