A8 questions & buying advice

[somnv]

I'm looking into getting an Audi A8 and was wondering if anyone has any buying advice for me, what to look for, etc. Ideally I was looking at getting a 4.2 but would in interested in hearing from owners of the 2.8s and 3.7s.

I'll prob look at getting something made between 1996 and 2001. Like the idea of having a big 4x4 saloon that still handles well and is quick.

How often to cambelts need to be done and how much does it cost to get them done?

Also, what are the gearboxes like. I've seen a few advertised with replacement boxes, do they tend to go?

Thanks
Norman

[BillyWhiz]

I got a 2000 yr 3.7 sport 2 years ago as my daily driver. My advice is buy one, they are great cars.

Mine had 108k miles on it and has now done 136k and hasn't missed a beat. I've just done the trip from Sheffield to Slough and it averaged 34 mpg!

Some people say the 3.7 is underpowered. This is not true! They handle too.

Go for it.

[somnv]

I suppose I should find one locally and get out on a test drive to see what I make of them. Just saw another one advertised with a broken gearbox so I wonder if they are a common problem. Pretty pricy to replace one of those if they go wrong!