03 A8 buying advice please

[NicDale]

Just a quick post for the moment, i'm looking at a 3.7 '03 A8, low previous owners, Audi SH, it currently has the Audi extended warranty, is this worth renewing when it comes to an end and how much is it? Intending to ring the dealer tomorrow to find out but an idea of price would be nice!

Also the cambelt is due to be changed within the next 4000 miles so a job to do straight away, if i decide to renew the warranty i'll end up paying main dealer most likely, is it worth sticking with the extended warranty at this point or going independant and facing the bills when/if they come in?

Thanks in advance,

Nic

[NicDale]

Just under £2k to extend the warranty while its still covered, £3k if it lapses, crazy prices!

[EC2]

Crazy prices for a reason.

Check everything works and then be prepared for things to selectively go wrong over time. Things like keyless go, auto boot and seat memories can come and go before they fail for good.

Great cars but too many electronics.

[NicDale]

Typical modern car electrics then. Anything else to look out for?

[billy5]

hiya,
give the gearbox a good look,
check it from cold if poss, and see it goes up and down
with ease,
use the paddles if fitted after a run and check the dash
moves of the box,
tyres,, same across axle, front and rear,
listen for noise wen you turn into roundabouts and out,

billy

[NicDale]

Thanks Billy.

[y2blade]

my sister has a 4.2 A8, in the first few months of ownership she had the engine light coming on it had the cats and a couple of sensors replaced before the fault was found (under warranty afaik) and more recently she has had issues with the windows opening themselves, it has been back to the dealers several times to be "fixed" but it still happens every now and then at random.....the car is used everyday and she has owned it for about 5 or 6 years now

other than that it is a great car, it has never let her down
very nice to drive, check the gearbox for clonks and check that EVERYTHING works as it should including the gear paddles on the steering wheel, also some are prone to using oil at a rate of about 1 litre per 1000 miles

all in all I like it and I'd have one


edit for spelling

Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 2nd March 07:37

[NicDale]

Thank you for that Y2, i've pretty much agreed a price, i'm hoping for another £250 off so in the right ball park. We shall see what happens...