pocketchange

If you don't take care of it now you will in the near future.
All of these A8s have preventive procedures that need to be followed if for no reason other than age. Being ten + years old and having 100,000 or so miles, all cars no matter who built them are going to encounter problems more often than not.
You can decide to take care of them one at a time (take out a loan if necessary) or spend a lot of time and aggravation being beat up by these [typical] problems or buy a new Audi.
I bought my 99' A8 to drive and enjoy, knowing that if I did not get the know problems managed I would be fooling myself into enjoying my Audi.
It has taken me months to get to this point but I expected and enjoyed the trip.
Yesterday the windows were tinted and as soon as it's not 100 outside I've a box of light bulbs to change. I have enjoyed the learning experience along with the pleasure of ownership. After spending less than what my budget was expected to be, I'm now driving a very nice A8 I couldn't have afforded any other way.
Sides, I've got my pick-up to chase parts.
Reminds me of having a Chevy/D-Jag back in the 60s that never handled as well as this A8 but was a kick to drive..