BMWho?

don't buy a phaeton. 2 reasons:

1) they're new enough that you can't get them for much less than $60k.

2) unlike the aluminum a8, the phaeton is built of steel which makes it 2 1/2 tons. by comparison, a 1999 A8 is under 2 tons.

tozoM8

That is the best deal that you can find.

JayMcS

you hit the nail on the head. They want 10.5K . I'm going to offer 9.5K . Any issues with your 97 tranny ?

tehA8PIMP

They are more metrowest, but definitely competent. srsvw.com in walpole, and briansgarage.com in needham.

I think there is an audi/vw specialist in peabody off 128. Try bostonaudi.org for independents who post there.

tozoM8

I've bought mine a year ago with tranny problems for $8300.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/80919/dscn1545.jpg">

BMWho?

briansgarage does repairs or just performance tuning? maybe they can install a supercharger :-)

barryl

hi Jay,

Here is some additional information for you.

Good point: The A8 4.2Q is just great in bad weather. If you put snow tires on it, nothing short of 2' of snow will stop you. When spring arrives, put the summer wheels on, and the car will be fast, quiet, comfortable, and efficient.

Bad points: There's a reason the car is only worth 10K. There is a reason why there are $7K worth of receipts. Check the car carefully. Does the cruise control work? Do the seat heaters work? Does the rear sun shade work? Does the memory seat work? Does the steering wheel heater work? More than likely, most of those things don't work. If that doesn't bother you, then you will be happy with the car. If those items will upset you, then don't buy the car.

Last point, you can expect to have recurring oil leaks. The valve cover gaskets, transmission output shaft seals, breather hoses, and some others all tend to wear out quickly. Most are easy to replace, but expensive if you must pay to have it done.

Finally, be sure to check the drive axles on your potential car. With that many miles the CV boots are close to wearing out (if they haven't been replaced). The axles are big money to replace.

Good luck.

Barry

GDJT Allroad^2

We're nuts, you're nuts.

It's had the proper servicing. Check the features out.

The only real drawback to the '97 is the lack of a tiptronic shifter. That can be retrofitted. Check the audipages.com buyer's guide, too, if you haven't already.

ex-a8drifter

build quality, comfort, performance, and presence for that kind of money. The maintenance may be tiresome at times, but if you consider all that you get out of it, the car is awesome. I'm already planning to purchase another A8 or possibly a S8 for my next vehicle. I'm hooked on the design and all that comes with Audis in general.

tehA8PIMP

srsvw is good for modding.. when u have no more waranty of course. Brians garage just did some coilovers, not sure if it was done well tho. Brian is a bit **** retentive IMO, but a cool guy. SRS is great as well.