zibello

Hi,
I am an expat to the Middle East.
I have been offered a 1997 A8 4.2 Q with 12k miles on the clock from new. Price 10k USD. Good list of optionals.
Owner is a wealthy family with too many cars. Not uncommon in the region.

The car looks as it has not been looked after too well and seems to have been left outside under the mighty sun of the Arab Gulf for a long time. Still on the other hand it has a very low mileage and the interior still smells of new.

I am tempted but a bit worried about maintenance as here it is either far too expensive if one goes to the dealer or far too inadequate if one goes to any normal mechanic.

How much should I budget for maintenance? What should I check for? What should I do the moment I buy it for prevention?

I do not know the A8. I have had a A6 C4 which turned out very delicate to the suspensions, far too delicate. The 4.2 engine was good though.

I have already noticed that the headliner is sagging (sun heat?), the radio antenna is broken.

Any tip really appreciated.

Best regards,
G.

* * * Previous cars:
1998 BMW 323ti (just arrived)
2007 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.0 V6 (daily driver in the ME)
1999 Subaru Forester S Turbo (sold - so far the best)
1993 BMW 525TDS Touring (sold - good until it was performing)
1996 Audi S6 4.2 Avant Auto (sold - nice on the snow)
1983 BMW 320i (sold - another regretted sale)
1976 Mercedes 350SE (sold - so so so much thirsty)
1992 Saab 900 Aero (sold - regretted sale)
1972 Mercedes 220d/8 (sold - great car)

Kneale Brownson

Way too expensive, undoubtedly needs a timing belt, probably also needs brake hoses.

zibello

Yes, probably right, I agree. Maybe it will also need new front shock absorbers due to it remaning parked for long time and the weight of the V8.
I guess that all gummi parts will have run dry by now. Here the weather can reach 52/55 Celtius (126/151 Farenheit).

silverd2

As it is, the car is worth $3500-4500....the age alone (not mileage) leaves it ready for lots of things to check (maybe replace), especially left in the sun to bake rubber/plastic parts...not just belts and hoses, but rubber boots on the outer ends of suspension arms (ball joints...10 on the front end alone), CV boots, etc.

I wouldn't worry about shocks or springs.

NOT a good deal at $10K...or even half that.

zibello

Thanks!

S8ilver

If it were garage kept and freshened up first, I'd debate it. It would be sweet to have a 12k mile A8 for sure. That being said, I'd rather have a well maintained one with 100k miles. From my experience with vehicles in the middle east (which isn't much, but my parents lived in Dubai for 6 months), the price is pretty much the price. Haggling expected where you're at? If so it sounds like the family doesn't need the cash. Give them a list of what you feel needs to be done to justify your lower (but correct) offer, if you move forward with the prospect of course.