[V8] input is appreciated

[William Gutierrez]

Here's my $.02

I don't think measuring the ownership of this car by its residual value is 
fruitful.  For some reason, it is a lost child in the world of used car 
sales.  We all know it is a much nicer car than the general public is 
willing to pay for it, and for what we could purchase with comparable money. 
  I have on several occasions considered moving on to a newer A6 or A8 or 
BMW 540, but at the end of the day, you will spend a whole lot more on one 
of those cars new, or if you buy used, you will be facing the same dilemna 
with those in the not to distant future.

In my view, the ownership of the car should end when you no longer find it 
useful or sufficiently reliable for your needs.  For each person, that 
standard will differ.  You just need to decide whether having the luxury of 
the Audi V8 is a need or a luxury you can do without.

Good luck.

Bill G.
1990 V8 5spd.


>From: "FredParkerJr" <FredParkerJr at cox.net>
>To: "V8" <v8 at audifans.com>
>Subject: [V8] input is appreciated
>Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:34:00 -0400
>
>Hello Group,
>
>I am at a bit of a crossroads with the V8.  I only drive the car 3000 miles
>a year at this point because I have been racking the heavy miles on my
>Mercedes Diesel.  I really love the car - believe me, it's nice to get into
>a sedan that can run with the big guns once in a while after driving the 
>oil
>burner all day!
>
>But anyway, here is my dilemma:  I am at 145,000 miles and due for a timing
>belt.  The car has the original transmission.  I have gotten an estimate
>from a local independent shop to do the timing belt for about $2100.  This
>price includes all rollers, water pump, serp, tensioned, and distributor
>guts if needed.  The shop is reputable and performed the t-belt at 90,000.
>I could do it myself, it's just a matter of time and the special tools.
>
>Overall the car is in really nice shape.  It's never been hit, all the 
>paint
>is original except for the front and rear bumper covers, Black on Black,
>leather is nice.  The suspension could use shocks, front lower control 
>arms,
>and upper strut bearings (I have all the parts, just need time).
>
>My fear is that the transmission will kick the bucket on the ride home from
>the shop after the t-belt replacement.  Call me a pessimist, but the 
>repairs
>would then easily exceed the value of the car.
>
>So here are some of my options:
>
>1) Do the belt, replace the shocks, add new tires, and drive the life out 
>of
>the car (again!) If the trans goes, fix it.  All in all, this could amount
>to 6K or so.  This option is basically a commitment to keep driving the V8
>for a few more years.
>
>2) Sell the car as is right now.
>
>3) Do the belt and drive it till something else breaks!  Then evaluate and
>probably put a fork in it.  (not high on my list - but none the less an
>option!)  I'd almost be better off giving it away now.
>
>4) Let it sit in the back of the garage until, um, yea, then....
>
>Your input is appreciated,
>
>Fred
>
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