Hi, saw an A8 w12, 150k miles on the clock, FSH but no record of any timing chain maintenance. Owner confirms no maintenance undertaken and  won't budge from a high price, should I walk away? Car is well serviced but the chain is well within the change window. I rung around and I'm looking at a bill of 4k+ within the next year or two. No chain issues right now through.

How much do you want the car? How deep are your pockets? In another topic you suggested its OP should get rid of his car because of the cost of timing belt/chain replacement.

I asked if it was cherished, meaning is it his forever car or an investment. I'm sometimes told by owners that they are selling before costs start mounting. I saw a nice FSH 10 year old S8 recently with 9 owners!

Hello Brazil,

Since when has any ordinary-ish modern production Audi been an investment? 

Regards,

Gareth. 

Hi, Gareth, whenever I read ads for D3 W12s and S8 D2s they mention the Transporter or Ronin films as well as limited availability.  

5 hours ago, AudiA8W12 said:

Hi, Gareth, whenever I read ads for D3 W12s and S8 D2s they mention the Transporter or Ronin films as well as limited availability.  

Hi film production teams have a large budget, if you want to see how truly awful these engines are go on YouTube and dial in VAG Technic and live the true horror of chain changes on low milage engines on the model you are looking at, forget 4k by the time you have replaced the cams and gears as well more like £12000, btw they mention transporter cos thats what you will need to get it to the nearest place that wants to repair it.

Steve.

I'd be very careful. What's the rest of the service history like? How many owners etc. Is it dealer or private sale?

FSH and dealer

Is there proof of gearbox oil changes and Quattro system services. 

3 hours ago, AudiA8W12 said:

FSH and dealer

Dealer, walk away.

Steve, there is proof of services indicative of various non specific maintenance. Seller is honest and states maintenance has never included the timing chain, as it has never been necessary.  See attached an excellent TC video, I hope it plays.

 

4 minutes ago, AudiA8W12 said:

maintenance has never included the timing chain, as it has never been necessary.  

There's the rub. If it wasn't needed there is no point in changing it. It's like saying all engines or gearboxes or wheel bearings should be automatically changed after x thousand miles irrespective of actual condition. They all wear out eventually, but the service life of these items is unpredictable so renewal should only be done as and when evidence points to its need.

True, It has other mechanical and electrical issues which, worse case scenario (with the possible TC risk), could put me 8k in the hole, that's NOT including the cost of the car itself!   

I'll keep looking.