AudiA8W12

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.

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.

FSH and dealer

1) Re the moderator comments, yes I totally agree, my "cross your fingers," comment was my attempt at levity, naturally any issues should be investigated and addressed with necessary urgency. 2) Re Clifford's comments, it does depend on ones outlook. For me likely TC replacement would be a major factor impacting any potential purchase. If the seller was willing to compensate me for potential risk then I would be amenable to price negotiation, however that's me, others may be willing to absorbing the full risk and cost of any future work. To be clear, for me, an Audi car with 90k+ miles, with its original TC is a risk, just for context, my personal experience relates to a w12 on 150k miles, with no TC maintenance. I really wanted the car but the seller would not negotiate. I walked.

Hi, changing a high milage TC before it's absolutely necessary depends on whether your an owner or a buyer. If you're an owner, wait until it either comes up during a service, MOT or you hear the tell tale signs on startup. If you're a buyer, if the car has done over 70k+ and it's not mentioned in the servicing, it's more of an issue. Chains rarely just suddenly break, they tend to stretch leading to a metallic knocking on a cold start as the tensioners pick up the slack in the suddenly moving chain. If you're a potential buyer and hear this "knocking", walk away, if your an owner and have a 80/90k+ car on it's original chain, cross your fingers, I see a bad moon is rising. There are several good YouTube videos on the TC subject.

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

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!

I had the chance at buying an A8 D3 w12, with 150k on the clock, fsh but no record of any t/chain maintenance. Car sounded fine but was within the chain issue "window" of 150k to 200k miles. I walked away rather than risk the inevitable. With the w12 it's an engine out job approx 4k+, possibly much more depending on what they find.

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.

I was going to buy a W12, I was quoted 5k as a base price, they'll tell you they'll be additions depending.... Unless it's cherished sell it, sorry