1999 Audi A8 -- 150k miles, should I buy?
 

I test drove a 1999 Audi A8 4.2L Quattro -- it was so much fun. I'm looking to replace my current "beater" car that is on it's last legs (2005 Civic VP, 150k, just got head gasket replaced and retooled head) -- and potentially has a lot more work to do.

The A8 is at a small dealer that looks like he got it from an auction recently. He claims his mechanic has Audi experience and they have looked at the timing belt and it seems fine--he also told me they are replacing some front end parts (sway bar?) and will fix a small dent in trunk for me.

I tracked down the records and the local Audi dealer and spoke to them--they looked at the car recently, and noted a number of suspension/front end issues, as well as an issue with brakes that needed fixing (rotor?) -- Audi dealer says there is about $5k of work that needs to be done on it (of course dealer pricing and all that)

So here is my question -- if I gave this guy my Civic + $1,000 will I be better off? I want this thing to last me a year without having to do anything on it. After that is gravy. It's my commuter "beater" if you will, and looks like a lot more fun to drive in the winter than my civic. (Which I also need to get new tires for, whereas the Audi will have new tires as well when I get it) - I absolutely beat my cars (thus the civic which I bought new in 2005, and it's issues)

Opinions? Can I justify this?

You'd be taking a gamble as with any similar car, do you have savings or credit to use up if you need it? If so, it may be worth a punt. If you live 'hand-to-mouth', forget it.

I have some money, but I'd only be willing to budget $1,000 for repairs in the next 12 months. -- I am looking for something to get me through the winter and into a little summer, make my commute a little more comfortable than my civic, while I save up to get a little nicer car -- so my intention would be to offload it in a year--hopefully for at least $3k -- maybe as part of a trade in to get something else.

If you take care of your A8, it will last you forever. A buddy o'mine has a 1998 A8 with 270,000 miles, everything original, still running strong.

In my opinion, you can't even compare Honda's to Audi's - Honda's will die long before Audi will even cough.