I love the D2 platform A8 models and have been thinking of picking up a used one at a smashing good price. But I have reservations concerning reliability. Someone once told me that "if your Check Engine Light isn't on, you're not driving an Audi." My biggest concern is with the 4.2 V8 engine. I've read on various posts that the 4.2 is belt driven instead of chain driven...is this true? I used to work at an Audi dealer and heard many horror stories of timing-belts snapping long before the recommended service interval. I don't want this to happen nor do I want to pay to have it replaced at all. Could someone with first hand experience or reliable knowledge please answer this question as well as inform me of what else I should look out for. What are the other problem areas of the D2 A8? And what can I expect for regular maintenance over the long term? I'm looking at MY 2001-2003 with less than 80,000 miles. Please help! I've never owned an Audi before.

 

answered ya over here... :

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...1#post24009233

...before I saw this.