http://forums.audiworld.com/a8d3/ here is a link to the Post 2003 A8 site. Earlier A8s had trans problems (pre 2001 i believe). The timing belt which needs to be done sooner than later is 2 grand + at the dealer. They will do the water pump at the same time since it is in there with the belt and most of the cost is labor. My wife has a 98 A4 with the V6 that has been a great car. From all that I have read and heard is the A6 4.2 and the A8(also the 4.2) have a heavy feeling and though they are 300 + hp they can feel sluggish in the city and suffer poor fuel econo because the gearing and weight. Goggle the weight , might surprise you. With that said they are suppose to be GREAT road cars and the owner's I have talked with rave about that esp if you in a snow region. Hope this was of some help. http://forums.audiworld.com/a8d3/msgs/45898.phtml