Audi 90 Quattro question

[Tom Nas]

"Chris Stann" <ChrisS at informs.com> wrote:

>I am considering purchasing an '89 Audi 90 Quattro with about 150K miles.
>What are some of the items I should check specific to this model?  Any
>idiosyncrasies I should be aware of?  Niggling maintenance items?

Before starting, check the oil level. If there's clatter at startup this
might be the hydraulic lifters which need replacing, but it might also be
down to a low oil level and/or dirty oil.
Check all the electrical goodies for operation, especially check the heater
on full blast- the blower motor and the heater core are prone to go out,
these are dash-out replacement jobs which you'd prefer not to do (if the
heater's on and you smell coolant in the car, the core's dead). Check the
diff lock, ABS should shut down (light on the dash goes on) when the diff
is locked and diff lock should automatically disengage above (I think) 35
km/h.
Check if all suspension bushings are OK, replacement is no fun and bushings
are expensive. Check if the propshaft UJs are quiet.
The body is galvanized, rust would signify improper accident repairs. If
the trunklid drags when opening and closing, the car's been hit in the rear
and trunk leaks would be the result.
Seatback frames are prone to cracking and repair means extensive disassembly.
If the engine temperature gauge doesn't work, it could mean that the engine
has overheated or just that the sender is dead. An overheated engine with a
blown head gasket doesn't run on all five cylinders from cold, low coolant
and or coolant/oil interchanges would be telltale signs. There are more
aftermarket choices in the US than there are here in Europe, but generally
a rusty exhaust means expensive replacement.

There's more but I'll leave that to other listers... these are solid if not
simple cars, the engines can take huge mileages but if you don't keep up
with maintenance you'll be presented with a huge bill sooner or later.
They're very rewarding to drive and the galvanized body is a big plus.

Good luck!

Tom
88 90q
(all the above is from personal experience with my previous 87 90q)