What do I look for on a 5000CS quattro?

[cobram at juno.com]

While not a Q, keeping my 1984 5KS (5spd) on the road for over 10 yrs
qualifies me to comment.  I do all my own work, and have been saving
parts off cars (all automatics so far) that were on their way to the
boneyard.  Sold a few parts to fellow listers along the way.   I now have
about 5 of those LARGE rubbermaid storage tubs with what amounts to 2
complete 5K's sans body panels.    
Once hydraulics are done, they're usually good for another 7-10 years,
racks have perpetual guarantees now, the "Hub Shark" tool makes bearing
replacement very easy, and there is no price for the BTDT factor either. 
 If you do your own work and have some space to save parts off the slew
of 5K automatics on their way to boneyards, owning a type 44 actually
becomes a pretty cheap hobby.  Lots of interchangeable stuff with the 3
other Q type 44's in the stable too. 
The ONLY thing I have actually had to buy for the 5KS in the last 2 years
were things like a wheel bearing, tie rods, subframe bushings and some
Mickey Mouse stuff that wouldn't risk on used components.
The learning curve is also much easier when you slowly graduate to the
various newer type 44's.  Only problem is giving in and letting go of the
damn things...never love anything that doesn't love you back would
probably be the moral of the story.  
 
BCNU,
Cobram at Juno.Com
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/1469/

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