To buy or not to buy a '93 2.3E Coupe? That is the question(well, one of them anyway)

[Robert Stirrat]

Hi listers,
              I'm saving money to buy myself a new Audi, a coupe no less.
I had my heart set on buying an S2 with it's turbo'd I5 20V power plant,
however,   Having spoke to fellow lister, Mike Dewar,  I'm a little
concerned about the running costs of such a car.  

I then thought to myself, why not settle for the 16V coupe as this offers
reasonable performance at a lower price and the running costs would be a bit
lower.

I then spoke to someone that owns a '93 2.3E, who would consider selling it
later in the year.  This car has 130K miles on the clock which averages to
16K a year.  The owner tells me that the car has had one previous lady
owner, the current owner fits this description too.  The car has only had a
fuel pump and a rear break caliper replaced in it's lifetime, not mentioning
the usual consumables of course.  I'm told that the car has never been
accident damaged or stolen.  She also said that the her  mechanic has
offered to buy the car from her in the past which certainly sounds
encouraging...

I'm not too concerned about the year of the car, as this will be one of  the
later examples using the classic I5 20V engine in this model, also my
current driver is about the same age.  Of course the age of the car can be
an advantage as far as it's value is concerned, i.e., more car for less
money.  Any European listers care to make a guess at how much this car is
worth?  I was thinking 5000 at most.

  I'm more concerned about the high mileage it has done.  I'm curious to
know if any of you would consider a purchase simliar to this?  Or would I be
better advised in going for the 2.0E 4 cylinder?  I notice the 1988-1990
models are quoted as have 136 BHP, whilst the later models (1990-1993) have
133 BHP, how can this be if they share the same cubic capacity?  Then I see
the 16V has 140 BHP.  Would it be possible to get a 7BHP with a performance
exhaust system?   

Finally, can anyone give me a few pointers as to what potential problems to
look for in this particular model?  Any fans website addresses would be of
the greatest helpl to me.

As ever, my gratitude is yours, thankyou,
  
                                                            Robert S  '92 80
B4 2.0