. RE:Old Audi's worth keeping ? was:Dead Puppy

[TWFAUST at aol.com]

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       Let's look at this irrationally. I notice most listers list 2 or 3
cars. So, one assumes that one can be done without for short periods. Here's
my story, I once owned a new Porsche. The car broke my heart with repeated
failures. Now, I have the following: '86 5KTQ, '90 100 Avant, '89 Dodge
Caravan (turbo, warmed over). If I sold them all, I wouldn't have the price
of half a Chevy Beretta. My insurance bill is large, but smaller than most of
my friends car note/car rental payments. I have a car for every purpose, but
am considering another for formal occasions. I have never had a car
note/rental payment. The sum of money I have tied up in "wasting assets" is
minimal. Why anyone who is not self employed would rent a car for 3 or 4
years is beyond me. I am quite pleased with the appearance of the Audis and
enjoy the frequent tinkering. For fear of large problems, I only drive the TQ
a few hundred miles a month. The turbo mini van is indestructible, the
original Turbo I has been replaced with a "chipped" Turbo II, 198+/- HP. I
only did that for the forged rods and stronger bottom end.
       As to the present problem with the gas tank. I won't comment on labor
rates, but $500.00 for a used tank seems excessive. They can be rebuilt for
about $225.00. Radiator shops used to do it, but environmental considerations
have made it prohibitive. The nearest place to me is Albany. If nobody is
looking, quarter fill it with dilute acid and slosh it around for a few
minutes. This is available at any masonry supply house. Then buy a tank
repair kit, or two motorcycle kits. About $50.00.
       I suppose the question boils down to "do you like the car?"  There are
several in my local paper (Providence Journal) for about $2200.00. These are
100's, one is Quattro.