Tips on buying a 5KTQ(one more)

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

At 12:33 AM 2/24/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>I am looking around for a 5000 turbo quattro right now , I was wondering
>if there are any major "audi problems" that I should look out for.

..............almost forgot to mention that the ABS system might already
have failed on cars you are looking at. And the system may be
disconnected.  The ABS sensors at each wheel "look" at cogs in the CV
joint, to detect differences in rate of rotation between wheels.  These
cogs get corroded and deformed by rust, and the signals from the sensors
stop being valid for rate of rotation. Then the ABS fires up and acts like
the car is slipping around on ice, when it is really just stopping
normally.  The chattering ABS drives the owner slightly nuts, and he
disconnects the system rather than replacing the CV joints that contain the
rusty cogs. So, you can look for that as you screen the cars.  Also, try to
avoid ending up with a car that has been in a serious wreck that damaged
the galvanizing, or which put unusual stresses on all the chassis and power
train components. And try to buy from an owner that has taken care of the
car and can prove it.  These are GREAT automobiles, even at over 200k
miles, and I am of the opinion that they will be great cars for as long as
parts are available.  Good hunting.

Doyt Echelberger
87 5ktq at 224k miles