to sell or not to sell

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

I revised my post to you a little bit. I think you are right to consider
selling it, mainly because it isn't fully galvanized and  will potentially
rust out.  It's insurance replacement value is nearing zero, and it needs
major suspension work and lots more. You could be looking at thousands of
dollars in reconstruction projects.

Sell it for maybe a grand (or less) and find a 1988-up model 80 or model 90
with a galvanized body and more recent improvements. Or a well-sorted out
type 44 that has been maintained. They are coming on the market at about 2+
grand for really nice ones that have been well maintained, or less for
something more average. It will need the same rebuilding as your 4000, but
at least you will be putting money into a car that will always be rust-free
and which has most of the upgrades that came along in 1988 (extensive model
revision of the 4000).

I'd look for something built after 1988, with full galvanizing, manual
transmission, and a paper trail of excellent maintenance and repair. I'd
look for evidence that the car had been generously cared for, with maybe
some of the really expensive big jobs already done, like a new clutch and
new fuel lines, new tires, new brake
parts/MC/wheelbearings/springs/shocks/bushings/radiator/climate
control/heater core/and even new motor and transmission mounts.  Some
people do not withhold such excellent maintenance, and their used cars are
like new in many ways. Others run a car into the ground and give it almost
nothing. Try to avoid such a car.

I'd also try to avoid a car that had been seriously damaged in an accident
or fire or flood. I'd have the final candidate inspected by an experienced
mechanic, and charge him with saying what the probable repair/replacement
items would be in the next year,  based on his inspection. If it were a 5
cylinder Audi, I'd expect the engine to be good up past 300k miles. I'd
want a compression check.

Try to find that bargain car that already has had maybe a few thousand
dollars a year spent in keeping it in top shape. They ARE out there. Many
people on this list own them. Try The Market Place at Audifans.com

Doyt Echelberger
Been through the expensive reconstruction of a model 4000 quattro. Then,
some guy hit it and destroyed it, and my insurance wouldn't cover the big
investment already there. But I will never forget how it went around
corners....like on rails.  Great handling car.


 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
At 07:41 PM 6/10/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>Bear with me, I will try to keep it short.
>
>I've got an 84 4000 S Quattro, with 210k miles. Having the powersteering
>pump replaced next week along with an associated hose, for me it's only
>around $450 for the whole thing plus labor. It seems like all I will be
>doing from now on will be replacing items like this, high priced ones. The
>suspension is about due for some new pieces. Needs a new windshield. Hood
>needs repaint, A/C and cruise don't function.
>
>I can live with some of these, but I am just getting a little edgy about
>some upcoming high priced bills if other parts need replacing. The engine
>is still running well, as long as I am not starting it cold.
>
>The car still puts along and is fun to drive, the quattro system is
>functional after a few rear output seals.
>
>In the up coming year I will be making at least four 700 mile trips, two of
>those trips are with the car completely loaded, going to college and back.
>
>My concern is that I am putting money into a vehicle which may or may not
>last for another year. I rather not spend upwards of a grand if the car is
>going to call it quits. If I can sell it now and get some money out of it,
>then the better off I am.
>
>Just looking for some advice.
>
>Thank you
>
>Brad Russell
>jbr at montana.edu