need your collective advice

[Efraim Gavrilovich]

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Hi guys,
As subject says, I need your advice. After 15 years of impeccable service
and 219K miles (353K km) my beloved 5KTQ is getting tired, although mostly
cosmetically than mechanically. All important parts are working properly and
I have no problems taking it to 2.0 Bar now and then. The only parts that
haven't been replaced over these 15 years are engine, transmission, turbo,
fuel injection, power steering pump and fuel pump. I guess both pumps will
eventually fail. I am considering getting newer Quattro and let my trusty
friend rest most of the time. I would still take it out from time to time to
let it stretch its legs, but I would retire it as a daily driver. I came to
this conclusion recently after I was driving around some important clients
of my company. One of the guys attempted to open rear window and I had to
tell him that I couldn't open the windows because wire harness broke again
and the only functional window was mine (I actually soldered three broken
wires today and windows are operational again, at least for now). The
tapping sounds of the engine are getting louder (despite using synthetic oil
for years) and this is not something I enjoy either. I know it's one of the
best cars ever designed, the best I ever had anyway, but I must admit to
myself that to bystander in looks and sounds like a clunker.
Anyway, I was thinking of getting 99 A4Q either 1.8T or 2.8. The dilemma is
"which one is better for me?". I read many posts on audiworld.com forum
where A4 guys tend to hang out and the consensus is that unless one is a
modification freak and a boy racer, the 2.8 is more refined and more
reliable than modded 1.8T. What do you think?
I found '99 2.8Q with 5V engine at the used car dealer next door and took it
out for a ride. I have never drove A4 before, but I felt instantly "at home"
behind the wheel. Very pleasant indeed although not nearly as quick as mine.
It has about 40K miles and looks almost new except for few minor nicks and
scratches.
The question is, should I overhaul and repaint my 5KTQ and continue enjoying
it for, hopefully, many more years or retire it and get a newer Q-ship? I
would rather get 93-94 S4 or 95 S6, but it's too expensive to buy and I am
afraid to get into older Audi and to start repair cycle all over again.
Thank you in advance,

Efraim Gavrilovich
'88 5KTQ, 353K km (219K mi), 2.0Bar

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