1990 coupe - to buy or not to buy?

Chris Semple chris at force5auto.com
Mon Dec 13 22:55:40 EST 2004



> -----Original Message-----
> From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com
> [mailto:quattro-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Kent McLean

> tom winter wrote:
> > Hi all - I may have found a nice 1990 coupe to purchase.
> The miles are high
> > (150,000) and the price sits at $2000. ...
> >
> > The car would be replacing a 1989 100q that is starting to
> show her age.

That would be an emotional decision, more so than a logical one. A 100q 5cyl
is one of the most inexpensive cars, of that era, that Audi produced. Hard
to spend any "repair" money on the driveline, since they never break. But
take an electrical example: 40$ for a 100 p/w regulator(avg $ anywhere), but
400$+ for a Coupe reg(nigh impossible to find used, and dealer only new).
Try the same comparison with taillamps, windshields, or engine ecu's as
well. You'd be giving up passenger and cargo room, and gaining a higher
insurance premium. Don't get me wrong, I love a Coupe for what they are, but
I'd never call it an "economical transportation choice". Buy it as a labour
of love, and keep the 100q as a daily driver if you have the option.

I drove one of my old '83 ur-q's as my only reg'd car for 14months ages ago,
with a four mile commute, and it was torture for both of us! Loved the car,
but it wasn't the right application for it.

-Cheers
Chris Semple
Concord NH
'92 S4
   coupla' q's




> At that age, a lot of problems are age related, not mileage related.
> For example, rubber seals, rubber hoses, electrical connections,
> brittle wires in the door jambs and trunk all cause won't-start or
> runs-poorly issues. Going from 1989 to 1990 buys you only one year
> of newer.
>
> Aside from typical used-car issues (brakes, tires, etc.), look at
> all the things that are wrong on your 100. :-)  Make sure all the
> electrical things work(lights, switches, lights on switches, radio,
> ABS). Does it have manual or automatic climate control? Does the
> AC work? Does the engine make unusual noises? Is there unusual wear
> on the tires, indicating alignment (or accident damage) issues?
> Does it look well cared for?
>
> If you are tired of your 100 and want a coupe, and it looks no
> worse than your 100, go for it. But don't expect it to be less
> trouble than your 100.
>
> Kent
> '94 100 S Avant
> '89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" needs a new home
>
>
>
>
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