4 hours of repair and $500 later

[brandon&trenna adams]

I agree with David on this for you.
And would add that if you need the audi, and have low budget, try the type
89 cars,(90q, 80q and non q) I have had no trouble with them at all. Take
basic care of them i.e. oil changes, tune ups at reasonable intervals,
change filters and such. They will outlast you. 
BA


> [Original Message]
> From: David Conner <conner at cfm.ohio-state.edu>
> To: <quattro at audifans.com>; <s-car-list at audifans.com>;
<200q20v at audifans.com>; <urq at audifans.com>; <iceisit at earthlink.net>
> Date: 06/07/2005 7:38:23 AM
> Subject: 4 hours of repair and $500 later
>
> Dear Fay,
> You need a car that is reliable and enjoyable to drive ... not a source of
> endless expense, worry and frustration.  Relying on distant "experts" to
> maintain your aging Audi is not a viable option.  As you know, many are
> expert in taking your time and money but not much else.  Here are some
> options for you to consider...
>
> a) become self-reliant, doing all your own maintenance and
troubleshooting,
> scrounging used parts, and shopping on-line for the best parts prices.
> This works best if you have a garage, a back-up car to take the pressure
> off while waiting for parts to arrive, etc, etc.
>
> b) find a local mechanic who is trustworthy >and< competent in servicing
> your particular car (89 200 turbo FWD w/automatic trans?).
>
> c) Get a different car, preferably something more reliable!  Either a
> new/newer one under warranty, or one that can be serviced by a local
> mechanic who is trustworthy >and< competent in servicing that particular
> car.  
>
> I understand you and hubby don't really want to do your own maintenance,
so
> lets rule out option "a" and move on to "b".  How does one find the
elusive
> trustworthy >and< competent mechanic who is expert in maintaining your
> particular car?   One thing you could do is look for similar cars around
> Flagstaff... older German cars including Audi, VW and Porsche.  When you
> see one that looks well cared for, ask the owner where they have it
> serviced.  Sometimes you find there is a local wrench in some hidden
> location servicing these cars who takes pride in their work.  They
probably
> don't advertise much or hang out a fancy sign because they always have
> plenty of work due to repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals.  These
> guys are worth their weight in gold.   
>
> Your car, being a turbo, is by it's nature a finicky beast with much
higher
> maintenance requiremenst than a similar non-turbo Audi.  Even if you do
> find the elusive person under option "b", you need to be prepared for
> on-going expense and the reliability issues associated with the complex
> nature of the turbo engined Audi.  I don't think it's a written rule, but
> it seems that it's almost impossible to drop a car off for service
anywhere
> these days and get away for under $300.  Also, option "b" means you'll
> probably pay dealer list price for all parts they install, even though the
> wrench is not the Dealer and you could have bought the parts yourself via
> the internet, at a much lower cost... that's just the way it works.  They
> have overhead costs and need to make a living, etc.
>
> I see by your most recent post that you are considering buying another
> Audi.  Audi's can be great cars, I love them myself.  But, assuming you
are
> thinking of buying another older car I think your first order of business
> should be to find a trustworthy >and< competent mechanic... if they don't
> service Audi then find out what they >do< service.  Ask friends and
> neighbors who drive older cars for their advice.  Consider what cars
> besides Audi might serve your needs.  How about Subaru?  A few Audi folks
I
> know have happily made the switch to them... AWD with Japanese
reliability.
>  I bet there are a few of these around Flagstaff... maybe they are a
> reasonable alternative for you. 
>
> Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
> Dave C.
> Columbus,OH
> 89 200q
> 89 100E
> 87 5ktq
> 87 5ks
>
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