to v8 or not to v8

[Kent McLean]

c dyer wrote:
> But to potentially replace it, I just came accross
> what appears to be a very nice '90 v8, new tranny
> installed. It's listed at $5900(!). (Edmunds says
> around $4k is more apropos.)

If you've never driven one, it's quieter than your 5K.
Smoother. More thirsty. More comfortable. Automatic
can be it weak link, but that was (hopefully) fixed.
In my (older) mind, it's worth having.  But $5900 seems
high.

Like the 5K, you'll want to know when the timing belt
was done -- it's about $800 for parts (belt, water pump,
etc.), and $800-1000 for labor -- it should be done
every 60K miles (factory says 90K I believe) or 5 years.
And make sure the automatic is truly rebuilt. That can
"total" the car.  Other than that, it's a lot like your
5K - electrical issues, AC issues, seat heaters don't
work, instrument cluster lights or diagnstic display
erratic, Bose stereo popping or fried, etc.

FWIW, Audiconnection in NC has one (they usually have
a few) for $5250. It's a '92 with the 4.2L engine and
a fresh timing belt service:
<http://www.audiconnection.com/cars/1992_audi_quattro_v8_lago_blue_grey/index.htm>

--
Kent McLean
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody"
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke