deal? 90 200

[Kent McLean]

George Selby wrote:
 > I found a 1990 200 turbo in the countryside of NC, non quattro,
 > automatic.  It has 79k miles, was serviced at a local European
 > shop (no nearby dealers in that area.)  Being sold by family
 > of serviceman who just found out he is going to be in Iraq
 > longer than expected. Price $1500.  Good deal?  What should I
 > look for when I go look at it tomorrow?

You may want to save yourself some time and *not* look at it. The
automatics are problematic. Ask Fay about hers; I think she would
have been happy to get $750 for hers. But if you want to help out
a soldier, offer them $1000 and write it off.

If you aren't deterred, at 79K miles the timing belt is probably
original and will need to be replaced, ASAP. Ask for a receipt
if they say it was done. Make sure the automatic works smoothly
in all gears, no slipping or slow to up/down shift. If it has a
dipstick, check the fluid.

If it passes those quick checks, look at the rubber hoses (Michelin
man turbo hose, oil cooler lines, vacuum lines) under the hood.
Vacuum leaks will cause you headaches and are hard to trace.  Does
the e-brake work? Are the rear calipers free? Is the "bomb" OK? Does
the radiator show signs of leakage? How is the leather? Do all the
electric bits work? Seat heaters? Windows? Switch lights? Is there
a service history?  Does it have UFOs or G-60 front brakes? Does
the suspension make funny noises while under way; at low speeds,
over bumps, turning, etc.  Does the HVAC work? Does the AC blow
cold?  Cruise control work?  I could go on. [1]

At that mileage, most of your problems will be age related. That is,
the seat leather should look like new, but rubber bits (including
suspension bushings) will be shot.

That should keep you busy.

[1] Actually, I did. This is for the V8, but a lot of it applies:
<http://www.audifans.com/twiki/bin/view/Audi/BuyersGuide>
--
Kent McLean
'94 100 S Avant, "Moody"
'89 200 TQ, "Bad Puppy" up in smoke