'88 5000S Auto FS; Any Buyer Beware?

[Huw Powell]

> 
> Okay, here's the extremist point of view.  I have a type 43, 5KT FWD, bought
> new in 1981 when I returned from SE Asia.  I've been through thick and thin
> with it;  it has about 335,000 miles on the clock.  Most of the problems
> with it were caused by a few unknowledgeable monkey lads.  

I had one of those, an '83... that was an incredible car.  I suspect 
(was told) that the WG spring had been shimmed, but stock they were 130 
hp.  It seemed faster than the 130 hp in my '89 90Q.

> But now I'm rethinking my position.  If one can't buy parts for type 44's;
> good luck on parts for a type 43. 

I don't know what you can't get for a type 44, but as I recall, all I 
ever needed for the 83 was basic stuff - brakes, door handles, oil 
filters... Although, if I had known about the list, I might have had it 
a lot longer - the WG started sticking open or closed (both a real 
pain), and I couldn't figure out how to fix/replace it.

> I think I want to upgrade by about 10
> years or so to get the advantages of electronically controlled timing and
> running and the resultant marginal increase in fuel efficiency.  

You could do that on your type 43 chassis (engine/electronics swap)... 
although I think the big fuel economy advantage of the t44 is changing 
aerodynamics from "brick" to "space shuttle".

> I asked for comments on buying a Mauve 1990 - 90 20V with an engine "that
> turns over but won't start".  Got no replies except to challenge my
> statement that the engine codes could be read through the radio;  they
> can't, but the 100 of the same era can.

The trouble with a car that won't start, with no history or owner info 
even, is that it could be *anything* wrong.  From a 25 peso fuse to a 
couple thousand dollars worth of engine work.  Right?

That should be a nice car, a nice step up in many ways from your 5kt, 
too, but knowing what is wrong with it goes a long way to informing your 
purchase decision.  And price, too, of course.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/