should I buy an older Quattro wagon/Avant?

[Kent McLean]

Tessie McMillan wrote:
 > I'd like a wagon to haul the dogs and I'd want AWD, and I can't spend
 > more than $1000, as this car will not replace my sedan.  &:-)

If you were smart, you'd avoid it. You'd find an old Taurus
wagon. But you already own an Audi, so you should be familiar
with the family. Go for it.

You should be able to find an '85-89 5000/200 Avant for cheap.
You'll enjoy the turbo model more.  Things to look for, besides
the usual used car issues, are broken wires in the door jambs
causing inoperative windows, vacuum leaks on the engine (old
rubber) causing hard/no start/rough running conditions, dodgey
fuel pump threatening to die on you, leaky fuel injectors that
cause long cranking to start the car after sitting idle for a
while, frozen rear brake calipers and emergency brake cables
slowing you down, worn suspension bushings and parts making
for unsafe driving.

If you find a well maintained example, you'll love it. And
when you have it sorted out, you can upgrade the turbo spring
and ECU for a cheap power upgrade.

You may be hard pressed to find one for <$1000, though.
You can browse:
http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/browse.php?table=pm_audifans_Cars

And find things like:
http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?table=pm_audifans_Cars&id=24
http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?table=pm_audifans_Cars&id=18
http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?table=pm_audifans_Cars&id=21
http://www.audifans.com/marketplace/show.php?table=pm_audifans_Cars&id=27
(You can dream about the last one; I do.)

Good luck in your search.

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