TR: [urq] A new project : a 5000TD !

[Huw Powell]

Louis-Alain Richard wrote:
> Just saw the car tonight. It is indeed in very good shape, virtually no rust, it is Zermatt silver with blue cloth interior. It is a Typ 44. The car has 222 000 km, which is 140 000 miles and is in a garage since 2004.
> 
> I brought the urQ key just to see, and if fits 5 out of 7 tumblers perfectly (the driver’s door lock cylinder is still not reinstalled ). So making a rough key should be relatively easy, but I will try the 3 mm hole too if need be. 
> 
> Now the big question is : is that car worth the amount of time and money I will spend on it, even if it’s free ? 
> 
> It will need, just to get it on the road once we have the key : 
> - a new big diesel battery, 
> - all fluids, 
> - a power steering hose (or brake booster hose, or both…), 
> - 4 new tires (185/70R14…) 
> - or 4 used 15x6 and 4x108mm wheels (I have 16x 205/60R15 tires here but all on 5 bolt wheels), 
> - parking brake cables, 
> - probably new front rotors and pads,
> - new belts, maybe a used alternator too (aren’t alternators prone to seize when stopped for a long period ?)
> 
> I think it is a lot of job for a “lot car”, a car I will use only each Monday morning for 40 miles when I switch between press cars. It will then sit for the remainder of the week awaiting my return.  And whose value will never reach a substantial amount. 
> 
> What do you think ?

So it needs roughly $800 in parts and probably that much again in labor 
if you don't do it all yourself.

If that gets you a thoroughly reliable car you enjoy driving for that 40 
miles a week, I guess it might be "worth it", but it's pretty borderline.

I guess I'm mostly concerned with the reliability after you've poured 
this cash into it.

If it were offered to me - for free - I might do it because 1. I have 
wheels and tires I can put on it, saving a big chunk of your list, and 
2. I actually "need" a car.

How many giddyups does the TD motor have?

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/