What car to replace my '87 4kq? (long)

[Ti Kan]

On Sun, Feb 23, 2014 at 08:20:36PM -0800, Andrew Buc wrote:
> I've had my 4kq for slightly over 14 years, and my fondness for it
> is undiminished, but owning it is becoming less practical. I'm
> dividing this post into 4 sections: the Reader's Digest version of
> my sitch, the War and Peace version, my criteria for the next car,
> and my thoughts on what the replacement car might be.
>
> ...

If I were you and must have only one car, then I'd keep the 4Kq.
You have already fixed many things that would wear out/go bad, so you
_know_ your car.  The "unknowns" that might strand you are probably
few and far between.  If you buy a used car, you'll have a lot more
unknowns, even if there is service history, because you may not know
whether the repairs were done properly and with quality parts.  Each car
model has its own set of issues, so there are more unknowns that you'd
have to contend with.

It's true that the 4K series is old and certain parts are becoming hard
to find, particularly body or interior parts.  But those parts that are
needed to keep the car running (engine, brakes, drivetrain, suspension,
etc) are still available.  You just need to look for them a bit harder.

You said:
> I don't think in terms of "This repair is $X, and the resale
> value of the car is $Y." I do think in terms of, "If I do this repair,
> what kind of service will the car give me for the foreseeable future?"

Bingo.  I don't think of repairs/service as unwanted expense, I consider
them investments to increase the life of the car.

You know you like the car, so don't get rid of it and regret the decision
later...

My 2 cents.

Btw, Audi power window switches of that era usually can be disassembled
and cleaned (oxidation of the contacts).

-Ti