[s-cars] Happy Camper

[CyberPoet]

Dave,

Unless you have documented proof that the previous owner changed the
timing belt within the last 20k miles or 12 months, get a new timing
belt and water pump. Although I have had luck in a previous Audi that
had the timing belt snap, Audi's engines are generally interference
engines (pistons can touch valves if the timing is totally off, and
thus break parts). It's worth the piece of mind...

Other things to do immediately:
Obviously the brakes and tie rod. Lube the parking brake cable and
check for smooth operation. Replace air filter and fuel filter. Run an
oil flush product and change the oil and oil filter. Run a radiator
flush and then change coolant. Change all spark plugs (make sure you
get the Bosch platinums with the right ground prong count -- should be
four spade for that car, if I recall correctly). Assume the previous
owner neglected all the standard maintenance over the last 5k miles
unless you have documentation to the contrary.

Other things to check:
- Check all the radiator hoses for dry rot, aging, cracking, any sign
of failure. Replace as needed, or replace all if you have the $$ and
time to do it now. Sure makes the radiator flush easier.
- After flushing the radiator, run up the car's engine with the A/C on
and check the engine fans to make sure they come on as needed
(sometimes it's something you wouldn't normally notice in the winter).
- Check the passive voltage of the battery, and top off the electrolyte
(distilled water) levels.
- If you have a mechanic you trust, have the oil in the A/C system
renewed (involves draining out the system, replacing the existing
compressor oil with fresh compressor oil -- will add about 5 years to
the A/C compressor's expected lifespan).
- Remove each wheel, check the bolts, then reattach with non-seize
compound (if your brakes ever overheat, you'll thank yourself for
having done so, because hot brakes can meld rusted or iffy wheel
lug/nut combinations).
- Check all rubber brake lines for signs of cracking or aging, replace
as necessary, then flush all the brake fluids (rubber brake lines
permit ambient humidity to leak through very slowly -- in low humidity
environments, change fluid every 2 years, in high humidity
environments, change brake fluid every year).
- Check tires for wear, try rot, cracking, uneven wear patterns, proper
inflation.
- Check the spare tire (pressure, condition, all tools present) and
while you're at it, check for water in the spare tire wheel well, and
in the side wells of the trunk (hard to get to, but there is access).
- Check functionality of all gauges, all lights (including dash
lights), all switches, including seat heaters, remote mirrors, et
cetera.
- Examine headlights to ensure aim is right and they are producing
adequate light for your needs.

Having done all this, you might consider:
- Cleaning your injectors.
- Upgrade modifications.

Cheers!
=-= Marc Glasgow