[V8] input is appreciated

[Hoffman Anthony J A1C 552 CMS/MXMVC]

Fred,
I can see both sides of the argument. In my family there is a 4kq(mine) and
a V8q(hers)-also other VAG's and an E150(w/ a 351C). Every time I have to
work on her car (with 285K), I think to myself, the trans is going to go-the
trans is going to go. I had the car torn down to a bare dash and all the
wiring running to the engine out, just to fix the stupid cold start problem
last week. While it was apart I sprayed contact cleaner on the back of the
dash to hopefully stop the low fuel warning from coming on intermittently.
After the repair, the check engine light is off, and the cold start fixed.
The fuel warning still comes on, and the "CAT" light does the disco(her
words), but she loves the car. Sure, it has more issues than her old '93
Sentra ever would, but she loves the car. So, I continue fixing it, and will
in the future. For me, The 4k is the better car. I like them light, and it
tosses around much better. It also takes VERY little maint. I can do the
timing belt for $100 and in 1.5 hrs.
-------But--------She doesn't like my car, so I guess it comes down to a
matter of personal preference. 
Financially, V8Q's are selling for around $2-$4k, which isn't much, but the
timing belt job is about $800-$1k if you replace EVERYTHING yourself, plus
tools and your time. Just have to decide if it is worth it.

Tony Hoffman

-----Original Message-----
From: v8-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v8-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
FredParkerJr
Sent: 16-Jun-2004 12:34 PM
To: V8
Subject: [V8] input is appreciated


Hello Group,

I am at a bit of a crossroads with the V8.  I only drive the car 3000 miles
a year at this point because I have been racking the heavy miles on my
Mercedes Diesel.  I really love the car - believe me, it's nice to get into
a sedan that can run with the big guns once in a while after driving the oil
burner all day!

But anyway, here is my dilemma:  I am at 145,000 miles and due for a timing
belt.  The car has the original transmission.  I have gotten an estimate
from a local independent shop to do the timing belt for about $2100.  This
price includes all rollers, water pump, serp, tensioned, and distributor
guts if needed.  The shop is reputable and performed the t-belt at 90,000. I
could do it myself, it's just a matter of time and the special tools.

Overall the car is in really nice shape.  It's never been hit, all the paint
is original except for the front and rear bumper covers, Black on Black,
leather is nice.  The suspension could use shocks, front lower control arms,
and upper strut bearings (I have all the parts, just need time).

My fear is that the transmission will kick the bucket on the ride home from
the shop after the t-belt replacement.  Call me a pessimist, but the repairs
would then easily exceed the value of the car.

So here are some of my options:

1) Do the belt, replace the shocks, add new tires, and drive the life out of
the car (again!) If the trans goes, fix it.  All in all, this could amount
to 6K or so.  This option is basically a commitment to keep driving the V8
for a few more years.

2) Sell the car as is right now.

3) Do the belt and drive it till something else breaks!  Then evaluate and
probably put a fork in it.  (not high on my list - but none the less an
option!)  I'd almost be better off giving it away now.

4) Let it sit in the back of the garage until, um, yea, then....

Your input is appreciated,

Fred