88 90 10v (fwd)

[altia!dennisr@ns-1.csn.net]

Dan,

Sorry for the delay in responding to you.  Before I bought my 88 90>
I test drove an 88 80 quattro and an 88 90 automatic.  One trip around
the block and I knew an Audi was what I wanted.  Big step up from the
rabbbit GTI.  Of all the automatics I've driven, the audi did please
me the most; it wasn't some go-kart with a whiny engine.  I found
mine, a 5 speed manual, for 7k about 2 years ago.  What a deal!


>     I currently have an '86 4K CSQ and prior to that an '85 4K S, so I'm 
>   somewhat familiar with those cars.  Both of those were 5 speeds.  Is your
>   car an automatic or do you know if there are any problems associated with
>   the auto's?

As you know, the 80 and 90 were successors to the 4k's.  In 88 the 90 
base model came with just about everything- leather, power win, locks,
sunroof, mirrors, abs cruise and AC.  Options were bun-warmers, cd 
player, 'lectric seats w/memory, and other odds and ends.. It has the
5 banger 2.3 with decent power, not great.

Reliability-wise, it's been an audi- few engine probs and the typical
minor annoyances that would never break on a chevy or a toyota.  I've
had some side molding problems, a door lock break, replaced the shocks
and control arm bushings, Ox sensor,water pump and distributor.  Due to the
double galvanized panels and the fact that I'm in Dry Denver, the thing
will never rust.  Nor will the muffler. Styling wise, it will look great
for another 10 years, and it's got the sexiest dash and console EVER MADE.
Just ask my wife.  She is sick of hearing me talk about it.  I've got
almost 150k on it, 80k of that mine.  I hope to drive to 300k on it.
My next audi will be the 90Q 20v or the coupe...or an s4 or a cabriolet or...

Driving wise, it's great in the snow with front wheel drive, oodles of
control and balance.  Having grown up in NH where snow stuck around, I
really appreciate the 90's balance, and would love to try a quattro.  It
handles surprising well for it's size, and sticks in the corners.  And it
is sooo quiet.  Built like a vault.  Whenever I get to rent I like to check
out the Camrys and Accords of the world.  I'm always shocked at the wind
noise and how much you can hear the engine.  The 90 sends you just enough
information to let you know what you're doing.> 

Ergonomics are good and bad.  All the radio, turn-signal, control stuff are
excellent and intuitive.  The dash, as mentioned before, is gorgeous. 
Audi hasn't made a better one.  The radio has little power and less bass, but
fantastic imaging.  Like a decent pair of english mini-monitor speakers.
My only real complaint is head-room.  I'm 6'1.  Leg room is more than
enough front and back, and the seat is quite comfortable and adjustable.
I just can't quite get enough head room, so I end up squishing and leaning,
and after my one-hour commute my back can be sore.  Maybe the cabriolet 
would solve this problem for me????

In summary, I love M'audi.  I get teased about it all the time because of
the audi things that break.  But for the money I could have ended up with
maybe an 86 accord.  You make the call.  Where else can you get this much
car for so little money?

>     Any info would be appreciated.

No problem.  Ask me to talk about my car and you're in for it.  Sorry about
the verbosity...
> 
>   TIA.
> 
> Dan Cooke
> cooke@bng.ge.com
>    
> 
> 
Any other questions, pass em my way.

Regards,


Dennis Ruffing
dennisr@altia.com