My 1990 Coupe Quattro

[KWHines@aol.com]

Hello fellow Audi enthusiasts!  My name is Kennon Hines, I am 26 and
divorced.  I recently moved from Philadelphia back to my hometown Atlanta,
proud host of the 1996 Olympics.  My pride and joy is a 1990 Coupe Quattro,
pearl white, black leather,  all options.

I bought the car in 6/93 with 37,500 miles for $16k.  The car was put into
service in 2/91, so I had 6 months of warranty left.  The car had been kept
in immaculate condition by the original owner.  Of the 3 or 4 CQs I looked
at,  this one was far and away the best.  I was psyched!

I have been a huge Audi fan ever since reading about the TQC when I was
younger.  My interest grew to a passion after driving a family friend's '86
5kCSTQ.  I had to live with my '86 VW GTI, but it served me well and is still
kicking after ten years.  Interestingly, my father, an attorney, did defense
work for Audi re: unintended acceleration.  He has some good stories.

I first fell in love with the QC when my X bought a '90 90.  I went with her
to look at many cars to replace her '85 Saab 900 (totaled in accident and was
falling apart) - we both thought the Audi was the best.  Much to my
displeasure, she wouldn't get the quattro b/c she had to have an auto.  I saw
the QC in the brochure and decided it would be my next car.  BTW, the X's 90
is still running strong w/ 80k and no major problems ever.

Back to the present.  I agree with all complaints about the QC.  It could use
more low end grunt and interior room.  However, the car is very rare, looks
great, and drives really well (particularly at high speed).  My QC has no
mods w/ the exception of the following:  The original owner had installed
(mostly himself, and *very* well) an amazing stereo and Alpine alarm system
that works in conjunction with the factory alarm.  The stereo system consists
of an Alpine CD head unit, Altec Lansing component speakers, 4x50w Alpine
amp,12" Alpine sub (in custom-built sealed enclosure) powered by another
Alpine amp (120w, bridged), and a MTX electronic crossover.  Sound is
awesome!

I have had no problems with the exception of a persistent leak around the
driver-side A-pillar.  This started (on both sides) after my windshield was
replaced by a glass shop in Philadelphia.  My local dealer (Don Rosen
Imports) was very good about addressing the problem, working on the car about
 ten times over the course of a year.  I was given a free loaner each time
(same for other service visits even though I didn't buy car from them!) and
eventually, we all thought, fixed the problem.  Since returning to Atlanta, a
small leak has reappeared on the one side.  I would love to fix this once and
for all.  Any suggestions?

I am currently running P4000 STs.  They were fine at first, but performance
(particularly wet) has gone way down with 20k.  I am looking for a higher
performance replacement (no snow in GA), maybe D40 M2.  Any
comments/recommendations specific to QC?

Sorry to take up so much space, but I had (obviously:)) a lot to say.  TIA
for any responses to my questions.  Talk to y'all soon.

 - Kennon Hines (kwhines@aol.com)

1990 Coupe Quattro