Re: UrQs

[raf40@oes.amdahl.com (Richard Funnell)]

Bill,

I have been using an urQ as a daily driver for the past many years.  If
you're starting with a car that is running well, and which has had the
electricals sorted out, it may be workable.  After all, it won't be your
daily driver, so that's a plus.

There's lots of stuff in the archives about the car, so I won't attempt a
comprehensive list of things to watch for.  Ask Bob if he's done anything
to work around the problem of the flaky fuse box.  There have been several
suggestions on this list, and the general drift is to reduce the electrical
load going through this fuse box to avoid having open connections develop
inside it.  I think that's the one single greatest problem with the car.
The electrical installation under the dash looks like something put
together in somebody's basement over the weekend, and it works about that
well too.

Some other problems are not unique to this model, but may be worsened by
the higher power level compared to 4000s and many 5000 Turbos.  For
example, broken exhaust manifold studs are not unusual, and can't always be
fixed without taking off the heads.  In my case, I ended up paying $1700
because three $2 studs broke.

Everything seems to take longer with this car.  Things such as a timing
belt change are a pain because of the incredibly crowded engine bay, but
once you find a decent mechanic, that simply translates to a few more hours
of labor.  When I was using the dealer, the service guy I went through had
kittens whenever I asked for a quote, since his documentation didn't seem
to cover the car.  Most of the car's mechanicals are derived from standard
Audi's, however, so there shouldn't be many mysteries about how things
work.

Ask for mechanic recommendations in your area.  If you end up relying on
someone who hasn't worked on an urQ, wear a rabbit's foot and give him a
copy of the two special manuals written for this model.  You should also
have a copy of the Bentley.  Learn the sources of quality parts at discount
prices, since dealers usually gouge.

Electricals aside, the car is not delicate.  Mine is holding together very
well in most respects, including drive train, exterior and interior.  Now,
about the electricals!

It's a great car.  It's fast (once you're moving), handles well and will
actually carry passengers (so long as most of their baggage is left at
home).  Most people have no idea what it is, and some will call it a
tricked-up Scirocco.  On the other hand, every now and then someone will
drool all over it, and sometimes put notes under your wiper blade trying to
buy it.

Sorry for the long post, but I needed the distraction.  Back to work now.
Good luck.


>Gentlefolks:
>
>Brother Bob and I have been having some preliminary cyber-chats about the
>possibility of my acquiring his UrQ so he can get on with building his
>new house.  Bob has been very forthcoming about the car and I take what
>he says as gospel.  Jim at Blaufernugen and Darin also attest to the
>excellence of the vehicle.
>
>My concern is what kind of maintenance this beast will need.  I
>recall many of
>the conversations on this list since I've been a member & do some
>reading in the archives, the word I would use to describe these cars is
>"fussy."  While they may not need pampering they certain need the touch
>of someone who really loves and understands them.  I am not a mechanic,
>mechanically inclined or anything like that.  My baby brother is but he
>is in NJ and he's a Chevy guy.  Even though I'm only about 65 miles from
>Chicago I have been unable to find anyone who I would feel confident in
>calling a UrQ expert.
>
>My question is just how much will I need a UrQ believer to keep the car
>running in top shape.  Jim & I talked about some possible minor upgrades
>to Bob's car like some slightly revised suspension components and
>dropping a new chip in the car.  I hate to think that I will need to take
>the car to Blaufernugen which is about 100 or so miles from me.
>
>The car will be my second with the 4kq remaining as my daily driver.  UrQ
>would get put away for the Winter and be my primary warm weather vehicle
>as my son would probably take the 4kq when he is home from school.
>
>Advice, guidance, and counsel is greatly appreciated.
>
>Bill Murin

Richard Funnell,
San Jose, California
'83 urQ
'87 560 SL