re: 1991 200q.....

[Eric Harman <ericha@wrq.com>]

Well, I bought one in January with 54K on it.  

It's got the UFO brakes, they pulse a little bit, but I haven't seen much trouble
from them so I'm waiting.  

It now has 59.5K on it, so we're moving towards the 60K and timing
belt replacement.  The consensus on the list seems to be go ahead and
replace the timing belt at 60K.  I've got an estimate that says the whole 60K
w/ timing belt will cost $535-$600.  I don't believe that includes the Oxygen
Sensor unfortunately since the guy says they don't replace that automatically.  I
think it includes $125 for spark plugs, though.  Some people also say to replace
the water pump while you're in there.  Again, the place I'm going says they 
inspect the water pump and and tensioner before deciding.  I might just have
them do the water pump anyway.  

What has gone wrong:
   driver's door lock broke ( key just spins in lock): replaced lock
   driver's window 1-touch down feature became intermittent: replaced switch
   rear transmission seal started leaking: replaced seal
   sunroof wouldn't always close: adjusted
   driver's door switch for right rear door out: replaced switch
   power steering pump leaking: will be replaced next week: $297 - $656.88 parts
   horn now intermittent: will be replaced next week (electrical test says it's bad,
     not wiring)

What else will go wrong (hearsay):
   power steering rack
   pressure accumulator (? - like on the earlier ones?)
   distributor

Pluses
  crash safety
  acceleration
  deceleration
  voice-activated phone
  humongous

Minuses
  reliability
  parts prices 
     (quoted between $270 and $481 for an oil pan)
     (quoted between $297 and $656.88 for the power steering pump)
  getting a straight answer on parts (quoted between $189.95 and $1040 for 
    above pump, but threw out erroneous ones)
  lights
  handling (biggest car I've ever owned, maybe I'm spoiled)
  finding wheels that fit (Tire Rack rarely any help)
  humongous

    -Eric Harman
    Seattle
    '91 200 Quattro
        black w/ grey leather, phone, CD, Dunlop D40 M2s
    '90 Mazda 626 Touring Sedan GT

>Hi all, 
>  I have been following the list for about a year now. Lurking sort. With a need/info.
>I just put a deposit on a '91 200Q with 59k miles. I was wondering if there were any 
>areas other than the UFO brakes that I should look out for. It is a one owner, dealer 
>maintained(impeccable service record) and in perfect condition as far as I can tell.
>Any real quick info I can get would be genuinely appreciated.It has not had the brake 
>upgrade, brakes are working fine. No pulsation, rotors true. No comp or wastegate mods.
>Strickly stock. Any help will be appreciated.
>                                                TIA
>                                              Lorens
>