Buying a used Audi 100, '82-'94

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

Excerpt from AutoBild, 24 Aug 96, translated and edited for relevancy by
Tom Nas. (I've left the German prices in for comparison and to amuse you)

CarGarantie AG, of Freiburg, Germany is Germany's largest insurance
corporation for privately bought secondhand cars. On a monthly basis they
deal with about 70,000 cars that are bought and sold. Through this service
they maintain statistics of warranty claims per car type. This article
deals with the Audi 100 series from 1991 to 1994 and is based on
CarGarantie AG (CG AG)'s data.

In Germany, the 100 suffers from an unjustified lacklustre image. This is
in direct contradiction with Audi's image as a high-tech car builder with
an excellent sporting reputation. Buyers of used cars benefit from this,
and the high build quality.

Bodywork
The roomy body has loads of interior space. Even 7-series BMWs can't beat a
100 for space. The BMW *does* rust a lot more than the Audi. The 100 isn't
immune from rust, but this is mostly due to dodgy repairs to the galvanised
bodyshell. Another notable feature is the aerodynamic efficiency of the
Audi body. This is for a large part due to well thought out details, such
as the flush-mounted side windows. On early cars these were responsible for
wind noise and rain leaks, but those days have long gone.

Engine/transmission
Like other Audi models the 100 has had its problems with noisy hydraulic
lifters. From 1988 this was cured by fitting a non-return valve in the oil
circuit, maintaining oil pressure. At the same time complaints about noisy
fuel pumps were addressed by fitting a new type of pump. CG AG noted that
further warranty claims centered around defective power steering servos,
but these were effectively modified after 1987. A new servo costs about DM
600 ($400) exchange in Germany. For the Diesel version this price is $135
higher. If you need a completely new steering rack, this would cost about
DM1600 ($1100) exchange.

Interior
Like we said before, higher-class cars don't offer more room than the 100.
Five adults and their luggage can be accomodated easily. The build quality
is also evident: gaps are even and cleanly shaped. No creaks and rattles
are to be heard. The body is very stable and stiff. Even after 100K km (60K
miles) these cars feel fresh and solid. The red instrument lighting is not
to everyone's taste.

Driving comfort
After all this, it will come as no surprise that the Audi 100 can be
considered a safe and competently-driving car, even on bad road surfaces.
The only criticism we can come up with, is that the front wheels are easy
to spin because the car is relatively lightweight. Of course the quattro
versions don't have this annoying feature. This is however a minor
criticism. On higher-mileage cars the driveshafts can wear, leading to a
rattling sound when cornering.

Market situation
The large Audi's qualities are no secret. They're very popular as used
cars, but unfortunately this is not reflected in their prices. Nobody knows
why, but (in Germany) a 3yr old Audi 100 can be had for about DM20,000
($13,750), which is about half of their new price. There are a lot of used
100's about, so that nearly every preference for equipment or colour can be
fulfilled.

Warranty claims
Of 100 cars with pending warranty claims,

24,2% had defects with the fuel system: intermittently ticking fuel pumps,
older pumps can be noisy. The fuel injection control unit can fail as well.

17,5% had defects with the steering: the main problem is the servo which is
prone to leaks. Other noted defects were in the linkage (creaking noises
and leaks)

16,1% had defects with the engine: about a third of these were defective
hydraulic lifters or blown cilinder head gaskets. New hydraulic lifters
cost about DM650 ($450), head gasket about DM850 ($580)

10,4% had defects with the brakes. The only notable problem was with brake
discs wearing out (after about 50K miles), otherwise no characteristic
problems.

Also no characteristic problems were found with:

8,5%: Electric system
8,5%: Cooling system
8,1%: Transmission, final drive
4,4%: Exhaust system

Model history
10/82 Introduction Audi 100 (Audi internal code: A4)
12/87 Minor face lift, flush door handles
12/90 Introduction Audi 100 (Audi internal code: C4)
      Three petrol engines and one Diesel engine offered
07/91 2.3 Turbo engine, 230bhp and AWD. New: 2.4 Diesel, 2.5 Turbodiesel.
09/91 Introduction of Avant model (wagon) and 2.0E engine, 115bhp, also with AWD
03/92 New 2.6 V6 (150bhp)
11/92 Audi S4 with V8, 280bhp
08/93 Drivers' airbag as standard
06/94 100 production ends, A6 takes over

Last generation 100's are only distinguishable from A6's by badging and
rear lights. Procon Ten system is very good, engines are quick and fuel
efficient. Our best buy in the series. V6 is very quick.

Checklist:

Hydraulic servo pump in power steering system, defective or 'sweating'
cilinder head gaskets, steering system leaks, lifter noise on startup
(cosmetic problem, until '88), rattling sunroof (only on early cars), worn
suspension joints (?-bushings? 'Achswellengelenke ausgeschlagen'; my
technical German fails here), Side windows loose (leads to water leaks)

The Audi 100 is like the prototype of a good employee: modest, hardworking,
self-effacing and economical. These qualities make the Audi 100 a very good
secondhand buy. Especially the younger cars (08/91 on), are very
undervalued, and hard to distinguish from the later A6.

Conclusion: 'Sehr Empfehlenswert', excellent buy.

 _______________________________________________________________________
   Tom W. Nas, graphic design                        tnas@dtpdirect.nl
   DTP Direct bv                              Voice +31 (55) 5 790 799
   Apeldoorn, the Netherlands                   Fax +31 (55) 5 790 125

Non-Reciprocal Laws of Expectations: Negative expectations yield negative
results. Positive expectations yield negative results