Re: finding a wife for the car

[Charles Schwartz <cschwart@stern.nyu.edu>]

John,

I own an 86 Audi 4000 5-speed and an 89 $aab 900T Auto.  They are both nice
cars.  Don't expect the $aab slushbox to be much more reliable than the
Audi slushbox.  Mine is fine, but I know that one day it will die like they
all do.  $aab used English built Borg-Warner 3-speeds in the 900 series
until 93.  (94 for the Convertible). This is a very primitive transmission
used only by $aab, JagU-R, and Rampbler.  Rebuilts are about $1000 from 3rd
party outlets, but the installation is difficult because the trans is
located underneath the motor.  The engine must be removed for trans repair.
(The top of the trans serves as the oil sump for the engine.) The $aab does
have a great motor, great seats, and is safe and roomy.  But don't expect
parts to be much cheaper than Audi.  Watch out for leaking steering racks,
shot motor mounts, weeping head gaskets, worn timing chains (very
expensive), and leaking engine seals.  $aabs like to leak.  

Don't get me wrong, the $aab is a decent car.  But it is no less of a
time/money waster than an Audi.  That said, the turbo is a blast.

Charles