Re: 5000 CST: to buy or not to buy?

[Greg & Britt <image_one@earthlink.net>]

> On Wed, 26 Nov 1997 11:05:17 -0800, you wrote:
> 
> >[ ... ] I am thinking about buying an '86 5kcst with 127K on the
> >clock. It's not quattro, but it is 5-speed.The car seems
> >to be in good shape, and all the electrical works except
> >cruise control.Yes,it does have a power steering pump leak,
> >(~ $300 fix) and the owner wants $2000 for it. Does this sound
> >like a good deal? [ ... ]

If The body and interior look like they are in good shape, the price
does not sound to bad, if a tad low. What’s the owner not telling you?
If you know of a good shop with Audi experience have them give it an
inspection.  Well worth it if they find some nasty stuff. CHECK THE
TIMING BELT! Then you can start your love/hate relationship with a nice
driving car. You might need a second job to keep it running ;-). Quick
things to check: Drivers door window tracks up/down smoothly and
quietly, check front passenger carpet in footwell by tranny hump for
signs of anti-freeze leakage from heater, stick your fingers in the
footwell heater vent also checking for anti-freeeze. Check front axle
boots-right side inner is tough to see. check forleaks from any part of
the hydraulic system. Apply brakes multiple times w/engine not runnning.
You should get at least 20 applications before pedal gets hard. If not
you’ll need a “bomb”. You can get a rebuild kit for the hydraulic pump
from Audi. Last time I picked one up it was about $50. You WILL need
struts/shocks, rotors, pads, wheel bearings ect...
Check emergency brake operation- rear caliper lever sticks, specially in
foul winter areas of the country. These cars have the amazing ability of
simultaneous failure of unrelated systems. Get yourself the Bentley
manual.  Talk your Audi parts department into giving you their outdated
micro-fische sheet for parts, they get updates all the time. It’s an
excellent resource. You’ll need a viewer or you can go to your public
library and use theirs.
This is by no means complete....as you shall find out...
GT

84 5KT
87 5KT