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[Lawrence C Katzenstein <Lawrence.C.Katzenstein-1@tc.umn.edu>]

Hi listers:
   After two months I've decided to part with my V8 and get something
cheaper to run. Now that it's all fixed up, and the dealer said that it
seems like a really good example of a 90V8 I think it makes sense. 
   The problem is that I was satisfied with my Maxima SE and I just wanted
something equivalent with AW or 4WD. This is just too much car. I don't
need power seats, UFO brakes, etc. I sure don't need a tranny that would
cost a bunch to fix at the dealer if it ever broke down. I need something
like an A4 or a 9020V. Actually Quattro garage's loaner 4K was lots of
fun! While the V8 is lots nicer than American luxury cars it still feels
like the Queen Mary because of its weight and slushbox tranny.
   The local dealer helped me with the history on the car from Audi Host.
It was born in 1990, sold in Traverse City, Michigan and moved from there
to Florida. During its first couple of years it was getting 20,000
mile/year on the clock but was serviced punctually. Audi service dropped
off around the end of the warranty and the instrument cluster was replaced
at 57K in 1994. The "new" speedo has 46K on it, so the car overall has
103,000mi on it, but the guy who sold it to me said it actually had about
70,000 mi. Interestingly, given the strength of the drivetrain I believed
him. It only uses about 1/4-1/2 a quart of oil every 3000 miles. 
    The car has an excellent engine and transmission, had a new timing
belt installed when I bought it 4000 miles ago, and also new front brake
pads. It needs a new instrument cluster because the clock and domelight
don't work, but this can wait as the other gauges, the a-c clutch, and
other things hooked up to the dash cluster do work. Requests for used
clusters came in from the list for about $400. Otherwise everything else
works. 
    I put $12K plus $1600 in repairs into the car, and would like to
recover all or most of it. You can call 612 557 2848 (Advantage-the sleazy
dealer) who has agreed to take calls on it for me. MN-Wisc-Iowa folks who
use Quattro Garage in Chanhassen could also ask Keith or Chris what they
think of the car if you don't trust me. Those guys and even the general
manager at Carousel (Terry) have all come back with positive evals of the
drivetrain. 
    Since I figure that this is the best place to sell the car since it
will be appreciated, I also figure that this is last stop as mister nice
guy before I call the State Atty General and my lawyer to go after the 
dealer. 
    I will also consider trades of comparable value, especially 4 or AWD
cars- Subaru SVX, Legacy GT's, or Outbacks, Nissan Maxima 5spds with the
190hp V-6, or of course, Audi Quattros except the V8 or 5ks. My love of
cars that we fun but constantly needed work went out with my Austin Healey
3000 and again with my FIAT Spyder convertible (Italian electrial
engineers are oxymorons). From what I can see of the V8's electronics and
drivetrain it is an excellent example of STERLING engineering.
    Let me know if you're interested.
Best,
Larry