Re: Potential 200TQW Purchase

["Osman Parvez" <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

Paul Chang wrote:
[snip]
>  The car is a
> 1989 200TQW with 121k mi in what appears to be fairly nice condition. The
> asking price is 7300. with an extra set of studs on Ronals.

"Asking price" is a little high for the average. What's the "Selling Price"
gonna be? In other words, how firm is he on the price? Is he a dealer or a
private party? 


> 1. The car spent the last few years (at least) in Utah.  Does any Utah
> lister know if the roads are salted in the winter and how it affects the
> longevity of the body?

Since my 200q has spent it's entire life in the heavily salted North East I
think I can fairly judge what salt will do. You'll find lots of cosmetic
damage along the leading edge of the hood and maybe some pitting on the dot
headlamps. Since the steel is galvinized, rusting shouldn't be a problem
except on underbody steel components such as fuel lines, oil line fittings,
and rear calipers. I'm starting to show a bit of rust along the metallic
trim piece on the tail, under the trunk lid but directly above the bumper.
The flat fittings have rusted. Until I take it off for replacement, I won't
know how far the rust has really gone but it looks very cosmetic and
limited to the trim piece. I don't know if the wagon has a similar piece of
trim. 


> 2. The boost gauge has no light and is very difficult to read.  The
seller
> said that it is not equipped with a light.  Right or wrong?

The trip computer contains the boost gauge. It should be digital red, with
a noticeable dimming when the headlights are turned on. If you think their
is a problem there, find your nearest 200q and have a look to compare.
There is no external light.


> 3. With the engine off, I stepped on the brake pedal 35 or 40 times with
> no change in feel.  Is the bomb supposed to last that many strokes or did
> I do something wrong?

I've got a bad bomb and the pedal stiffens after only a few applications
(with the engine off). Again, you should find another 200q (or 5000 csq) to
compare it with. It might help a great deal.

> 4. The steering rack and PS pump show no leaks nor emit any unusual
> noises.  Yet at parking lot speed the steering feels heavier than all
cars
> (American, European or Japanese) I have driven in recent years.  Is this
> normal?

See above and yes, my 200q has heavier steering than any other vehicle
equipped with PS I've driven. 

[snip.. I have no idea on #5]

> 6. Since the car had the studs on, I did not want to drive it hard on
bare
> pavement.  At half or three-quarter throttle, the car felt anemic
compared
> to normally aspirated engines that I am used to.  Does one have to floor
> the throttle to get serious power out of the turbo engine?  The oil
> pressure was 4 bar at cruising so that was good.

Again, compare with another 200q. I never felt the engine was anemic even
before the boost mod. All Q's have a very long travel compared to most
other cars I've driven so I suppose it is possible that you weren't leaning
into the throttle far enough. Don't expect much gusto before you hit third
gear though, Low end power is somewhat lacking in the 200's. 
.
[snip]
> Better yet if a Seattle lister is willing to help me eyeball this car and
> tell me if I should pursue it further I would be truly grateful.

I think you'll find some kind listers for that. Andrew, Linus, Orin??? 
Perhaps they could recommend a competant shop. Wasn't there one quoted from
March's EC? That guy *sounded* competent, any listers care to comment?
Anyhow.. I STRONGLY recommend a comparison with another 200Q and a thorough
work over by a good shop. Good luck and once you buy it.. don't shy away
from mods.. 

Osman Parvez
Albany, NY
89 200q, TAP Chip, 170K