Re: 1988 Audi 90s: Opinions wanted!

[Aleksander Mierzwa <alex@matrix.com.pl>]

At 21:20 13.05.98 -0400, Johanna Bradley wrote:

>I am looking at a 1988 Audi 90s that is in good condition but has rather
high >mileage (151k).

Not a high mileage for Audi

>Also, the airconditioning fan belt has been cut.

Why doesn't the owner replace the belt? It's only few bucks and A/C would
be useful now in the middle of May. I'd be a little suspicious here. The
compressor could be seized or the clutch damaged. 

>	I testdrove the car today and it seemed to run very well.  There was a
>consistent whining noise coming 
>from the back of the car (very soft, yet noticeable).  The lady selling
the car >said it was the new fuel pump.

Yes, some fuel pumps are noisy since new. 

>	The following parts have been replaced:
>	--3/98  Alternator, Starter
>	--2/98	Fuel Pump, Fuel Pump regulator
>	--8/96  1 CV Joint, one axle (used), one tie rod (all on RR wheel I think)
>	--9/94  (with only 84,600 miles on car!!) water pump, radiator, timing
>belt, head gasket, valve job, 
>		spark plugs
>
>What I am concerned about is that even though many expensive components
have been >replaced four years ago, 70k 
>miles have passed in those four years.  Will these parts last much longer
or will >I be stuck putting thousands 
>more dollars into the car in a short period of time?

Timing belt and water pump are normal maintenance items that should be
replaced every 60k miles. If they were replaced at 85k miles and now the
car has 150k, it's time to replace them again. Not easy if you do it
yourself nor cheap if you let the workshop do the job. It seems that the
car had radiator problems (leaking? clogged?) that caused it to overheat
and blow the head gasket. If the car doesn't overheat these failures
shouldn't reoccur. If the fuel pump, alternator and starter got replaced
recently they should last at least another 100k miles.

>On the positive side, I have heard that Audis last forever and are 
>reliable. 

Check the hydraulic system for leaks. Check how the brakes react to panic
stops. If it's an automatic it may be worthwile to check the differential
fluid level (a job that is best done using an inspection pit)

Aleksander Mierzwa
Warsaw, Poland
mailto:alex@matrix.com.pl
87 Audi 5000CS turbo (mine)
88 Renault Medallion wagon (mom's)
91 mountain bike (just in case both cars broke at the same time :-)