Re: can audis/vws take v.high mileage??

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

mamn97@pop.dial.pipex.com wrote:

>I'm looking at a couple of audi 80 sports (UK) - (4000 1.8injection
>in the US i think). (also same engine in 1.8 8valve golf/jetta)
>The cars are both 86, with v. little rust.

Last of the B2/81-type line, probably part-galvanised. Certainly better
rust-prevention than on earlier cars.

>one has been owned for last 7 yrs by a lady who's covered most
>of the 190k miles- probablly motorway miles . - It also has been
>fairly trouble free.
>the other has also had only 2 owners and done 200k miles and has been
>reliable.

>both obviously have FSH (non dealer for several yrs)

Obviously? That'd be nothing short of a miracle here...

>The lady is asking 800 GBP but has had little interest because of the
>mileage.
>The 200k is asking 650 GBP.

>Will these engines take much more mieage- or am i asking for trouble?

When I sold my 1.8 Audi 80 two weeks ago, it had 220,000 km on it (137k
miles) and it ran like new. No problems whatsoever, no oil consumption
noticeable between services, even with lots of long-distance driving. 200k
miles is certainly doable, especially if it's mostly long-distance. The 1.8
is the most trouble-free, sturdy engine I've yet encountered. In 90,000 km,
all I changed was one coolant temp sensor- that's all besides regular
maintenance. I've heard of 80s with much higher mileages without any
problems.

>(I am fairly good with DIY and have fixed clutches etc. but am not
>too confidet to mess with engine rebuild)

>TSR  performance in the UK offer rebuild for ~600 GBP (without head)
>should I try negotiating with this figure in mind ? assuming that the
>engine will die soon.
>I also only need the car for 4 mnths over the summer.

You should be able to get it not only through the summer months, but use it
a lot longer. If the gearbox feels good (synchros not worn) and the car
doesn't emit blue smoke on acceleration, it'll be OK.

Good luck!

Tom

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl
 1988 Audi 80 1.8S, mostly Tizianrot metallic, 219,000km
 1987 Audi 90q 2.3E, Tizianrot metallic, 163,000km

    "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out."
                --Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.