Re: 1995 90 questions, what to look for??

[Elliott Potter <epotter@abraxis.com>]

Armagan Ozkaya wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I just purchased a 1995 90 (not quattro, not Sport) for what I believe
> a good price with 2 years - 30K Audi warranty, after driving a Porsche
> 944 for years.
> 
> The car has most of the options that Sport models have, like heated
> seats, instrument cluster, cruise control, sunroof. The wheels are
> different however (5 spoke) and I am not sure if the suspension is the
> same as Sport models'.
> 
> My 944 was very reliable provided that I do preventive maintenance
> (30K belt and water pump replacement, keep an eye on the clutch, etc).
> I would like to get a similar understanding if problem areas for these
> cars also.
> 
> I appreciate if you write me what you know about following questions
> (and anything else related):
> 
> - Do you know of any source for FAQ for these model?

There's a site in the works that has a FAQ (well not really right now,
but it will!): http://www.itc.nu/12v .  I hope to have a big update this
week, but alas there aren't really many frequently asked questions about
this car!

> - What is the belt replacement interval?

Check under the maintenance section of the aforementioned site.  For the
V6 cars, Audi didn't actually say "replace belts at x milage" but they
say to "inspect/adjust" the belts every 30K miles.  Most people
recommend replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles, probably replace
the other belt at the same time (why not?).  Of course, replace the
water pump and tensioners at the same time.

> - What are the things that I should be careful about (maintenance etc.)?

You should be careful about maintenance.  (ooh, that's helpful!)
Keep an eye on fluids--the early 90's (mainly 1993 model year)leaked
most of them, but by '95 most of the leaks and dribbles were sorted
out.  If you have a dealer do the service, make sure that the
technicians are trained on the newer cars--older dealers tend to have
older tech's who don't know all of the details about the V6.

> - Front brake pads generate lots of dust which blackens the wheels. Is
>   this common? Which brake pads are recommended for less dust?

This is common.  The stock pads are nice in that for normal street
driving, they don't fade too much.  They do fade, however, and they're
very dusty and usually last 15,000-20,000 miles.  Repco deluxe organics
supposedly work well and don't have too much dust.  Keep in mind when
you get pads, though, that the car is heavy and the pads get
*hot*--don't go cheap.

> - I was told that there two types of fuel filters for these cars, one is
>   larger that the other for which dealer wants $18. What is the correct
>   part number and where can I get it cheapest?

First I've heard of it!  The car only has 1 filter, I don't know if
there are two types.  Go to the parts counter and look at the parts
fiche with the person there.  The filter is held in place by a bracket,
so if the diameters are different then there could be a problem if you
get the wrong one.

> - Do you know of any source that sells original (or close) floor mats?
>   I need the ones with holes on them for keeping them in place?

Floor mats were standard for the 90's, I think.  Ask your dealer.

> - What is the best way of cleaning/washing the cloth seats? They have
>   brown stains.
 
The cloth is treated for stains, I think, so a good commercial stain
remover for treated fabrics should work fine.

> Thanks in advance for help. Happy motoring.
> 
> Arman.
> 1995 90 (Laser Red)

Good luck!
-- 
Elliott

That's not all; we're supposed to believe that Tony Danza sitcoms
threaten to bring Western Civilization crashing down amid anguished
cries of *Wer ist hier der Boss*?
	-- Suck