Re: OPINION WANTED : Audi as a "consumer" vehicle (long)

[Pcarselle <pcarselle@worldnet.att.net>]

Andrei Kogan wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> Sorry for a somewhat indescriptive choice of the subject line --- this is
> the best I can do to describe my question. Basically, in a few words, if
> you are not an Audi enthusiast (which I am --see below) and just wanted to
> buy a car to transport yourself to work and back every day and travel ---
> would you choose an Audi ( or vW, for that matter --- a passat is a #2 on
> our list)   over a Honda or a Toyota or whatever else  90% of the
> population of North Carolina owns.
> 
> My wife and I are thinking about getting a second car. For the first time (
> we have been through 3 cars so far) we are planning to spend more than
> $900.00 ( the price we paid for every vehicle we owned so far except for
> one, which I "bought" from a co-worker for a lunch ). Our current car is a
> 1984 4KS. The two main reasons  for getting a newer car are
> 
> 1. We need a bigger car for trips
> 2. Our 4K is way past 250,000 (don't know how much because of the dead
> odometer).
> 
> The problem is, in the next few years, I will not be able to afford
> (timewise) to have a car as a hobby. This means, for instance, that almost
> all the work will have to be done by a shop.  I have reasonable mechanical
> skills ( I work in experimental low temperature physics lab) and during the
> first year  that we had the 4K invested several weekends in bringing the
> car in shape ( mostly front end suspension and breaks). Aside of that, and
> a really UGLY AT problem 2 years ago ( $1000,00 and 6 months without a car)
> the car has been essentially trouble free
> and, from that prospective, is a wonderful "consume" vehicle.
> 
> Here come my questions:
> 
> Can I expect a similar reliability record from newer Audis ( I am
> interested in particular in non-quattro 100 and 200, 89-92 years)
> 
> Is the average cost of ownership of an Audi ( it being somewhat a luxury
> vehicle) higher than that of, say Honda Accord of a similar year? How much
> do you spend per year on car repairs? I am not planning on buying parts
> from a dealer and I know enough to be able to shop in places selling
> refurbished parts.
> 
> Does an "economy" version of a 100 exist? I would like to see a 100 with as
> few electrical amenities (such as seat ajustments) as possible. Also, could
> someone tell me during which years Audi 100 was available with 5 speed ---
> I am not buying an automatic ever again in my life.
> 
> One major reason to be looking at Audis for us is the handling and
> drivability which our car offers. My wife is very sensitive to low
> frequency "floating" feeling of many american made cars. An hour long trip
> in a Chevy Blaser makes her really sick. The 4K seats are substantially
> more comfortable than those in japanese cars. Question is ----
> 
> Can we afford owning an Audi ( say 5-8 years old with 100K miles or less)
> and not a mass-market car under circumstances when we cannot do any
> mechanical work on the car ourselves any longer ?
> 
> All opinions are appreciated.
> 
> Andrei
Andrei:
Your questions:
1.- Do not buy Quattro
2.- Do not buy turbo
3.- Auto very reliable (if fluid and filter have been serviced/replaced)
4.- Preferred engine 5 cylinder.
5.- Suggested model 100 with velour interior
6.- Honda cheaper to maintain !!!!
7.- Anticipated areas of trouble next 5 years:
Pressure accumulator
Rotors
Brakepads
Master cylinder
Timing belt
Water pump
Radio
Steering Rack
Power steering pump
Window switches and one window regulator
If you buy a 1990 100 with less than 100k miles with service records,
some of the items above may be already done. This could justify a price
diference of $1K over a non serviced car.
Good luck
Pablo