Re: OPINION WANTED : Audi as a "consumer" vehicle

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

Luis Marques wrote:
> 
> In the last four years and ~45k mi. that I have had my '87 4kq, I
> haven't spent a dime in quattro related expenses.  I haven't had any
> quattro-related failures either.  Of course, I did change the fluid in
> the rear diff. with synthetic once... so the total cost of quattro
> ownership over a FWD model has been about $2/yr :)  Even though the rear
> end is essentially a front suspension turned around, it doesn't do any
> steering work and only does half the propulsion work, so the components
> last a loooong time compared to the fronts.  and the front driveshafts
> also last a long time since they are only putting dowm half the power.
> 
> About alignments, I simply bought the "lifetime alignment" for $90 and
> just take it into the shop for a complimentary 4-wheel alignment every
> year or whenever I feel like it.  The lifetime alignment costs the same
> for 4-wheel and two-wheel and has paid for itself two-fold.  Again,
> premium paid for having quattro = $0.00 :)
> 
> Luis Marques
> '87 4kcsq
Luis:
Thanks for your contribution. The opinion request was based on a larger
car. Andrei already owns a 4K. He is looking into 100/200 's.
4KQ's are excellent cars.
I agree that checking alignment is not expensive, as you describe. In my
case I am more concerned on what is needed (specially in the rear), when
specs cannot be achieved. Lifetime alignment for $90 is a great peace of
mind.
Regards, 
Pablo