V8's

["James M. Dean" <aes@mhv.net>]

At the risk of starting ANOTHER torsen-like V8 thread Scott Spangenberg
spoke these words:


> I was glad to see your posts to the list about the V8's.  I had been reading
> such negative reports for so long that I had decided not to consider buying
> one.  Of course, the service writer at the Audi dealer didn't help when she
> wrinkled her nose and mentioned how expensive they are to keep up!  But now
> I'm open to the possibility.

> In any event, I've owned 3 Audi's since 1979 and have enjoyed them all.  I
> like their styling and feel I get a lot of luxury for very little money when
> compared to other more popular cars.  I'm somewhat thankful for the negative
> press and the resultant lower resale values.

Your assessment of the luxury vs value is an astute observation. The V8
is just that, nice luxury and good performance. I drive approximately
25-30K miles per year and I'm always comfortable in my V8 and being here
in the northeast that added quattro assurance doesn't hurt in the winter
either. 

Again you're right, the negative press has kept the resale price low.
BUT, at the risk of "sounding" negative, the car may require a certain
level of maintenance above your other Audi's. Hence the low resale
value. Remember, there are no free lunches. 


 
> I get the feeling that they're available in the $12k price range, is that your
> experience?  I won't consider one without a meticulous service history.  I
> gather the timing belt is the big danger here.  

That is about the right price for a slush box. I paid exactly $12k for
my '91 with a slush box, excellent paint and interior with 77K miles.
Service history on the car was well documented including timing belt
changeout at 57K. For a well sought after 5-speed, expect to pay ~$3-4K
above that for a car with similar miles.

> At the risk of starting another torsen-like thread, I'd be interested in any
> and all comments.

Scott, I've documented several maintenance items I've dealt with on my
'91 V8. Check the archives over the last 2 months. If you can't locate
them send me an e-mail directly and I'll be glad to send them over off
line so we can keep the noise level on this thread to a dull roar. 

-- 
James M. Dean (JD)
Applied Energy Services
P.O. Box 60, Fishkill, NY 12524
Tel (914) 486-4134  Fax (914) 486-4701
Pager: (888) 274-7281
e-mail: aes@mhv.net
http://www1.mhv.net/~aes