Re: V8 Buying tips...

[BernieD1@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-09-01 14:12:20 EDT, you write:

<< This one looks very solid, but I have no
 papers and no idea of the maintenance record.  So, days from buying, I'm
 a bit nervous. >>

The first step woould be to get the vin number to an Audi dealer. They can
check their records. If the car was serviced by any Audi dealer the records
will show in their database.

Many of the early v8's had bad dash units. The fix was to replace the whole
dash including the odo. If this was done on this car you may not be seeing the
correct mileage. Again Audi will have a record of that.

Check the archives on the UFO braking system. Many listers had them replaced
becuase of the hi cost of service and the tendency for the rotors to warp. I
would drive the car & "feel" for any warpage in the rotors. If the car has the
original UFO's it could be costly to repair.  Also I've read that the ZF
tranny is very sensitive to proper fluid changes.

So far I've had good luck with mine - but many people have complained about
the the high cost of maintenance. Relatively speaking there were very few made
and even less mechanics that are capable of working on them - hence the high
cost of repair.
I've had good luck with my dealer - the lead mechanic owns one. Audi
guarantees next day delivery of parts - but the costs are very steep for that
level of service.

I do mostly hi speed hiway driving & am averaging about 16 - 18mpg. When I'm
in the city it drops to 13- 14 mpg. The car is very sensitive to the quality
of the premium fuel. In my area (Phila.) unless I use Mobil the car develops
intermitent hesitation - again check the archives for that thread.

On the plus side the car has impressive hi speed handling - it's very quiet at
speed & will cruise comfortably at *very* hi speeds. with the proper tires the
car is rated at 148mph. It is, however, not quick off the line.

Good Luck

Bernie Dubin
'90 v8q
'93 Miata