Re: Buying an '89 200tq

[DeWitt Harrison <de@aztek-eng.com>]

On Tue, 27 Oct 1998 19:45:38 EST, Justin wrote:

>I've found an '89 200tq with approx 120,000 miles.  I'm very interested as
>this would be my first q.  What do I need to know about this car?  Is there
>anything special I need to look out for?

Hopefully a couple of the regulars will chime in with "The List" of
classic maintenance issues. I would simply like to make sure that
you understand this model, known as the "type 44" which includes
the 1986 5000tq through the 1991 200tq, is maintenance Intensive
with a capital I. Even if all may be well at the moment, you should
be prepared to replace minor and major components on a regular basis.
(It would simply be nicer, and worth some $$, BTW,  if the previous
owner has kept current.) If you let the maintenance slide, you will be
driving a pile of complete crap within 2 or 3 years. Your '85 4ks may
have given you at least a tiny hint about what may be in store. Just
multiply by 10 or 20. Some will chime in with claims to the contrary.
Pay absolutely no attention.

The price of these cars is very low compared to their original cost
and this is a major temptation for some potential owners because it
seems like a lot of car for the money. And it is. However, to keep
it in top shape, you will probably end up doubling your investment
over the used purchase price, or spend the equivalent in your own
labor, within the next few years. OTOH, compared to depreciation on
a comparable new car, it may be a very reasonable value.

For many of us this is not a major issue either because (1) the car
is so great when it runs well that all the sacrifice is worth it or (2)
we love to work on cars, especially needlessly complex German
ones or (3) the car has so much potential for performance improvement
or (4) some other personality quirk. If you think you are cut from the
right cloth for this undertaking... Go for it!

DeWitt Harrison
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq