Re: 200 TQ - Fair Price?

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

On Tue, 3 Nov 1998 14:58:40 CST, Merlyn Plotz wrote:

>I'm bit by the AUDI bug. There is a 1989 200 TQ Sedan in the 
>area for sale. The body is in what I would call Excellent 
>Condition. I have not driven it yet - so don't know about the 
>mechanical. Does this model suffer from some of the typical
>5000 problems such as steering rack, bomb, etc.? Would you consider 
>this a high cost maintanience vehicle? The odometer says approx. 
>112K, is this an interference engine? Timing belt, etc.  Asking is 
>approx $7,000 Fair price? 

Mr. Kessel's reply was a bit terse but accurate. (In that spirit,
I will temper my usual harangue.) It's an excellent enthusiasts car,
especially if the enthusiasm involves automobile repair. Your
dedicated and ongoing efforts will be greatly rewarded. However,
it is not a great choice for the those more interested in simple,
care free, transport.

At some point, the steering rack reliability was improved and
the alternator was up-rated relative to the 5000. Igor mentioned
the door handles.There were number of other minor changes
such as the very important fuse in the cooling fan harness. 1989
was a transitional year -weren't they all - so I'm not sure whether
all these changes apply to your car.

The time and money required to maintain the car is also a strong
function of your tolerance for stuff not working, difficult starting,
etc. I've noticed there is a certain group of 5000/100/200
owners in Colorado who are completely happy driving around in
a trash bucket. I think these are the ones who enjoy the delusion
they can somehow own and operate a killer German sport sedan
on a urabuS budget.

DeWitt Harrison
Boulder, CO
88 5kcstq