re: urq (or any audi) costs per year

[Michael Williams <urquattro@surfree.com>]

C1J1Miller@aol.com decided to speak these words:

>As I recall, your car also needed a new engine and new suspension (which was
>not included in your estimate).  You've included this towards the purchase
>price, (which was uncharacteristicaly low, IMO) and thus not towards your
>annual costs.  I think your estimate is low in part because there were likely
>few costs the first couple years of ownership (i.e., when the car was new).


Actually, just a new engine.  the suspension was just redone a few 
thousand miles before i got it with koni yellows....  And i was basing my 
estimate over the 10 years of reciepts that i have, including everything 
that had a reciept.

>
>Phil Payne posted a detailed description of what he's put into his urq over
>5.5 years and 87k+ miles.  I think the average cost is somewhat less than
>Phil's post (which included tools, spares, etc. that really IMO go to the 
>cost
>of obtaining the vehicle).  However, he didn't include the depreciation...
>most of which has already affected the car by the time we're purchasing it.

Well, my investment in it so far is: 1700 for the car, 4200 for the 
engine and minor other things, and 700 for bigger wheels and 
tires...That's 6600 dollars for a car that i could most likely turn 
around tomorrow and sell for well over 10k....
>
>For example, Michael, you're going to need tires every 2 years (assuming 15k
>miles/year, performance tires), which should run at least $500.  That's 
>20% of
>your annual (using the high range of $1,200) budget.  Throw in an alignment
>and you're a couple percent less; how about bushings, shocks, and strut
>bearings every once in a while?  Regular oil changes (3-5 times per year),
>coolant flush/fill, brake flush, etc.?  That K26 turbo won't last forever;
>neither will the clutch, clutch slave cylinder, master cylinder, brake
>cylinders, brake pads and rotors, etc.  These are all wear and maintenance
>items, and assume nothing fails/breaks (engine electronics, window 
>regulators,
>interior bits, etc.). 

Well, in come the delrin bushings which never go bad from what i know, 
the konis are BRAND new and last for a VERY long time. the oil changes i 
do myself, no biggie, i do just about everything actually.  the turbo is 
in perfect condition and was checked by 2bennett before going in, so it 
has WELL over 150k miles to go as long as i take care of it.  The brakes 
are all new, the clutch is all new, bomb is new as of 15k miles ago, 
steering rack is 3 years old, starter is new...  All done by previous 
owner.  The electronics should be good as the fusebox has been replaced 
with a brand new one, and the MC engine is much more reliable than the 
old one.

>
>I'd say most Audis with 100k or that are over 8 years old probably have
>failing exhaust systems, rubber coolant lines, aux. coolant pumps, radiators,
>motor mounts, clutch hydraulics, etc. as well.  In the northeast I'd add a
>windshield to the list, and probably new headlights as well, as they're 
>pretty
>sandblasted by this point.  Do you have the one piece exhaust manifold?  Add
>the costs for repairing the inevitable crack...

It also has a 3 year old Borla cat back system, new hoses all over the 
place, the radiator was just rodded, the motor mounts, tranny mounts, 
center carrier bearings are new.  It has the 4 yeadlight system, and one 
high beam was included with the car, but i can get brand new euros for 
120 bucks for a set....the exhaust manifold is the 1 piece, but was 
worked over by 2bennett to help prevent the cracking and deforming that 
happens over 100k+ miles...

>
>In the USA, these cars were manufactured at least 14 years ago, and were
>likely driven hard.  Most (or at least many) were not kept in "as new"
>condition like Phil Payne keeps his.  I think if the previous owner only 
>spent
>$1000 or so per year, he's (1) saved up some repair costs for you, (2) been
>extremely lucky, and/or (3) not provided you with all the receipts.

I think the extremely lucky part has been the key.  He was very thourough 
with the repairs, i just gave you a partial list of what is new...all for 
1700 bucks plus an engine....

later...


Michael Sheridan Williams
ICQ# 11740998
1983 UrQuattro 170,000 miles, MC'd, koni yellows, borla exhaust, A4 Sport 
Wheels w/ SP8000's
1985 4000 S Quattro 192,000+ miles, Koni Yellows/Coilover (2B), strut 
brace, Sport 8000 Tires, K&N

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