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FS: '93 S4 - Recommendation: Don't Buy!! (Long)
Just figured I'd pass along a test drive on a '93 S4 at Ron Bouchard's Acura in
Auburn MA. As you can tell from the subject heading... my recommendation is...
Don't Buy It!!
The details: '93 S4 - Pearl white, black interior, carbon fibre trim inside -
69,345 miles - $20,995
Friday night, the car caught my eye as I was driving by (funny how an Audi
enthusiast can spot them in a flash), so I stopped to take a closer look. Not
too bad from the outside, so I figured I'd take it for a spin on Saturday.
First, the car wouldn't start. Hmm... not very good, considering that they've
only had it on their lot for a week.
Look under the hood, and notice a few tidbits... first, a rubber hose/line from
the fuel filter is visibly split/cracked... showing the braiding underneath. Not
long before that one gives way...
Second, some oil leaking from the back of the valve cover area, possibly the
rubber hose coming out of it. Not sure where/what is leaking... but not a good
sign.
Saleswoman said the timing belt and water pump was done recently. I asked if the
tranny was replaced, since the early ones had problems. She wasn't sure. She
very quickly understood that I knew a LOT more about these cars than she ever
will.
Once inside, it showed some signs of owner neglect. Passenger seat switch knobs
were missing. Cigarette burn hole on driver's side headliner, near the grab
handle. Rear trim panel on passenger was loose. Defroster vent on passenger side
dash was warped/twisted. Leather was in relatively good shape... but I would
guess that the guy never treated them with anything. Driver's side seat bolster
was a bit worn.
Outside... small scratches here and there... nothing too bad. Trunk lid had a
small rust spot... probably where the guy banged the edge, and never treated the
paint chip.
Okay... enough already... how'd it drive? Well, that's probably the worst part.
After getting it jump started, it idled a bit rough... but not too badly. I pull
away... and noticed a real bad part-throttle stumble/hesitation... I think
mostly under boost. It didn't matter what gear.
I kept driving it, to get it warm. Once warm, it was a bit better, with the
hesitation/stumble only present when I tried to really step on it. WOT on the
highway it was really noticeable.
I couldn't tell if this was tranny related or not... I suspect not. I would
suspect a sensor gone bad, or something else ignition/fuel related. Whatever it
was, it was obvious to me that the previous owner didn't take care of the car,
and neither did the dealer do any kind of prep work or real road testing. I
couldn't believe that the dealer would put a car out on the lot like this. It
amazed me. Naturally, I told that to the salesman who came out to see me upon my
return (the saleswoman went back to selling an Acura to someone...).
What a shame. This could have been a dream come true... a PEARL on BLACK '93
(with the carbon fibre of that year only!!)... but NO... the d*mn previous owner
had to use, abuse, and neglect it. The guy should be tortured somehow... :-)
The only positive piece that came out of the drive? I switched seats with
Charity, and let her drive it for a portion on the highway, and back to the
dealer. Even in the poor-running state that it was, it produced quite the grin
on her face!! She was amazed when I told her that it wasn't really running
well... and that a well-tuned one(and/or modded one at that!!) would really
thrill her!! So... needless to say, she was impressed. I think she is getting
closer and closer to being a die-hard Audi fan!! I have to keep working on her
though... she still wants a Toyota Pickup. But I've almost got her considering
an A4q!!
I told her that I am strongly considering the purchase of an ur-q in the spring.
After explaining to her what it was, I think I'll be fighting over the keys,
that's for sure!! :-)
Anyway, that's the story on the S4. IMHO, do as I did, and pass on it.
Of course, YMMV... usual disclaimers etc.
Jim Griffin
ICQ # 1315286
JGriff@pobox.com
http://pobox.com/~jgriff
http://wwp.mirabilis.com/1315286
'92 Audi 100S - '87 VW Quantum Syncro
"Perception is often stronger than reality!"
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