questions about buying a 1993 90S

[Ed Skladany <eds@njcc.com>]

Hello all,

I've been away from the list for a couple of months, but now I'm
glad to be back.

I've decided to part with my venerable one-owner 1984 4000S with 
510K miles (that's not a typo) because it's just getting tired, 
I don't feel like rebushing the suspension again, and the drivers
seat is shot.  What an amazing car this has been.  The sable metallic
body still looks damn good, only one little rust spot.  I still commute
in it every damn day.

Anyway, the point is that I'm checking out a '93 90S (non-quattro) 
to buy.  It's got 138K miles, but feels good to drive.  One thing
concerns me; I think I feel a slight roughness in the auto-trans
during up and downshifts, and maybe a slight delay after power is
applied, but I'm more sure of the roughness than the delay.  I'm
an ex-mechanic so I'm attuned to this stuff.  

My 4000S is a stick so I'm comparing the shifting to my '85 BMW 735i
tranny, which shifts pretty smoothly.  My first question is: does
this sound normal for a 90S 4-speed auto, or are the clutch packs or 
something else starting to go?  What's a reasonable life-span for 
this trans.  (I wish I could find a stick instead, my 4000S 5-speed 
has never had a problem.)

I'd also like to know if any V-6 90S owners can give me a review
of the car; what to expect, common repairs, etc.  What does it cost
to repair an engine or auto-trans?  I know the mileage is a bit high, 
but I'm having a hell of a time finding a car in my price range 
(under $7000), and I want an 80 or 90, after 1990.  Pretty choosy, eh?
I bought my lovely 735i for $5000, so I know good deals are to be had,
but they take a while.

Does anyone know of a car that fits my bill for sale near New Jersey?
Quattros are definitely desired, but I think that would blow the budget.

Oh yeah, more questions.  Are pre-1993 90's all 20V motors?  I've heard
that they are very expensive to rebuild, true?  More than the V-6?
I've driven a '91 90Q and it felt pretty nice! 

Thank you very much.

Ed

-- 
Ed Skladany
Hopewell, NJ
eds@njcc.com