Re: questions about buying a 1993 90S

[Tim Hoffman <tim@isnetwork.com>]

Ed/All-

>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.

I've had my '94 90 for 105,000 happy miles. The issues I've seen:

Catalyst: Went through 2 right-hand cats, one at 19k, the other around
75k. There's certainly a long-standing issue with the right cat on 12v
V6s, from what I've seen here and on dejanews.com. Since the second cat
was not covered by warranty (and Audi refused to listen to me about a
out-of-warranty repair reimbursement), I found the perfect cheap
alternative! Go to Meineke Muffler and get their lifetime-waranteed
universal catalyst. Less than US$200 and works perfectly!

Thermostat/Water Pump: Take the hit and replace them, even if perfectly
functional, every time you get a 60k Timing/Serpentine Belt replacement.
My thermostat went only about 15k after the timing belt was replaced.
Sure enough, the thermostat is behind the damn timing belt, so it had to
be taken off again! Save the heartache and labor, and do consider
changing any "disposable" parts behind those belts at normal service
time

Power Mast Radio Antenna: (not an issue on the 93 90--it has a
windshield antenna): The power mast on the 94-95 90 seems to be a
trouble spot. My original still works fine, but it needs a lot of care
and maintenance. First of all, the thing can crap out at any time due to
an intermittent connection problem on the mast itself. You'll need to
inspect the little detachable control box on the antenna if it won't
respond. More importantly, you've got to keep the mast cleaned and lubed
(how about every time you fill up with gas!). Mine's seized a bunch of
times with just a little grime on the mast... thing must be made of some
cheap steel. Nearly every other 90 I've seen on the road the past couple
years has had a partially stuck antenna, and I definitely know why! Get
out yer WD-40, and make sure you don't get it one the paint...

Keep the oil topped off!: Mine goes through a quart of 20w50 every --
ulp -- 750-1000 miles. This, despite my own worries, is supposedly right
within the normal range for the V6, according to my mechanics. Now, I
have another V6 in my 100 that doesn't use that much, but YMMV, and I
admittedly drive the 90 quite, um, spiritedly. I think it's safe to say
these engines do use oil, but as long as you religiously check the level
and replenish, you're in for a lot of miles on this engine. It's
otherwise been excellent.

Good luck. I think this car can easily take you hundreds of thousands of
miles, no problem. 

Best,

 Tim