Re[2]:Older Audis being compared to newer Asian/US cars?

[BSWANN@arinc.com]

Agreed.

However, I have found that relatively speaking, for their age,  AUDIs 
are no more trouble prone than other manufacturers cars.  This is 
especially true considering how technically advanced they were for 
their timeframe.  The BOSCH FI systems(generally) were way ahead of 
HONDA, TOYOTA, SUBARU, GM, FORD.  Most of these were still using 
Carburators, or a single port FI(glorified carburator).

Our friends and relatives might consider finding a good value in AUDIs 
superior AWD in a newer car - to compare Apples to Apples.  I've seen 
some good buys on early '90s Q Cars, that still look new, run like 
new, smell new, etc.

My wife, of petite stature, won't drive anything but - the seat 
adjustability and solid feel compelled us to get rid of the Blazer(she 
was scared to death of the thing) once I found a good deal on a Q 
Wagon.  '90 Blazer also couldn't make it up our steep rain/snow/ice 
covered driveway with 4X4 engaged anywhere near as well as our aging 
4KQ.  We never have to engage the Diff. locks.

Was also funny how the 4KQ pulled the 1.5 ton 20' Boat up the steep 
ramp when the Blazer would have trouble getting the traction.  Only 
problem was the boat was bigger than the car - tail waggin' the dog.

We choose our older Q cars, cause we can pick 'em up for cheap, fix a 
few things, and be on the road.  'Nuf said.

Regards,

Ben


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Older Audis being compared to newer Asian/US cars?
Author:  wallace@remdesign.com (Wallace White) at SMTPGATE
Date:    6/24/99 12:07 PM


Thanks for your thoughts, Ben. It's true that a good chunk of the time I 
spend working on my Audi is for elective surgery, so to speak. But, my 
5k's had its share of emergency problems, too. Some of those can be 
attributed strictly to age, but others are really design problems.

Regardless, the real issue here is that most people just don't want a car 
that they will have to / get to work on frequently. An older Audi is a 
terrible fit for them. They either get bitter as they keep paying to have 
it fixed, or they drive around with the windows stuck in place, the 
interior fogging up with no air from the center vents, leaving puddles of 
Pentosin everywhere. Most such people would be happier with a newer, less 
maintenance-intensive car. 60 Minutes isn't the only reason our older 
Audis are cheap!

For me, those things provide a good project and learning opportunity. But 
like I said before, not everyone wants a project.

- Wallace
  '87 5kcstq 155k