Wagon upgrade

["Chauncey Kuo" <ckuo@sprynet.com>]

Hi listers,

I decided to fix the bad driver's side window, broken sunroof, busted A/C
flap, dead bomb, sagging headliner, leaky exhaust manifold, ailing AT (slow
2-3 shifts) and delaminating passenger door vinyl on my 1985 5Ks wagon all
last weekend. 

Yup, I took the easy way out and bought a another wagon. And it has a turbo
and 5 speed upgrade to boot. And it turns all four wheels. The new baby is
a silver 88 5000CS TQ Avant. After I replaced a faulty coolant sensor, the
engine spins like a top.  These wagons don't seem to be widely available; I
have seen only two this summer in the local rag and AutoTrader. I feel
pretty lucky getting it, especially after I let the other one (nice red
paint) slip through my fingers by taking a day to think about buying it.
Perhaps that is okay since I was able to buy this one from the original
owner. I am amazed that everything (except for the AC condenser) is in fine
working condition, given that it is a 11 year old car.  Boy, I forgot how
nice a pristine headliner looks and it is nice to go through drive-thru's
without having to open the door to pay. I must also say, having the 5 speed
is a blast.

In comparing my two wagons, it is quite interesting how good the dry
weather handling of the FWD wagon is. The Q wagon is overall better, but I
can feel that the FWD wagon is quite a bit lighter. I would say the FWD
wagon has a little crisper feel on entry into the turn. But from there on,
the Q wagon seems to have an advantage once the tires load up. And it does
rain a little bit here in Seattle. 

Now I know the secret to those Quattro grins.

Chauncey Kuo
Kirkland, WA

1984 VW Scirocco
1985 5000S wagon, soon to rest in peace
1988 5000CS TQ wagon, whoo-hoo!!