Re: What shoudl I do with my Audi? (LONG)

[Mike Posner <posne@cts.com>]

At 08:28 PM 11/26/1999 -0500, Alexander van Gerbig wrote:
>    I have been weighing my options with my 80.  I've invested a ton of
>money and time into the car but it always seems to have another problem
>looming over the horizon.  Now it seems like the autobox is out the door in
>the next couple months, although that may not be true.  I have a manual
>trans awaiting transplant into the 80.  I need around $500 worth of parts to
>get the swap done, that means new clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing,
>clutch/slave cylinders, and that like.  I'd need to find a willing wrench to
>help me do the swap at my house.  I think I have found someone, but not
>officially.
>    After doing the swap I'm not sure if I want to keep the car.  I will
>most likely keep it since I have pumped a TON of money into the car, nearly
>$7500 not including the new wheels.  Contrary to list belief my 80 is really
>nice.  I am occasionally asked what year the car is and people seem to think
>it's an A4.  Also only 45,000 miles on the odometer.
>
>    What is wrong as of now is: auto transmission is misbehaving, when
>started cold there is a train whistling noise that goes away after a minute,
>the A/C doesn't work(I don't care), and the center resonator has a small
>hole.  I can fix the center resonator problem with a $15 cheapo if needed.
>I was going to wait for a stainless cat-back G-Power system from
>Germany($600).  The auto transmission problem will be removed and a 100,000
>used manual trans with all new clutch and such will be thrown in.  A/C needs
>a leak test to diagnose.  The train noise is coming from the alternator I
>think, charging system is fine though.
>
>    What should I do?!  I am a major complainer to the list so try to
>disregard my nit-picking statements I have made before.  The chassis is not
>bent, the leaning is normal.  Idle problems are solved.  Suspension is
>really lowered, some like it, most don't.  New wheels and tires, really nice
>stereo system($1500), major amounts of work on the engine/fuel system, and a
>lot of tender love and care from a crazy college student.  I wish it was a
>quattro, but it ain't.
>    Personally I think since there is no way I could get more than $5000 for
>the car it is mine forever.  No point dropping $7500, $2200 to buy it too,
>then sell it for less than $4000.  Waste of money.  Might as well keep the
>damn car until it falls into the ground.  If something major happens with
>the engine I'll make into my daily junker and save up for another Audi, sell
>some stock and buy a 4kq or something.  Suggestions?
>
>Thanks!!
>
>Alexander van Gerbig
>'88 Audi 80 -- Koni Yellows, G&M Springs
>HÖR Technologies Sport Hydro Cam, K&N Filter
>Borbet Type T, Dunlop SP9000 Sport
>
>The Audi 80 Pages------------------
>http://surf.to/the80pages.com
>
>Katonah, NY 10536
>
>I think youv' e made your decision , you merely need to read your
post  and see if you want to  keep your committment, or
cut your losses  and  opt for a more reliable car.  Audi  work is
addicting, but not cheap, and it wont be any easier at 100k. Would I miss
the challenges and camaraderie of this list, and the Turbo Bricks list,
were I to buy  a Cavalier?  You bet, although Cavalier owners
also have their list . Don't ask how I know.   Mike