Matt Restko

I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it from
a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a dealer.
I'm probably going to check it out sometime next week and would appreciate
any tips from the knowledgeable people in this group.

What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for simple
things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the
test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt. How
often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if anyone
know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from you.

My final question: Could some other '90 Coupe Quattro owners out there pitch
in and give me their opinions regarding this car and it reliability?

Thanks,
Matt

TonyJ

Matt Restko wrote:
> I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it from
> a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
> ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a dealer.

I paid (a lot) $4,300 for a '91 100Q 5spd with 87K and almost like new a
year ago. This is the fourth type 44 that I have owned.

You haven't given enough information to really assess the value.
Condition? Turbo? Auto or 5 speed?

These can range from $400 to $3000 + depending on options and condition.

Turbos and 5 speeds are MUCH preferred and command the highest price.

> What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
> know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for simple
> things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the

Again, depends on turbo, auto / stick ...
Look for:
- oil dips
- Steering rack and hydraulic pump leaks
- Error codes on the display
- Radiator fan runs when air cond on?
- windows and door handles / locks all operate
- Radio OK
- Heater / air cond and fan operates
- electric seats function
- any clunking in the suspension
- good idle at 850 rpm

> test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt. How
> often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
> including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if anyone
> know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from you.

If this is the turbo it is an interference engine so very important that
TB is changed on schedule. Should cost about $500 + with the water pump
and front crank seal included. Even if it is not a turbo it should be
changed every 60,000 miles.

Tony
'91 100Q 5spd
107K and still like new.

Matt Restko

Update:

I called some mechanics in my area today to get some quotes on what
servicing might cost. Below are the general prices that I was quoted, could
anyone who knows pitch in and let me know if they sound reasonable?

Timing Belt & Water Pump: $450-$800
Oil Change: $30-$50(dealership)
Brakes: $130-150 per axle; $180 per axel for Audi parts
General Service Inspection: $30 - $88 - $400+ (I assume there is so much
variance because different mechanics assumed different amounts of work.)

When I mentioned to one mechanic that I was considering buying an older
model Audi he told me that he had just seen one the had "a completely
rusted-out frame" and that older Audis in general have tremendous suspension
problems. Can anyone comment on this?

TonyJ

> When I mentioned to one mechanic that I was considering buying an older
> model Audi he told me that he had just seen one the had "a completely
> rusted-out frame"

Never heard of this happening b4.

> and that older Audis in general have tremendous suspension
> problems.

They do not have any more suspension problems that any other car with
similar mileage.

Can anyone comment on this?
>
>

Spider

"Matt Restko" <mrestko@comcast.net> wrote in message news:<bHCdnUU9zskoZBSiU-KYgg@comcast.com>...
> I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it from
> a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
> ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a dealer.
> I'm probably going to check it out sometime next week and would appreciate
> any tips from the knowledgeable people in this group.
>
> What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
> know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for simple
> things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the
> test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt. How
> often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
> including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if anyone
> know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from you.
>
> My final question: Could some other '90 Coupe Quattro owners out there pitch
> in and give me their opinions regarding this car and it reliability?

My sis-in-law has a '90 80q, which is pretty close (LOL.) OK, not so
close.

For $5k, here's what I would want:

- Full, verifiable service history.
- Perfect paint and interior. I mean dead-perfect.
- Everything works, especially the climate control system.
- Outside Audi expert mechanic verify that curiously-low mileage
number. It'll be the best $200-$400 you spend. Even if you don't buy
the car. ESPECIALLY if you don't buy the car.
- 1-week return for full refund, in writing. That way, you can drive
it and see all the niggles before you really are out any cash.
- Suspension noise (clunks, groans, etc.)
- Fluid leaks. Pull the under-engine pan to look.

If you're going to ignore all that, then at least just walk in with
high Blue Book, in cash, and say "take it or I walk." No BS, no
waffling - but if they don't take it, then you're in no worse shape
than when you walked in. Or wait 'til closer to the end of the month,
when the guys are trying to make monthly quota.

And if you can't verify the service history, the very first stop
(before you take it home) is the mechanic for a timing belt and water
pump. (And crankshaft seal, if that model eats those.)

Spider

Matt Restko

>My sis-in-law has a '90 80q, which is pretty close (LOL.) OK, not so
>close.
>
> For $5k, here's what I would want:
>
> - Full, verifiable service history.
> - Perfect paint and interior. I mean dead-perfect.
> - Everything works, especially the climate control system.
> - Outside Audi expert mechanic verify that curiously-low mileage
> number. It'll be the best $200-$400 you spend. Even if you don't buy
> the car. ESPECIALLY if you don't buy the car.
> - 1-week return for full refund, in writing. That way, you can drive
> it and see all the niggles before you really are out any cash.
> - Suspension noise (clunks, groans, etc.)
> - Fluid leaks. Pull the under-engine pan to look.
>
> If you're going to ignore all that, then at least just walk in with
> high Blue Book, in cash, and say "take it or I walk." No BS, no
> waffling - but if they don't take it, then you're in no worse shape
> than when you walked in. Or wait 'til closer to the end of the month,
> when the guys are trying to make monthly quota.
>
> And if you can't verify the service history, the very first stop
> (before you take it home) is the mechanic for a timing belt and water
> pump. (And crankshaft seal, if that model eats those.)
>
> Spider

Thanks alot for that great breakdown! Just to let you know, I have no
intention of paying anywhere near the $5,000 asking price -- the dealership
has had this car listed way too long for them to hold out for that much
money if a real buyer comes in offering less. There is no way in hell that I
would even think about purchasing this car until I give it a very rigirous
test drive and have a qualified mechanic look it over.
When you mentioned suspension noise -- is that because you know of older
model Audis having suspension trouble, or is it just a general precaution?

Again, Thanks alot. -Matt

Spider

"Matt Restko" <mrestko@comcast.net> wrote in message news:<mLWdndTM3uVf5xaiU-KYhw@comcast.com>...
> >My sis-in-law has a '90 80q, which is pretty close (LOL.) OK, not so
> >close.
> >
> > For $5k, here's what I would want:
> >
> > - Full, verifiable service history.
> > - Perfect paint and interior. I mean dead-perfect.
> > - Everything works, especially the climate control system.
> > - Outside Audi expert mechanic verify that curiously-low mileage
> > number. It'll be the best $200-$400 you spend. Even if you don't buy
> > the car. ESPECIALLY if you don't buy the car.
> > - 1-week return for full refund, in writing. That way, you can drive
> > it and see all the niggles before you really are out any cash.

Note: I editted out a line here (you got it anyway); let me put it
back in:

Make very sure the car is free from:

> > - Suspension noise (clunks, groans, etc.)
> > - Fluid leaks. Pull the under-engine pan to look.
> >
> > If you're going to ignore all that, then at least just walk in with
> > high Blue Book, in cash, and say "take it or I walk." No BS, no
> > waffling - but if they don't take it, then you're in no worse shape
> > than when you walked in. Or wait 'til closer to the end of the month,
> > when the guys are trying to make monthly quota.
> >
> > And if you can't verify the service history, the very first stop
> > (before you take it home) is the mechanic for a timing belt and water
> > pump. (And crankshaft seal, if that model eats those.)
> >
> > Spider
>
> Thanks alot for that great breakdown! Just to let you know, I have no
> intention of paying anywhere near the $5,000 asking price -- the dealership
> has had this car listed way too long for them to hold out for that much
> money if a real buyer comes in offering less. There is no way in hell that I
> would even think about purchasing this car until I give it a very rigirous
> test drive and have a qualified mechanic look it over.

Very smart used car buyer.

> When you mentioned suspension noise -- is that because you know of older
> model Audis having suspension trouble, or is it just a general precaution?

I would consider it a general precaution, but especially true on
Audis, where the suspension has a bunch of expensive-to-replace
bushings. Keep 'em lubed!

Spider

Matt Restko

Okay, the Coupe I was looking at was sold by the dealer before I got a
chance to see it. However, there is another one listed in the classifieds,
its a little hazy on the details (i.e. no mileage listed) but its
essentially the same thing I was looking at before: 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro
5spd, black asking price is $4,000. The add also mentions "rebuilt head." I
assume this means that something broke and did damage to the cylinder head,
thus it had to be replaced. What does this do to the value of the car? Will
the reliablity change (for better or for worse)?

-Matt

"Matt Restko" <mrestko@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:bHCdnUU9zskoZBSiU-KYgg@comcast.com...
> I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it
from
> a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
> ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a dealer.
> I'm probably going to check it out sometime next week and would appreciate
> any tips from the knowledgeable people in this group.
>
> What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
> know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for simple
> things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the
> test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt.
How
> often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
> including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if anyone
> know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from
you.
>
> My final question: Could some other '90 Coupe Quattro owners out there
pitch
> in and give me their opinions regarding this car and it reliability?
>
> Thanks,
> Matt
>
>

TonyJ

You haven't mentioned if these are turbos but if they are and if the
timing belt broke then it ate valves (interference engine). Rebuilding
the head is the nest step. If it was done well it should not have
negative impact of the performance or reliability. In fact, it has new
valves and guides - a good thing.

Tony
'91 100Q 5spd
NA - No Turbo

Matt Restko wrote:
> Okay, the Coupe I was looking at was sold by the dealer before I got a
> chance to see it. However, there is another one listed in the classifieds,
> its a little hazy on the details (i.e. no mileage listed) but its
> essentially the same thing I was looking at before: 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro
> 5spd, black asking price is $4,000. The add also mentions "rebuilt head." I
> assume this means that something broke and did damage to the cylinder head,
> thus it had to be replaced. What does this do to the value of the car? Will
> the reliablity change (for better or for worse)?
>
> -Matt
>
> "Matt Restko" <mrestko@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:bHCdnUU9zskoZBSiU-KYgg@comcast.com...
>
>>I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it
>
> from
>
>>a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
>>ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a dealer.
>>I'm probably going to check it out sometime next week and would appreciate
>>any tips from the knowledgeable people in this group.
>>
>>What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
>>know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for simple
>>things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the
>>test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt.
>
> How
>
>>often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
>>including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if anyone
>>know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from
>
> you.
>
>>My final question: Could some other '90 Coupe Quattro owners out there
>
> pitch
>
>>in and give me their opinions regarding this car and it reliability?
>>
>>Thanks,
>> Matt
>>
>>
>
>
>

Matt Restko

"TonyJ" <tonyjNOSPAM@NOSPAMvisi.com> wrote in message
news:3f90ad8a$0$41297$a1866201@newsreader.visi.com ...
> You haven't mentioned if these are turbos but if they are and if the

Nope, neither of these cars are turbos. However, I think that they still
have interference engines.

> timing belt broke then it ate valves (interference engine). Rebuilding
> the head is the nest step. If it was done well it should not have
> negative impact of the performance or reliability. In fact, it has new
> valves and guides - a good thing.
>
> Tony
> '91 100Q 5spd
> NA - No Turbo
>
> Matt Restko wrote:
> > Okay, the Coupe I was looking at was sold by the dealer before I got a
> > chance to see it. However, there is another one listed in the
classifieds,
> > its a little hazy on the details (i.e. no mileage listed) but its
> > essentially the same thing I was looking at before: 1990 Audi Coupe
Quattro
> > 5spd, black asking price is $4,000. The add also mentions "rebuilt
head." I
> > assume this means that something broke and did damage to the cylinder
head,
> > thus it had to be replaced. What does this do to the value of the car?
Will
> > the reliablity change (for better or for worse)?
> >
> > -Matt
> >
> > "Matt Restko" <mrestko@comcast.net> wrote in message
> > news:bHCdnUU9zskoZBSiU-KYgg@comcast.com...
> >
> >>I'm considering buying an 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro with 125,000mi. on it
> >
> > from
> >
> >>a dealership in my area. They're asking ~$5,000 for it which I think is
> >>ridiculous, Edmunds reports it true value at around $3,300 from a
dealer.
> >>I'm probably going to check it out sometime next week and would
appreciate
> >>any tips from the knowledgeable people in this group.
> >>
> >>What should I look for during the test drive and under the hood? I don't
> >>know a whole lot about fixing cars, but I'm sure I could check for
simple
> >>things myself. (a real mechanic will look it over if I'm happy after the
> >>test drive.) I've heard that one has to be careful with the timing belt.
> >
> > How
> >
> >>often should it be replaced and what is a reasonable price for this
> >>including labor? I've also read that the water pumps go. Again, if
anyone
> >>know what a reasonable price for this service is I'd love to hear from
> >
> > you.
> >
> >>My final question: Could some other '90 Coupe Quattro owners out there
> >
> > pitch
> >
> >>in and give me their opinions regarding this car and it reliability?
> >>
> >>Thanks,
> >> Matt
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
>