'90 Audi with 210k on the clock.

[71T Targa]

I am looking for a winter beater and have a line on a 1990 90.

The brakes were recently done, but now there is some issue with the fronts locking up. Anyone know if that's a common issue? The shop that did the work is aware of the problem and will resolve it.

Timing belt was replaced @175k. What else should I be looking for?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Electical gizmos? VW/Audi seems to have a real issue with electrical gremlins.

How about a Saab? I spent $2200 for my 9000 Aero, and it's not slow like a Audi 90.

[71T Targa]

I wouldn't rule out a Saab. And 2k is about what I'm looking to spend.

[onewhippedpuppy]

http://saabcentral.com/classifieds/detail.php?siteid=8996

$2400 in Iowa. Fun cars.

[silverc4s]

Nissan Maxima, Infiniti I30 tough & strong, top ten rated engine, no pesky cam belts.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Maxima is another good car. Most are pretty beat for $2k though.

[rick-l]

Is it a 20 valve? I have one of thsoe

http://www.20v.org/

[71T Targa]

Originally Posted by rick-l

Is it a 20 valve? I have one of thsoe

http://www.20v.org/

How do I tell?

[javadog]

Usually by spotting the 20V badge on the back.

Is it a quattro?

JR

[MrScott]

I had a '91 FWD, non-quattro. Really more than the sum of its parts.
Not much grunt but it could cruise over 90 with no wind noise and solid as a rock.

The 5-cylinder engines really last (unlike the 6 that followed) but parts can be expensive.
It's not toyota or nothin' but reliable as far as 90's european cars go.

Mine had 90k on the clock when a Suburban rear-ended me and totaled it but I suspect the real mileage was closer to 190k. You couldn't tell by the looks of it though, really well-built car.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Anything with the 20V turbo would be sweet, they last forever and are infinitely moddable. Also, the old V8 5-speed sedans are nice.

[stomachmonkey]

Is it black?

[javadog]

It won't be the 20v turbo motor, unless somebody swapped one in at some point. If it's not a quattro or a coupe, it won't be a NA 20V motor either. The base 5 cylinder motor won't make much power, although they last a long time.

JR

[RallyJon]

BTDT! I bought an '89 80q with 150k miles as a commuter and winter beater. Had brake problems with sticky/non-retracting pistons. But the big expenses were hydraulics. The older Audis had a hydraulic accumulator which is failure prone and expensive. Lots of other hydraulic lines. New lifters. New exhaust. New suspension. I was into a $3k car for $10k before I sold it... for $3k.

Given your parameters, I'd look for a mid-90s 2.2L Subaru Impreza or Legacy. Bulletproof and easy to fix yourself with cheap and available parts.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by RallyJon

Given your parameters, I'd look for a mid-90s 2.2L Subaru Impreza or Legacy. Bulletproof and easy to fix yourself with cheap and available parts.

Might this work? A 2000 Subaru Legacy L AWD sedan (auto, full power, spoiler, hubcaps) with 209K miles for about $2000. His daily commute from Hudson, WI to Eden Prairie, MN racked on the miles. Tires are okay, brakes are weak, check engine light is on from leaking exhaust manifold, suspension is loose, CV joint clicks. Engine and trans are solid. Body is very clean. Could use a good detail. Not my car, just an acquaintance.

[john walker's workshop]

an audi w/210K? people bail on those things the minute they're out of warranty. one issue after another. get a sube.

[beepbeep]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Anything with the 20V turbo would be sweet, they last forever and are infinitely moddable. Also, the old V8 5-speed sedans are nice.

Just bought a S4 93 with turbo 20v. Fixed few things and do light chipping. 300hp for now. bigger turbo and injectors to follow. 4WD is a hoot. Really quiet but quite heavy.

[rick-l]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

an audi w/210K? people bail on those things the minute they're out of warranty. one issue after another. get a sube.

My 1991 90 Q 20V (sport sedan) has 200,000 on it.

I must admit it is needlessly complicated. Hydraulic power assit brakes? GM climate control? Hitachi ECU?

In 1991 this was a $35,000 car. And it is heavy and slow.

I bought it cause I was looking for a Porsche at the Audi dealer, saw it and liked it. No one wanted to pay what they could buy a new plain old 90 for. I made an offer and they said forget it. 2 months later they called me back. This was 15 years ago in 1992.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by beepbeep

Just bought a S4 93 with turbo 20v. Fixed few things and do light chipping. 300hp for now. bigger turbo and injectors to follow. 4WD is a hoot. Really quiet but quite heavy.

I've had three ur-S4/ur-S6 turbo 20V's. AWESOME cars. 320hp is just a chip and tweak away with zero reliability issues (motor). Doing the full RS2 conversion (intake, manifold, turbo, and injectors) supports 400+

My Hoppen/MTM ur-S6 would keep up with a stock 993 Turbo from a 20mph roll. And cruise comfortably with four adults and their luggage. And handle the harshest winter roads with ease.

The 5 cylinder turbos (10v or 20v) were probably the last of the good Audis, in my opinion. As many on this board know, my 2.7T twin-turbo 6 speed was a nightmare, and I may never own another Audi.

[71T Targa]

Thanks to all, here's the rundown as I know it.

Not a quattro, so not a 20v. It's a coupe and red, so not a BAW. My brother in law has it and has stayed on top of things as they've come up. But that also means things have come up. It is very clean and tight. Shifts well, drives well, and right now stops very well...

I'm in a tough spot where my Jetta is falling apart but I am very strapped for cash. I either need to put $$'s in the Jetta that I'll never see, or find something that's clean and cheap. As a last resort, I'll need to let the T go for a solid daily driver.