I need a recession-proof car
 

When I was a kid, my dad had an Audi 4000. At the time, I thought it was the bee's knees, and it's probably why I started liking German cars. Anyway, after failing to secure work with the National Park Service which I thought I had in the bag, I'm forced to get a retail job until I can finish my masters or get a paid internship and have thought about cutting costs by selling off the TT. It's not all bad news, as I have used this as an excuse to my wife to get a classic Audi. ;) Anyway, I know these old Audis have gremlins so it would have to be a low mileage, and exceptionally well maintained example. Since a UR-Quattro is out of my price range, I found a collector owned '84 Coupe GT with 53K miles. I could pay cash, and eliminate a car payment entirely which would be nice. I'm not sure how easy these are to work on, or how expensive parts might get. The engines are pretty unimpressive. My wife thinks it's ugly, but too me its like a poor man's Quattro. Anyone had one of these?
1984 Audi Coupe GT - 53k miles

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269022925.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269022939.jpg
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I'd have it checked out, but for that price it would be one heck of a DD!!

A buddy had one that looked just like that in college. I don't remember him ever having problems with it, but back then it wasn't that old.

5-cyl, right? My buddies wasn't exactly slow.

I have to think that parts won't be cheap if/when you need them. (nothing European except an air cooled bug will have cheap parts in the US)

Buy an old ambulance.
Zero's got money for you. Health care the cottage industry as soon as Zero kills the system we have.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269024467.jpg

I worked at the dealer when that car was new. They were very good cars and while not a sports car, they're a nice sporty coupe. The one in your link looks and sounds to be about a *10* as far as used 1984 Audis go and the price is very fair if no undisclosed problems/issues.

Those cars are not super-collectible but they have a following and prime, low-mileage examples are rare. Red is also the #1 resale color for most cars. That's a sweet car.

We (wife's car) had an '83 Audi Coupe GT. Bought new in 1983 and sold it in 1994with 195K miles on it. She still thinks it is the best car we ever owned. The 5 banger was nothing special powerwise but the car was a pleasure to drive and was extremely relliable. Hers was silver with black leatherette interior... a very nice looking car.

I'd get a newer Subaru. Doesn't have that 'vintage appeal' that the Audi does, but Subbies are bullet-proof dependable, IMHO. If you want something a bit quirky, opt for an XT Coupe, or an SVX. But the SVX did have some problems and can be a bit expensive to maintain. If you are ok with plain vanilla, the a late 90's Legacy with AWD is hard to beat.

If you want German, then a pre-Chrysler Benz is a good choice, like a W201 190E, or a W202 C-class.

-Z-man.

I hear you. My Dad had from new, an '87 4000 CS Quattro (black metallic with grey plush fabric interior, cool trunk lid spoiler, those wheels) that I used to drive just as I turned 16. It was a very awesome car to drive, especially during that time. I remember it not having abs brakes: we'd have no problem climbing hills in deep snow, the descent was always scary. One time we literally drove off our driveway in into an almost vertical ditch, the car stalled from coming to a sudden halt. I opened the door, climbed out and walked away to see the car nose down into the snow. My dad says as he walked back to the car, "I'm going to see if I can get it out"... I thought no way. He gets in, starts it up, I think the differential was already locked in both spots, my dad then drove the damn thing right out it. Amazed.
In 1995 after graduating from college and getting my first job, I decide to buy a '92 Corrado SLC VR6. That car was great, it brought back the memories of driving the audi, but it had all the power the VR6 kicked out... - much quicker and sportier. If I were you, I'd get it. Just because it's unique, rare, and you'll appreciate it more because it will remind you of your Dad's 4000. See if there's a mechanic who can handle this car for backup. I can't comment on the reliability of all the little the electronic stuff, because that may affect your decision. Just go for it.

Recession proof car:

5-7 years old
low resale value (cheap to buy)
reliable
easy part availability
easy to repair
good to resonable mileage
a little sporty

GM is out, they suck to work on
Chrysler? I like the Jeep line, but nothing else
Ford? For a domestic car, yeah, but nothing really I'd want.
German? Parts are never cheap. VW has not been that reliable in the past 10 years
Japanese - All about the same. Mazda seems to have cars that are fun to drive
Korea? Seem OK. Nothing turns me on.

So, I'd suggest a straight forward Jap car, Mazda/Subaru, in the 5-7 yr old region, or possibly a Korean car.

Seems like you could find an equally nice 944 for about the same price.

I'll take one please

Well thanks for the suggestions guys, I had a couple other cars in mind before narrowing in on this one. I considered a few 944s but I couldn't find one at the same price that was near show-quality like the Coupe GT. I like VWs, the Corrado is a good suggestion if I could find one nearby. As for Japanese cars, I know they're reliable but I haven't found any that have really intrigued me. The MR-2s aren't bad, but are a little too 'hair-dresser.' I got enough girl-car jokes with the TT. I owned a Mazda MX-6 in high school, and my parents went Japanese a few years ago...I tried to turn my dad back to German but in his older age he doesn't want a car he has to work on. ;) The Audi has the nostalgia factor, and is a good price for such a straight car. I think I will take a road trip and have a better look.

Other than the "stigma," miata's are fun and practically free! But then there is the stigma...

audi GTs are usually pretty cheap and can be had for dirt cheap...saw a white one on ebay sell for less than 2k this last yr...looked pretty solid lol
i had a couple of 535i's for daily drivers...for the $4,500 ur thinkin about spending, you could buy a fine example and it would be a heck of alot faster/cheaper to take care of, although bring a couple hundred lbs of sand if you have deep winters :)

Trust me.... If you can't afford to keep the TT... You can't afford a Corrado...


$15 spark plugs....


I sold mine for 4k and thought I fleeced the guy... I LOST money on that car....

I think if economics are the prime concern, I think you're nuts to buy anything German. I'd go Japanese or Ford. We finance tons of Escapes - they seem to be about as low maintenance as could be. Our Honda is also pretty much gas and oil changes. We need to do the timing belt/water pump service (a year overdue, but just due based on mileage) and that's about $600, but that's not unexpected.

I drove a 944 yesterday, a lot of fun but too high-maintenance. On a plus note, I picked up an internship and wrote an exhibit script for a local museum so things are looking up for the moment. :)

Hah! That was exactly my thought as I watched the new owner drive away in my old 944! :D

Well don't buy a 928. I just took mine out for the first shake down cruise of the season and burned through $20 in gas in about an hour of driving.

1980's Mercedes 240D or 300TD (if u want turrrrbo).

there's one in mercedes museum that clocked over 2.8million miles