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 it's like a poor man's Quattro. Anyone had one of these?
1984 Audi Coupe GT - 53k miles

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Wouldn't a recession-proof car be a public bus?

Anyway, I wouldn't touch any old Audi. Get a Mercedes or BMW (in that order). Both are better built vehicles.

I had an A2 Jetta for my grad-school car. The car was practically free. I was able to get new parts for next-to-nothing, and could do all the work myself. That car was awesome.

There is no public transportation where I live. Anyway, I do like the old Mercedes SEC coupes, never been a big fan of BMW except maybe the 8-series.

I've had a couple Audis of that vintage. The engines are essentially bulletproof. Suspension bushings last about 60K. The A/C usally doesn't work all that great in really hot, humid weather. Mufflers tend to rust out if the car does a lot of short trips to work and back.

My biggest concern would be any deferred maintenance.

JR