Faults:

It needed CV joints when I bought it.

The coolant tank had cracks in it and needed replacing.

Didn't come with working heaters; the person I bought it off lied to me about that...

Has a check engine light that comes on when cold; nobody can tell me what it is exactly, but it's either the temp or oxygen sensors.

Temperature sensor is being replaced soon.

Oxygen sensors are being replaced soon (P.S look up Bosch P/N 13913. It will fit if you cut the old plugs off the Audi sensor and swap it over).

Thermostat played up a bit and left the fans running when I first got it, but it fixed itself once I charged the car up again.

Sump plug is leaking oil, have to order a new one.

Coolant leak in one of the pipes, going to fix soon.

If you need anymore help with the car, have a look at 12v.org. Lots of info there.

General Comments:

My parents had a 4 cylinder 80 (a B3) and I had that for a while, but ran into expensive problems, so I ended up getting rid of that and getting this.

I fell in love with the upgraded handling and newer features like ABS and cruise control, along with the upgraded interior from the older 1992 model.

I know it has its problems, but I'm getting on top of them one by one, and it's just like an ongoing project for me. I got the car really cheap and I knew of some of the faults. I love the styling of it and the responsiveness of the steering too. It could be more powerful however.

Faults:

Fuel pump and filter replaced.

Strut bushes and nuts replaced.

Wishbone bushes and ball joint replaced.

Seized front disc pulled off.

Brake hose replaced.

Control arm bushes replaced.

Heater spigot broke, heater by-passed.

Front discs worn beyond limits.

Leaky valve guide seal.

General Comments:

Feels quite different to the earlier 90, even though the engine is the same. Bigger, heavier, better insulated, more refined, better riding, much more practical with the folding rear seats, but not as much fun.

Once the front end was sorted, it steers and handles really well. The steering is nicely weighted, geared, doesn't load up, good feel, useful lock. Pity the wheel doesn't adjust for height (blame the Procon Ten?).

Seats are perfect, the car is unbelievably quiet when cruising, feels solid and safe. Interior is gloomy, but beautifully made and finished.

I thought the 4 speed auto would be a big improvement, but while it is more relaxed at speed, the box itself is not as good, even the selector doesn't have the same precise feel. Upchanges under power are slurred, which is worrying for the future.

Trans aside, nothing else you could get for the money can match the build quality, ageless style, refinement, and spec of the Audi. Nothing fancy, but has rear discs, 15 inch alloys, excellent air con, ABS (works!), and key-off window operation.

Parts prices, from specialists Qualitat in Auckland, NZ, are very reasonable. Even new wishbones are just over $100 each, which, given the difficulty of replacing the bushes, would be a better option.

Easy car for DIY, but really annoyed that Haynes never updated the manual for the facelifted cars. The entire rear end is completely different, and, from 1993 on, so are the engines. Not good enough.

Overall, if it was a 5 speed manual, I'd have nothing to moan about.