Faults:
The car has had two electric fuel pumps replaced, and a slew of filters. I believe the gas quality locally is not great particulate wise. The mechanical pump has not produced any problems.
It has had two mufflers, one resonator, and recently the catalytic converter replaced to pass smog in California. All of the exhaust pipe has been replaced at one time or another, due to corrosion. I found this acceptable, although odd, considering the car grew up with unsalted roads, and not near the coast.
I had the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and drive belts replaced at 81,000 miles, as preventative maintenance.
A hydraulic pump was needed at 85,000 miles, due to leakage.
The climate control head was replaced at just under 100,000 miles.
I put shocks and strut inserts in at 126,000 miles; had forgotten how "right" the car felt when new, although it had not suffered dramatically over the years.
The radio fuse (on the back of the radio) blows every three years or so.
Normal replacements and maintenance were made exactly as Audi stated, as well as brakes as needed.
General Comments:
This car has been an excellent value. It was purchased new with $5000 reduced from the asking price, due to the "unintended acceleration" slump in 1986... which, I believe, well, I don't believe...
It has the original clutch.
The hydraulic accumulator is fine, as is the steering rack, regardless of how many people told me I was on "borrowed time".
The engine has never needed any work other than scheduled tuning, and a valve cover gasket.
I have never had any problem with soft trim, handles, door locks, upholstery, or the electrical system.
This car could stand to have more power, but recently it moved to sea level, and a noticeable improvement was noticed (had lived at 4000 feet most of it's life).
It rides and handles well, and is quiet. Still a pleasure to drive.
This is one of five Audi's I own or have owned, just picked up an A6 Quattro. This 1987 is still with me because I like it, and it's the car in which my daughter learned how to drive.
27th Dec 2005, 11:27
A superb vehicle... one of the finest automobiles ever built--one of the finest...