1986 Audi 5000 CS Turbo 2.2L turbo
Summary:
High performance
Faults:
Replaced brake master cylinder.
Replaced rack n' pinion.
Replaced 3 door handles
-1 due to key locking mechanism
-1 due to lever mechanism
-1 due to entire handle falling off door.
Replaced starter.
Replaced radiator.
Replaced thermostat, fan switch, temperature switch.
Replaced numerous hoses.
General Comments:
These cars are not for those that expect cheap transportation. Just because they have a bluebook value of about $2000, does no mean they are cheap. Bare in mind these cars are some of the most technologically advanced cars of their time.
One must also consider that these cars are nearly 20 years old, so one should be not surprised at the need for seemingly numerous repairs/replacements.
If you are willing to spend the necessary $$$ and/or are willing and able to spend some time getting your hands a little dirty (she's not that difficult to perform several regular/preventative operations on), she's all worth it.
This car is quick. Not just driving around town quick, but highway and well, well beyond highway quick.
Steering and handling are great, she does not give in nor does she fight. She'll hold her ground with some of the best.
Superb visibility straight forward and all the way around. Altough I must say at night this can be a whole different story. The headlights on this car are bad. Bad angle projection, weak beam = poor visibility.
Cabin layout is comfortable, practical. Seats are firm and supportive, but also soft and relaxing.
Trunk is the perfect size, and the ski passage comes in handy.
Over all I would have to say this is a high performance bargain when you consider what this car is capable of. For the money it would take to buy a Civic, you could buy this car and do her over twice, which was already ten times what that Civic is.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th July, 2003
17th Mar 2008, 19:06
I purchased a 1987 Audi 5000S in 1994. I have to say, I intensely enjoy driving the car, however, I'm always sticking my hand in my wallet for ridiculous repairs. For example: I've had to replace all four door handles, the vacuum door lock system had failed, the climate control system has been an ongoing nightmare, costing me about $700 thus far, and it seems every time I drive the car, there is something in need of repair. I have to say, I also own a 1995 Toyota Camry, and it has been an absolute pleasure to own. I literally have only done basic maintenance. I have only replaced the tires, replaced the front brakes, and tuned it at 105,000 miles, and that's only because I felt it was time. The car was still running flawlessly. It has better assembly quality than the Audi, and the body panels line up exactly. The interior materials are of the best quality. It is like owning a Lexus ES300 without the price tag. I have been given no reason to believe that this Camry will run without major repairs until at least 200K.
27th Jul 2012, 08:38
People should know that cars like this never get old enough to be outdated... and this particular car is really something extraordinary. One wouldn't want this car just at a glance, but those few who know the real value of this car would take the opportunity and purchase this masterpiece of car manufacturing. I assure everyone that buying this car in a good shape for about $1500-2000, and investing another 1000-1500 into repairs, is a great gain. You'll get a completely renewed, fantastic car, that you can't find for the same money; not even close.
18th Jan 2005, 21:28
I agree that the car is a bargain. I bought mine for $1500 have driven it harder than you should ever drive a car, and has withstood things no modern car would hold up to. I have had numerous issues with the brakes and electrical, but those are presently getting sorted out. Parts are expensive, I have had to replace the clutch and rear caliper. The car is absolutely Brilliant in the snow (weight and traction), having a superb all wheel drive system with locking front and rear diffs, it can climb hills and drive through mud right along with the 4x4's, only limited by ground clearance. I've got a slight turbo modification to the waste gate, resulting in 1.4 bar (~200hp), and it hits the bragged 220kph mark, but hits a wall at about 190 where the acceleration is slow. The car handles decently when taken into account it weighs 2100kg, is luxurious when it comes to older cars, with heated everything (including side mirrors). The car rally's like nothing else, gravel and snow. It's such a beast, has been off the road twice, no damage. It was rear ended by a Toyota car, which was towed away with $5000 worth of damage, I drove away with a scratch on the bumper. The car just won't stop going, if you're prepared to work on it, it's an awesome car, no more stranded winter mornings, only open, snowy parking lots.