1987 Audi Coupe GT 2.2L

Summary:

Outstanding!

Faults:

This car has had very little go wrong with intergalactic mileage, however some things have required attention. Wheel bearings, A-arm bushings and CV boots (about every 100,000mi or so), and clutch master cylinder (about every 80,000mi). I have a digital dash that will need a bulb replacement every 60,000mi or so (many people will have the whole cluster replaced, when only a light bulb is needed. Considering the mileage intervals, this it all very minor.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever owned! Period! Granted that it is not as fast a some modern cars, it out handles practically anything on the road even by today's standards. It has great low end torque for hill climbing and offers outstanding reliability. Having 345,000mi (yes that's miles) with the original engine/transmission speaks for itself. Believe it or not, my car still runs and drives like it did when it was new (no, I'm not kidding). Change the oil every 3000mi, as this motor really likes clean oil due to it's hydraulic lifters. The clutch will last 250,000+ if not abused (and I do a lot of downshifting). I do my own maintenance on the CGT, and find it to be fairly straightforward, with little in the way of computers and stuff to complicate things. Despite the electronic look of the instruments, it is a very mechanical car with a small mixture control computer to optimize performance. The CGT has a very comfortable ride and handles responsively, giving tons of feedback to the driver through the steering wheel. If pushed to the limit, the CGT will understeer, but judicous power application will pull the car around a turn entered too quickly. The car has a surprisingly large amount of room for a "sports coupe", with a good amount of legroom in the rear and very comfortable seats. In short... I will never sell my Coupe and feel that it is an absolute steal for the going prices, provided that the car has been well maintained and everything is in working order (parts can be expensive). Be thorough in your prepurchase. Find a pampered one because an abused or improperly maintained CGT can cost a lot to restore.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2004

1987 Audi Coupe GT 2.3

Summary:

One of the fortunate few

Faults:

The digital dash was replaced under warranty. Although digital dashes are somewhat considered to be a non-enthusiast item, this is a jewel of a display!

The lifters have always been very noisy in this engine since it was new. The dealer replaced the entire set twice, with the last change after the warranty expired at 100000 miles at no cost to me! I am anxiously awaiting the return of my coupe after its first major rebuild at 265000, in which my mechanic noticed restriction in the oil passages in the heads' freeze plug area.

My power windows have also experienced problems with the window regulators. I replaced them myself with an aftermarket design that has worked quite well. I modified the mounting bracket on each regulator by repositioning the lower mount. Both windows operate more slowly than the originals, but the seal is great.

I have also experienced a tragedy with my power Fuba radio antenna. I destroyed the amplifier portion of the base by accident when changing a broken mast. What began as a $50.00 mast swap, turned into a $400.00 antenna replacement, as this is a special antenna with power lift and a signal amplifier.

General Comments:

This is absolutely one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever driven. It is something only Audi Coupe GT owners will understand. While there are always faster cars out on the roads, few will be as eager to play 100% of the time as this car is. It is a pure joy to drive at the limit, and every time it rains, I ask myself how Quattro can possibly be any better. This car will talk to the driver in the most reassuring language of its athletic abilities.

I never get tired driving this car, and love to recall a particular road trip, when I arrived at a road circuit racetrack after following a friend in his well driven Ferrari over rural roads for an hour and a half, only to see his sweaty, obviously exhausted face explain to me "It's a whole lot tougher to lead than follow", when he noticed I wasn't even slightly tired after keeping up with his efforts to leave me behind! This performance from a front wheel drive car leaves many to doubt its potential.

I will always drive this car, and hope that it will get the respect it deserves over time. There is a reason the 4000 Coupe GT cost more than a BMW 325 in 1988; it was and is a better car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2003

1987 Audi Coupe 2.3

Summary:

Simply the best Audi produced!

Faults:

Manifold bolt broke, but repaired by Audi at no cost. Window regulators went out. First replaced by dealer for $300 but I found out through Audi in Berlin, Germany that the a small radiator bushing is the same as the one found on the window regulators. The second was repaired for less than $20! Digital dash was promlematic, but again Audi dealer in Germany advised how to fix it. I told the dealer in the US and it was done at low cost!

General Comments:

This was the best car I have ever owned. So much so that when I moved overseas I brought the then 5 year old car with me. The dealers here loved it since it was a US version with the digital dash and luxo packaging (power everything) never found on the car here. Unfortunately I could not register the car here and had to eventually send it back to the US and sold it to a 16 year old. Lord knows what's happened to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2002

1987 Audi Coupe GT 2.2

Summary:

I love my Audi

Faults:

Within the first year I had the instrument panel replaced twice.

Exhaust System replaced twice.

Window regulator twice.

Timing belt replaced once.

Any other work has been from normal use and age.

General Comments:

This is a great car. It still handles better than many other

America n cars I've driven.

It is very reliable.

The engine has a great sound to it.

The body is still rust free with original paint.

My gas mileage is great.

Has lots of pep and speed.

I don't know what else to say, its worth every cent put into it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2002