Faults:

First signs of ageing were the chassis beams under doors.

Next was the chassis back plate under the rear bumper.

Drive shaft articulation points protection bellows and balls repaired in Germany in 1997.

Rubber lined suspension bushings renewed in 1980, 1990, and again 1997.

Engine service (honing) performed in 1996.

Chassis / beam motor & suspension support left side renewed because of rust. Right side perfect due to heat from exhaust pipe.

Generator renewed 1985.

Fully serviced and re-fitting of roof cover, seats, mats etc in 1996.

I have owned many cars, from a Steyr 200 1936 model through Mercedes 180D 1958, MC 190D 1960, DKW Junior 1961, F12 1963, Opel 1965, Audi 100 LS 1971, Mercedes 300D 1969, Honda Civic 1985, Mercedes 300TDT 1999. I still have the Audi, the MC 300D and the MC300TDT.

The Audi has performed beyond expectations, and is still alive although undergoing minor repairs at this moment.

At the end of the day, the performance of a car also has to do with the interest and competence of the owner.

Faults:

Gas started leaking from a pipe shortly after I bought the car. Easy and cheap to fix.

A thermostat sensor and cooler fan, parts bought cheap on the scrapyard.

Nothing else, just regular maintenance.

General Comments:

It is my first car. I heard that these cars were very solid and reliable. So I bought one for 1500 dollars. When I got it, it looked very nice for a 20 year old car. But when the winter and snow came, the car got a hard time. I drove off the way 3 times. I have jumped and driven on fields with it. And every day I drive it like I try to kill it. So it starts to get a little bit worn now. It is amazing that a car can take so much beating and still run great. Real quality. It is a really comfy and big car :) The 2 liter engine is just big enough, don't go for the 4 cylinder.