Faults:

Rack and pinion - TWICE in 3 years.

A/C problems.

Hub or strut bolt snapped (could have been killed).

CV boots.

General Comments:

We took the car on several long trips. Something would go wrong every time. Repairs for this car were expensive.

The rack and pinion failed twice in the three years we owned it.

CV boots fell apart frequently.

Hated the climate control system, which eventually stopped working.

The last straw was when the front passenger suspension snapped and fell apart with no warning. We were lucky that night. Had it towed, repaired, and traded it in one week later.

The one good thing I can say about this car was that it was without a doubt the most comfortable riding car I have ever driven. Loved the seats.

If it just wasn't so darn unreliable.

Faults:

Power steering pump, brake pressure accumulator, window regulator.

General Comments:

Being an engineer in the tire/automobile industry, I'm quite picky when it comes to auto design and performance. The Audi 5000 remains one of the best balanced designs to ever grace the road. They are supremely durable, comfortable and user friendly engineering masterpieces.

All cars have a weak system or two and the 5000 is no exception. Of course I'm referring to the infamous high-pressure hydraulic system. Replacement parts are so cheap at this point that one can keep a 5000 running forever for pocket change.

An engine has never been made quite like the 2.2L 5 cylinder. It is smooth, torquey and makes lovely music when revved assuming a healthy exhaust is present. I've owned some 80 cars from just about all manufacturers, and none have the overall balance of the 5000. Not even Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. Just change the transmission and differential oil annually (maybe $10) and even the automatic tranny cars will go over 300k miles.

High speed stability, body rigidity, steering feel, paint quality, corrosion resistance, interior ergonomics and on and on and on are all at the pinnacle of automobile design.

Look for a low mile "grandma" sample or one that has been well maintained and you will have a difficult time switching over to any other cars... even current new models. You'll be driving the best from Germany's glory days for pennies.

Long live the type 44 chassis!!

Faults:

The car was in storage for numerous years. This resulted in 3 out of the 4 calipers seizing.

The cooling system totally went around 200,000.

Besides that there were no problems.

General Comments:

It's tragic that the press and uneducated drivers had to kill the 5000 with the "unintended acceleration" fiasco that Motor Trend called "the greatest automotive tragedy of the 1980's". But this results in these wonderful cars being sold for next to nothing today.

I have added many after-market upgrades to the car. It has a T.A.P. boost and chip kit (+50hp), Scorpion exhaust (15HP) and a T.A.P. Cone Air Filter conversion (10HP). The car now has well over 200 HP. I have also done many other enhancements.

Faults:

Besides tune up parts and wear parts, nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle. A few bugs here and there, or neglect from the previous owner were evident, but when these minor problems are fixed this car gives 100%. Basically, it takes care of you the same way you take care of it.

General Comments:

The 5000S Wagon is, in my opinion, a very attractive and unique car. The body style is sporty yet there is plenty of room on the inside.

Again, if you don't keep up with the regular maintenance, these cars will hurt you money wise. However, the 2.2L 5 cyl engine is unbeatable when taken care of. The CIS injection system is a lot different from domestic vehicles but far superior.

There are minor things about these cars that often go wrong but are simple to fix if one can do so ypurself (ie: door handles, window regulators/switches etc.).

A tip to anyone who owns one is to install a set of the new Bosch Plus4 plugs. They are pricey, yet the difference they deliver is incredible (seeing that all other ignition system parts are in fairly good shape and the fuel system/vacuum systems are clean/free of leaks respectively).

All in all these are great cars that just got a bad wrap due to their minor flaws.