1986 Audi Coupe quattro 2.3 20V from UK and Ireland

Summary:

90% of a Ur quattro for half the running costs

Faults:

1) Exhaust failed at 100,000.

2) Wishbone and sub frame bushes at 130,000.

3) Cylinder head overhaul at 120,000.

4) Fuel pump had to be replaced at 90,000 as it was getting very noisy. (Early warning of failure).

5) Central locking pump failed at 115,000, I repaired it and then failed again at 155,000, repaired again and presently still o.k.

6) Seat bolster wear (a common problem) at only 70,000miles, repaired twice since, have now had half leather seats fitted in 2005.

7) Rear diff mounts failed at 160,000.

General Comments:

Further items may have failed, but have now completed an overhaul from the ground up replacing EVERYTHING.

Also now fitted the later 7A 20v 5 cylinder engine.

Suspension now uses recommended H&R springs and Koni adjustable dampers and handling is now as a quattro should be...On rails, with excellent turn in and feedback through the steering.

Roof lining was not a good design and a nightmare to clean!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2005

1986 Audi Coupe GT 2.2L Gasoline from North America

Summary:

A German road carver deserving of praise

Faults:

When I purchased this car, it had been the previous owner's "second car" for five years. He had maintained it fairly well, but there were certain things that needed to be replaced - which is expected of a car pushing twenty years old.

All of these items I consider maintenance, and have replaced:

Water pump.

Timing belt and belt roller.

Thermostat.

A/C and fan belts.

Crankshaft and cam seals.

Front wheel bearings.

Inner and outer CV boots on both sides.

Brand new control arms with new bushings.

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The window regulator on the passenger side went out, and I had to take apart the door to pull the window up by hand.

The instrument cluster lights are out and need to be replaced.

General Comments:

I had owned a few project car Volkswagens prior to owning this car, and they were great, but owning this Audi Coupe GT is awesome. Audis feel exponentially more solid and substantial than my Jettas did, and the Coupe GT is such a unique car, that I don't really mind dumping money into it (which I have). Any money I dump into it will only make it drive better, and last longer (these cars are known to last a long time).

It starts every time (knock on wood).

The power and sound from the 5 cylinder are great, and the motor is chock full of torque.

Mostly everything electrical still works - which is rare for an older German car.

The interior has held up really well.

The paint and bodywork have held up well too, but there are a few very small rust spots that I have noticed - which are ironic, as this has been a California car its whole life. Oh well.

The car has a presence that many older Audis and even newer Audis cannot duplicate. The long, fastback design looks very sleek and exciting, and the driving experience certainly delivers on the promise the styling gives.

I don't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2005

6th Jun 2005, 08:34

Why don't you report back when you've put more than 1000 miles on it.

There's a reason why you don't see many of these around.

2nd Dec 2006, 20:54

I own 2 coupes a 2.3 manual and 2.2 automatic. With very little mods these cars can be a pleasure to drive. K&N filter charger, Boge Turbo Gas struts, H&R springs, Throttle body modification (secondary throttle valve opens with gas at 1/3 throttle instead of full throttle) Much more "get up", little more gas consumption. High fun factor.

19th Dec 2006, 20:51

I agree with other comments that the Audi Coupe is a great driving car even after 21 years of service, however I have had similar mechanical problems within the first 10 years. CV joint boots, swing arms bushings, water pump and the exhaust system didn't last very long.

Last year I had to replace the fuel injectors, but now the car runs great with plenty of power and a nice solid ride! The car still looks so good that I've had total strangers stop me in a parking lot to ask if I wanted to sell the car.

The odometer failed within 1 year and the replacement only lasted 3 years. My instrument cluster back light also died, but I recently discovered that the bulb holder contacts were just dirty.

I would like to replace the cracked door seals, but Audi just informed me that they are no longer available for this car. Does anyone know where I can obtain these seals?

22nd Nov 2007, 02:13

I have a 1986 Audi Coupe GT and it will not start? Have no spark at plugs and fuel has shut off. Pump works though have checked.

Have changed dizzy, tried another coil, checked cap its new, changed rotor and leads check OK,plus coil lead. Have power to TCI (DIC) and changed it as well.

Only thing I have not checked is the ECU, but I cannot find it?

Been all through the dash and console, book states its in places and still cannot find it. Been in boot area, not under the seats? COULD SOMONE PLEASE tell me where the damn thing is? It's right hand drive.