Hello,

I'm new here, but I thought this would be a good place to get some advice -

I'm looking for a new car, I totalled my old one and am shopping around..My dad and I have both been looking for a couple of months now, and I've found a 1995 Audi 90 Quattro.

First off, the car is going to be used for me at college, which is roughly a two hour drive from home. We're looking for something used, which is fairly reliable and definitely a stick shift.

The 90 Quattro has high miles (125,000), but is in very nice condition; it's got a few minor flaws and scratches which are typical for any 10+ year old car, but overall it's very nice looking. Mechanically, it's sound, but there are a few things that my dad isn't comfortable with.

A) The high miles - he's used to crappy GM products which he's owned all his life and haven't lasted much over 100K miles.

B) The transmission - The car can be shifted/pulled out of gear easily without engaging the clutch..I don't know if this is just because of wear, or it's the way that the car was designed.

C) The clutch - Along with the tranny prob, the friction point of the clutch is almost at the top of the range of motion. The car shifts fine, but he's concerned about it needing to be replaced.


I'm really into this car - they're asking 4900 for it with everything being fixed (there are minor things - broken turn signal, windows don't work, needs new brakes & rotors, strut caps & an inspection) and so my question is:

* Are the high miles on this car (or any other audi for that matter) a concern?
* Is the transmission being able to be shifted something to be worried about?
* What about the clutch?

Aside from those questions, is there anything else that I should know about this model?

Thanks in advance ~

I'm not necessarily a specialist, but i have owned and audi for 4 years. (1990 100 quattro 5spd w/192k miles running fine)

Audi's last. German engineering lasts. Although, parts and repairs are expensive.

I can also do the same thing with my clutch being pulled out of gear w/o disengaging the clutch. My mom's 2001 jetta could do the same. you should be ok if it's not running. otherwise, i think you'll chip the gears.

That's all i got bud...sooooo tired, lol.

peace

Chad

My '91 100 has 170K+ on the clock and the transmission works fine. The clutch/transmission life depends on the previous owner. If the car had one owner then most likely that person that bought it new, knew how to shift properly. After 1991 finding any Audi Quattro with a 5-speed is hard, as most were equipped with automatics. So the original owner must have insisted on buying one. I don't have much confidence in the Audi automatic transmissions especially on high mileage vehicles. The type 016 5-speed manual transmission, used on the 5 cylinder and V6 models, is quite reliable and bullet proof. Pulling the shifter out while in gear is normal if the synchros are not shot and not under heavy load. It should be the same amount of force in just about all the gears. If not, there could be issues with linkage or transmission/motor mounts. The Audi shifter also has good positive feel unlike some American brands that were just plain horrible. Older Chrysler FW models were just [:'(]. I think it was a deliberate attempt to steer people towards automatic transmission because car makers can make a lot more money in the short and long run.

The Audi clutch system is hydraulic and self-adjusting. You should be able to peek into the bell housing and see how much meat is left on the clutch. The 016 trans has ports or openings that you should be able to see through. Ask for some documents if the clutch has been replaced. If no documentation is available try to get the seller to put in a new one or use this as bargaining chip.

An Audi is not like a GM and will cost you more to service it. The quality level in a 10 year old Audi will far exceed a typical GM car, even Crapillac. I hope that you will be able to do some things on your own as dealer prices are outrageous.

Good luck with your new toy!;)

My 88 5000 TQ has 400,000 km, about 240,000 miles on the clock. It has some oil leaks, needs a rocker cover gasket, but starts every time and runs good. The clutch and tranny are smooth as silk. It has gone through several owners, but shows no signs of abuse.
Audi's are bulletproof, if properly maintained. They can be a very expensive proposition if you have to rely on dealers. I strongly suggest looking for an independant mechanic who specializes in German cars, if you can't find an Audi specialist.
If you buy the car, invest in the Bentley manual. A lot of the week to week maintenance can be done at home and that will save you money and give you a sense of Zen with the car.
Take a read through http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/trouble_shooting/repair.html. That site and this one are an invaluable resource for used Audi owners.
After 19 Volvos, I'm on my 3rd Audi. I love it.