Pre-purchase Help on a 1990 100
 

I am considering purchasing a 1990 Audi 100 Quattro. It has relatively low miles, nice exterior, fair interior (with the accursed headliner issues) but there are two things that I need your help/opinion with.

First off the shift handle is able to be pulled upward out of its respective area... still shifts, but is not secured? Difficult fix? Sign of something else major?

Second is that the speedometer kind of jumpes between 10-15mph while at idle. Normal, fixes, etc?

And possibly a third... car has been sitting supposedly, and will only start with a jumpstart. Not currently registered, with an out of state title.

Purchase price is fair right now if these problems are not deal breakers. However car is an hour away from me, and wanted advice from a much more knowledgeable core of people.

Thank you in advance for your time.

PS. I have been looking for an Audi with the quattro system for quite some time in my area and price range with little success. I have been driving Subaru's for a number of years, but really desire an Audi and its german engineering.

RE: Pre-purchase Help on a 1990 100
 

I have a 91 100Q

First off the shift handle is able to be pulled upward out of its respective area... still shifts, but is not secured? Difficult fix? Sign of something else major?
If I remember correctly there is a plastic retainer that holds the ball in place probably cracked unless the ball itself is severely worn. This shouldn't be difficult to fix but might require a trip to a local junk yard.

Second is that the speedometer kind of jumps between 10-15mph while at idle. Normal, fixes, etc?
This is a common problem, search the web and it will tell you where to solder an additional diode or resistor to fix the problem.

And possibly a third... car has been sitting supposedly, and will only start with a jumpstart.
The battery is dead and is probably shorted internally a new one should fix the problem.