I bought a cheap 2.6L V6 A4 B5 to keep my no-claims bonus going after my TVR was put on a classic car insurance policy, also it has 5 seats so I can take the grandchildren out.

I have a few handling issues with it. When I collected the car I had a few moments with the back end stepping out, this has improved with correct tyre pressure, but still feels to easy to do. The next is the ABS, it comes on to easy when breaking and is actually causing me to skid. Then there is under steer, a couple of times I've just lost it, on slow bends in car parks. On any bend even at slow speeds it just doesn't feel safe.

I can't feel any play on the wheels, tyre ware is even (so can't see it being tracking), pressures are correct, tread is well above legal limit and suspension seams OK (not as hard as I'm use to, but it doesn't bounce on bumps).

The only fault I can find is what sounds like a faulty CV joint on the front when turning a tight circle, but this is rear wheel drive, so shouldn't have CV joints on the front.

Any ideas?

 

It's either front drive or all-wheel drive. Either way it will have front joints. First step in fixing the handling is a visual inspection and if it all looks good, get a four-wheel alignment at a dealership (alignment trchniques are screwy on these cars and a dealer is best-equipped to do it).

 

Now I'm confused, I was sure from the way I can get the back to step out on the throttle it was rear wheel drive, but didn't think its a 4 wheel drive. How do I tell if its front or 4 wheel drive, besides doing a burn out up the road.

 

Think its front, well only the front wheels spin on gravel. Something is really screwy with the handling then. I'll get it into the garage and have the CV joint replaced, also get them to check the wheel alignment.

 

Look under the back of the car and see if it has rear drive axles. Also, it should have "quattro" badges if it's AWD. get a thorough inspection though - maybe a broken swaybar endlink or body link, broken spring, alignment...

 

Its in the garage now, I'll let them take a look. Back to driving the TVR for now. I was hoping I could convince myself that a nice Audi estate would be more practical than the TVR, so perhaps sell it and buy a S4, but every time I get in the TVR I just can't stop that happy feeling.