so i am in a position to buy a 1989 200 Quattro (sedan) with about 180k on it. it has the turbo(which from what i've found is standard on the quattro, dunno if that's right). i've done some research, but it kinda seems hard to find any info on these cars, and therefore, don't really know what to look for. all of the reviews i've found online sound pretty good, but i'm still worried. this would be my first car, and if i get it (most likely, i will), i will be paying about $2100 for it. my questions are these.
1) How many more miles can i expect out of this car?
2) what are some issues/problem areas to watch out for? (i've seen something about wiring-specifically relays, which were just recently replaced in this particular car)
3) would this be a good investment as a first car?
From everything i've seen i should be able to get another 100k on the car at least, which would be good enough for me.

 

I got 350 K on my 200QT before finally giving up, but it took fair amount of work to keep it going.
Figure on clutch (mine needed a TO bearing so I did the clutch also) and brakes. It will also need assundry control arms and many little things like window switches, ignition switch, vacuum lines, etc.

$2100 isOK if there are no obvious problems but plan on spending another $2100 to get another 100K out of it and do a lot of work yourself

As for a first car --depends upon how much help you can get from friends etc.

 

that car will last you a very long time if and only if you are willing to spend the time and money to maintain it. the older audis are great reliable cars, but they are complex and there is a lot to break...

 

They last forever pretty much, if you take care of them. Preventitive maitenence is a must. Dont be spooling it EVERY where you go, like its the indy 500 lol. Drive it hard all the time, and it will break. Take care of it, it will take care of you.

 

thanks for the help guys. i kinda figure that this would be the type of car that as long as i take care of it and don't beat on it, it'll last me. i mean, look at all the old diesel benzes that are still goin strong. anyway, i should be able to do most of the work myself, and my family has alot of connections with mechanics (and my grandpa is a mechanic), so i could always get help. but like i said, thanks for the help. btw, how much does a new starter go for? i'm not exactly sure which part or what is wrong with it, but it's a little iffy on starting sometimes i guess.

 

i paid i think 150 plus core for my new starter...

 

So funny thing about this. I was looking back at my old posts. And I had to replace pretty much everything NH said I would. Clutch went out about a week or two after I bought the car (had more of an issue with the distributor and alternator than with the clutch), and I need to do brakes and a new control arm soon. And this is roughly a year later.

 

eh we all go through that. i got my car in july. so far ive done brakes, tie rod ends. this weekend im doing a full set of control arms and cv boots. got a tip so no clutch for me. but this is normal maintenance on these cars. hopefully with this ill be done on the big stuff. car had the tb changed at 81k so im good for a long time. i got 92k on the clock. gl with urs.

 

so i did all that stuff on my 85 5k maybe 2 years ago...havnt had any thing to do sense then it gets kinda boring around here. im getting the timing belt done next week...its still the original. but unfortunately i don't trust my self to do that. too much at risk. but i think your going to be good to go for a LONG time now.

 

Ripo -- I miss my 89 200QT and wish I still had it.

Connect with Force Five Auto in Concord NH 603-223-6700 for used and new parts.

Consider getting rebuilt loaded calipers for around $100 each and new rotors to make the brake job easier.