I'm looking at buying a 1995 90 Quattro. The seller says "I'm not sure if the push button all wheel drive works".

What does this mean, is the car in AWD all the time, or is it possible a bad switch would cause it to be 2WD? Is there an easy way to verify if the car is working in AWD on a test drive?

I'm an audi newb, so any info about what to look out for would also be appreciated.

 

its fulltime AWD. so he must be talking about the locking differential switch not engaging possibly. When you test drive the car turn on the locker switch from a standstill and slowly drive around a dry blacktop road corner and listen for the back axle tires to grip and slip on the pavement. The back axle is locked and the two wheels are traveling around a different radius on the turn so the tire on the inside back of the turn will do the slipping. Its pretty noticeable but its not like dukes of hazzard loud. Close all the windows except for the that tire's window and listen carefully for it. good luck

 

Go find some gravel and get nuts see what wheels are throwing stuff, I can feel the difference in mine thru the steering wheel, harder to turn locked up

 

go try and get stuck if you can its not working if you cant its working

 

PSH! Quattro does not get stuck sir. At least i've not had to use the locker to get out of anything. Also, the light should turn on once it locks.