1993 Audi V8 Quattro six-speed review from Germany

Replaced parts so far: Oxygen sensor, front brakes, left rear brake caliper, rebuilt alternator, left distributor, battery for auxiliary heater and lots of suspension bushings. Nothing extraordinary.

Other worries:

- both front BOSE amps dead.

- Brake caliper mounts are somewhat worn and need to be replaced soon.

- some lights in dash and switches are out.

- rear power sunshade drive is missing a few teeth in gear drive - makes grinding noise when closing.

- original exhaust still under the car, front muffler will go soon.

- biggest gripe: replaced valve seals at 150k, still burns 1qt of oil every 800 miles.

The car is generally a blast to drive and goes like a bat out of hell no matter what (I have the Euro-only six-speed manual transmission). Average mileage is around 19 mpg.

Maintenance and repair costs are high, even compared to other vehicles in the same class. The 150k scheduled service which includes a timing belt change ran a whopping $2000. Parts pricing is outrageous, with availability becoming more and more of a concern - already there are some trim pieces that are no longer obtainable... this will make this car a hard-to-maintain classic in the future.

Good things: interior still looks like new. Superb build quality, perfect fit and finish. Good reliability record - never left me stranded. Also never had any electronic gremlins in both V8 I own (ed).

The UFO front brakes are a little overburdened by today's traffic though - I encounter considerable fade in high-speed autobahn driving conditions.