Faults:

This is and always was my ultimate AUDI. I have had the following Audi's - 500E, A4 1.8 Avant, 1.8 T Avant, 500 SE, A4 2.8 4door.

But seriously, the 500 SEL has the cleanest, smoothest and definitely the sexiest lines and shape.

I bought this car for myself, as it was always in the back of my mind, THE ONE to have! I took my time when looking around, and one day it stopped in front of me. I boldly asked the owner (also driver) if I could take a peek inside this piece of GERMAN engineering, and wow, this was what I've been dreaming about, for all those years! This had to be the cleanest, nicest 500 SEL on the road today! No tears to the seats or anywhere in the interior, no dents, no major marks, no electrical problems. I bought it right there and then, for a good price of course!

This is really a masterpiece. I have replaced the shock absorbers, wheel bearings (all round). THAT'S IT!!!

There are however, some minor scratches around the boot lid and the door locks.

If you are looking for big space with reliability and good looks - go this era AUDI.You'll never regret the move.

General Comments:

This one is going for a good buff and valet, that's it. Then it's clean/good enough for shows as an original unit.

Faults:

It's smoking like a chimney.

The gearbox needs to be warmed up for a long time before it changes gears in the morning.

The electric windows are problematic.

Suspension in the front is shot.

Tie rod ends finished.

The air-con does not work.

General Comments:

This car has lots of torque.

Very powerful motor.

The cabin is spacious & very comfortable.

It's a 22 year old fighter.

Faults:

Seats recovered in leather.

Power steering rack replaced at 203 000km's.

Power steering pump replaced at 203 000km's.

Power steering pipes replaced at 203 000km's.

Exhaust manifold replaced at 212 000km's.

Drive shafts replaced at 212 500km's (they were bent, probably by the Audi dealership when it was serviced).

Hydraulic lifters replaced at 213 800km's.

General Comments:

Even though the parts are ridiculously expensive, it is worth repairing and maintaining.

After fitting 17" wheels with Pirelli tires, it handles beautifully and stops on a dime.

Since having the interior replaced, the cabin is a nice place to be, and also had a factory mp3 sound system installed.

With the semi free-flow exhaust, it sounds like a V8 when you press the loud pedal hard and yet, soft when you drive "normally".

This car still gives newer cars a run for their money at the stop lights, and drives so smooth after having the drive shafts replaced. I'm pretty sure the Audi dealer bent them when they placed the car on a jack stand, resting the driveshafts on the jack (stupid thing to do). It cost me an arm and a leg to replace the shafts, but now there is no more vibration at high speed, and she drives like a dream.

This car is capable of very high speed, although I've only ever taken it as far as 210km/h on the freeway, and she was still accelerating.