1988 Audi 5000 S review from North America

Dash cluster lights don't stay lit.

Driver's power window controls for rear window are inoperable.

Radio is inoperable.

Unnatural feel of gas pedal.

Odometer failed and was replaced before I purchased it, so we don't know the actual mileage (though the new one works).

The car sat for three years before I bought it and after checking the plugs, changing the battery, and evicting the rodents, it started up like it was a daily driver.

Solid German feel to the construction. Nothing seems overdone or under-thought. The power windows, power sunroof, and all the seals that go with them are still in great shape after 20 + years. Every fender, door, and panel lines up with precision. And I might be crazy, but I believe the exhaust and even the muffler which is stamped VW/Audi is factory original! It is my first Audi and won't be my last.

Can't beat the value, I bought the car for $275 because the owner couldn't find a mechanic who could adjust the alternator tension. Turns out the mechanic ruined the pinion that was designed to adjust it and we had to replace it.

I'm surprised by the performance, though I'm still scared to break 65 MPH in such an old car that sat for so long.