1987 Audi 5000 S from North America - Comments

Front axles needed to be replaced at 160,000 miles because of torn boots.

Electrical problems affecting secondary systems such as license plate and dashboard lights.

I was a little reluctant to purchase this car because of its reputation, but I'm so glad I did.

After 170,000 miles it still performs very well and is tremendous value.

Possibly one of the worlds most underrated cars from the 1980's.

The "reputation" you mentioned would probably be the unintended acceleration? Funny because it never spread outside Nth America, even with the automatics. Just be conscious of the pedal position. And keep the automatic properly serviced.

The strange thing about the unintended acceleration is it only happened to one car. Yes one. Rumors spread quickly.

I am trying to get in touch with anyone that

has experienced the "Unintended Acceleration Complaint"

I am a Dealer Technician since 1983 and if anyone can say that they have experienced that complaint in an 1985 AUDI

5000 S Automatic: It is I.

Mail me to discuss.

Tkrutch@losch.net.

Sudden acceleration has occurred in more than one car. If you actually researched this topic you would see that Jeep, GM and Ford have all had several problems with this. Audi is always mentioned because they were one of the first car manufactures to experience problems with sudden acceleration.

The sudden acceleration was due to the pedal positioning. Some folks would hit the accelerator while braking and assume it was a problem with the car, not their foot positioning.

I am the original reviewer from back on 7/4/01. I sold the Audi with 200,000 miles on it in July 2003. The body was still holding up well. Mechanically, I replaced front wheel assembly, fuel pump, water pump, alternator, both front window regulators, stereo unit, tach dash lights. The power lock doors stopped working as well as the AC. (Could have just needed re fridgerant. I don't know) Repairs are expensive on this car. Although the engine and drivetrain appear to be quite durable, it's the other "bolt on" parts that will cost you. I replaced it with a '98 Pontiac Grand Prix GT in 2003. I bought that with 87,000 miles I now have 164,000. Honestly, the Pontiac was a much better deal and out-performs the Audi by a huge margin.

I bought my Audi 5000S Automatic nine years ago. It was especially classy looking then and still is, at 22 years! I did have to replace the transmission 2 years ago, and have had all of the usual troubles with the door locks and door handles and power windows. Air no longer blows cold or cool air, maybe it's the freon or lack there-of?

That all said, this has been an excellent used car, purchased then for $1,800.00! The problem now is... finding some parts for it. This "Cash-for-Clunkers" program may have sucked in some of these older ones, although they do get good gas mileage. Mine now needs a new cowl (or good used one) for the top of the firewall area. Some not-so-careful mechanic at a regular service station tore it to pieces taking it off!

This car has always been fun and comfortable to drive, and its quite roomy inside. Also the trunk area is ideal for carrying groceries, bedding plants, paintings, suitcases etc.

If the cowl becomes broken or missing... watch-out! There will be severe rain leakage into the front drivers and passengers foot area and also wet electrical areas at the firewall! Even the glovebox will fill with water! PROTECT YOUR AUDI'S "COWL"!A wonderful car to have and take care of!

I had an 1985 Audi 5000s automatic from 110k to 120k. I had a lot of problems with this vehicle, from all the door handles breaking, some inside and out, had a short in the tail lights, have to replace running light fuses every couple of weeks, and all of a sudden I had a total loss of power; hard to really hard to start cold, and barely able to keep up with traffic.