1989 Audi 80 Reviews - Page 3 of 3

Front suspension bushes all need replaced.

New clutch slave cylinder at 135k.

Complete new clutch, including fork, at 137k.

Head-room a bit restrictive - I'm 6'1"

Boot space is compromised for anything other than a medium load. Split-folding seats would be very welcome.

Steering is very taught. With 195's and alloys you can easily throw it around-it's very forgiving and built on a sound chassis.

Gearbox was noisy and had to be rebuilt at 64,000m. This appears to be a common fault.

The carburettor has a tendency to ice up. This was due to the air intake failing to operate properly and on another occasion the air intake shroud over the manifold rusted through.

The rubber seal below the carburettor also perishes and the carburettor has been rebuilt as a consequence.

The car is very well built and does not rust. After 13 years the doors all shut properly and there are no leaks. I feel the body will outlast the mechanical components.

It handles extremely well on snow.

Fuel consumption is good.

It is such a nice car to drive.

Front brake disks were warped when I purchased the car, resulting in a slight juddering when braking. Easily changed.

Central locking had a leak in the vacuum. Which meant I lean over and lock the passenger side first.

Superb comfort for easy mile eating.

Bombproof build quality.

An amazing 38 miles to the gallon on a run.

Only let down by the dark interior and lack of anti lock brakes. It is a lot of metal to stop without it.

Front suspension bushes worn and will need replacement at the 190k mile service.

One wheel bearing replaced.

Tappets sometimes quite loud on initial starting. Typical at high mileage.

Cracking noise from CV joints when steering on full lock. Typical at high mileage.

Car has been pressed into service as a second vehicle for work use and covers 800 miles every week, mostly on the motorway.

Handling and suspension feels a bit tired when travelling around town.

Brilliant as a motorway car, as the gearing is just right for relaxed high speed work.

Bodywork unmarked and the interior in remarkable condition with virtually no wear (!)

Astonishing build quality - car still feels really well made and safe to be in (even though it's too old for air bags, ABS and other modern passive devices).

Steering very heavy without PAS.

Design still does not look too dated.

Brilliant as a workhorse.

These cars will go to extreme mileages if serviced correctly.

Front shock absorbers replaced with gas units.

All 4 tyres replaced with Bridgestone ER20s.

Automatic advance/retard diaphram on the distributor to be replaced.

Trademark tappet noise when cold.

Slight slackness in steering (non-PAS) to be looked at.

Considering how much stick I give it this car, it just gets on with it. Won't rust and I don't feel safe in "normal" cars after having this. Fords etc feel too flimsy now.

A bit slow but very safe and surefooted and, no matter how hard you push the car, it looks after you. The next cars will have to be German and I want a rare Audi 90 Quattro Sport if I can find one.

A leaking gasket in the engine. Other than that its just been routine servicing. Oil change, timing belt (replaced just for reassurance!), spark plugs, brakes and oil filter.

Very reliable, everything works perfectly, solid and ages well. But the boot is very small!

The car won`t idle for long without coughing and dying, haven`t got to the bottom of it yet. But this is the only problem which, once used to it is no hassle.

Currently under-tyred so will run it`s nose wide under spirited driving but nothing some Audi alloys with 195+ tyres won`t sort out.

Noisy tappets, gone once warmed up.

I am still getting used to the car but so far I`m very pleased, especially the build quality.