Radiator blew one hour after collecting from car from dealership.
Temperature gauge works sporadically.
Steering rack leaking, requires reconditioning.
Front bushes need replacing.
Strange clattering noise in engine when running cold.
The 90 is kind of the best of both worlds - it's the 80-style bodyshape, with the more powerful engine from the 100.
My favourite feature of this car is the 5-cylinder engine. It just oozes torque and pulls strongly from as little as 1500 rpm, with the unusual, but pleasant exhaust note unique to these cars. The broad torque curve means there's hardly ever a reason to take it all the way to redline, which is good because it's a bloody thirsty old beast!
Handling is good, but requires more steering wheel input than most cars I've owned. Steering would be the 90's biggest weakness - it's vague, flighty at speed and squirmy under braking.
Ride quality is excellent, and the cabin is decked out in plush blue velour.
Overall it's a rewarding car to own and drive, although I'm not under any illusion as to the long-term running costs of this vehicle. Having said that, the Audi 5-cyl engine is capable of racking up enormous mileages, so I think it's a good car to hang on to for a while.
It's also the most unusual car I've had, which is saying a lot after a Peugeot, a BMW and a string of Fiats.
Dealer service is truly excellent, especially considering it's a 13 year old car.
To sum it up, the Audi has the character and styling originality of an Italian car, with all the engineering hallmarks of a German one. They don't make them like this anymore.
A helpful review.
It played a part in the purchase of my own car.
I am now the proud owner of a 1991 Audi 90 2.3e.
Things to be wary of in your own purchase are:
* Fuel pump has a nasty habit of giving out
* Left hand window wiper arm is slightly longer than the edge of the windscreen (easily replaced)
* Corrosion can build up quickly on the windscreen washer nozzles
* Electric aerial is quite expensive to replace (approx $170 AUD)
* Watch the terminals on the radiator fan, they quickly burn out.
On the whole, a very nice "cruise" car.
Dealers are generally very nice.
I took it in for a service, and not only did they give me a loaner car (2003 Holden Astra), but after the very minor repair on the Radiator fan, they also detailed the car at no extra cost!
So :
* Diagnosis
* Repair to radiator fan terminal
* Loaner car
* Complete car detail.
Total cost : $155 AUD.
Very nice guys :-)
And as a P.S.
I'd just like to say, there's no other sound like the 5 cylinder growl of this car when you put your foot down.
It just oozes sex appeal. ;-)
Good luck if you purchase one of these. I love mine.
NR.
I just bought a gorgeous 1991 A90 from an 'older' gentleman who took very good care of this beauty. It has 171k miles. This person was the original owner and had the car serviced and cared for by Audi, with the work orders to prove it! I am amazed at how well this car responds. I find myself having to back off on the pedal, she just asks for more! She is fully loaded, with the most pristine interior I have ever seen for a car of it's age. On the down side: The tranny is kicking on low gears, starting is not always on the first turn of the key and the security system is a bit tempermental. Otherwise, I LOVE THIS CAR!!
It is my GREAT small piece of German Engineering!
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