1990 Audi V8 Quattro 3.6L from North America
Summary:
An awesome car, but you better know how to use tools, or make a lot of money
Faults:
I replaced several engine sensors that failed, and caused the car to die randomly. Parts expensive labor not.
ABS light is on, assumed to be a sensor. Have not replaced.
Have to replace brake booster.
Starter replaced - expensive part, complicated labor.
Rear brake calipers seized, replaced seals, rotors, pads, and cleaned and painted calipers.
Gas tank rusty - leaked - epoxy sealed.
Will have to replace steering rack eventually as the boots are torn. reasonably priced rebuilds available but lots of labor.
Most other issues minor and easy driveway fixes.
General Comments:
For a 14 year old car that cost north of $50k when new, it's held up well. It's corroded a bit underneath from NE winters and salt, but it rides like a sporty tank. It's fast, fits 5 comfortably, has such things as rear seat heaters, and many many more cool standard features.
Gas mileage can be as low as 16 or as high as 26 depending on conditions, has three driving modes for transmission which helps with gas consumption.
It's nicely styled, fast, loaded with features, and nothing under $40k new is close to as tight, comfortable or solid feeling. In fact, most cars at $40k still feel 'tinny' by comparison. And you can find these under $6k all over the web.
BUT, it is expensive to own if you can't do your own work. For those that can do their own basic work (brake pads, gaskets and stuff) it's not so expensive. Dealers are a waste of money, you need to find independents that KNOW EXACTLY what a V8 is. There were only about 3600 in the US, total and it is NOT an A8, it is much sportier and has many different issues.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th April, 2005
5th Aug 2008, 02:38
OK. So I lied. I bought another one, and looking to purchase yet another 1993 V8. 1990 V8 with approx. 175000, (sometimes a nice pot hole or a smack to the dash will get the tachometer and speedometer working for half the day). Very common on the V8's and other Audi's of this vintage.
I found one cheap and refused to allow an automobile beat my intellect and wallet. Yes so, so, so stupid.
I've been finding that if you are very patient with these cars and willing to dig right in and do your own repairs, they can be somewhat reliable.
Quite a few brake parts interchange with similar year 100 and 200 models, and do function safely.
Avoid at all cost those damn UFO brake rotors. They are extremely difficult to change pads on.. at least for me. Changing the rear pads are fairly easy, and so are the front non UFO models. Just be sure to twist in the pistons the right way while compressing with a c clamp or tool of your choice. If not you'll be in for an all day or longer brake pad job.
The faulty windows have always just been the switches for me, and very simple to change and find. Other models use the same switches, and I have found them for as little as 50 cents at the local yards.
BE SURE to change the fuel pressure regulator if you're not certain about the cars history. It's another simple R&R located right underneath the fancy v8 engine cowling. This 120.00 part can alleviate many, many, many potential hazards.
10 quarts of oil is a no no, try somewhere near 8.7.
These v8's were essentially two Volkswagen GTI 1.8's fused together. I keep this in mind when working on the mechanics.
The next one I'm hovering around is a 1993 4.2 that I'm stalling on an offer.
The bitter sweet relationship I had with my first v8 initially skewed my views. My current one isn't the perfect marriage either, but I just love these cars, I can't help it.
Performance however sweet on the long haul is simply humiliating on acceleration. It feels quicker than it is, but can hold a very respectable top end; even in these days.
Motor Trend Dec 89, 1990 Audi V8, 0-60 MPH 9.3 sec, 1/4 mile ET 16.9 sec @87.2 MPH.
Curb weight 3946lbs, 60/40 distribution, 240 HP @5800RPM, 245 lb-ft @4000RPM.
Don't try to launch against a 340hp Infinity M45, you'll get severely spanked like I did.
Nonetheless, these machines are a pleasure to be around and if you have enough courage, knowledge, and just a little money, you can make it a real decent form of transportation that has a nice cult following, and gives you great driving satisfaction and security. Buy it cheap.