1990 Audi V8 Quattro review from North America

Transmission went out at 172,000.

Driver's power window failed.

Sunroof mechanical mechanism failed.

Power locks work intermittently.

Drivers side door required rewiring at door hinge area.

Nut came off right front sway bar, which also locates lower control arm. This happened at low speed: This failure could have been catastrophic.

The good:

The Audi V8 is simply amazing on dirt and in snow, and in stock form lives up to its rally heritage.

I've driven this car in snow a foot deep, and the quattro system with the torsen diff works remarkably.

On dirt, the car lives up to its pro rally heritage, with some initial understeer and final oversteer.

The car cruises like a dream at high speed, and feels like a blazing fast german panzer tank.

The bad:

3.6 engine could use more low end torque, but above 4000 rpm, it's amazing. This car is definitely not a drag racer, and is geared for the autobahn.

Auto trans failed at 70k miles after its last rebuild, and cost $3300 to rebuild at an independent shop.

Wiring system is incredibly complex (like all luxury cars, I suppose) and occasionally has a glitch.

Power windows and sunroof are not especially reliable, and expensive to repair..

All fluids (except oil) and filters are expensive and unique, and will probably have to be purchased on line or at your local Audi dealer.