Trans went at about 155ooo. Drove to an Audi guru in Shokan New York to grab a replacement for 1500.00. It was cheaper if I got it instead of delivery. Headlights had minds of their own. Moon roof worked when it was in the mood. Engine leaked fluid like an SR-71 Blackbird.
Despite almost silly reliability, it has been my favorite car to drive, save for my old Dodge Challenger. If I were a qualified Audi tech. or wealthy I still wouldn't buy another, but there damn fun on the Highway.
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.
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