1995 Audi 90 Quattro Gearbox/Mileage Question

Hello,

I'm new here, but I thought this would be a good place to get some advice -

I'm looking for a new car, I totalled my old one and am shopping around..My dad and I have both been looking for a couple of months now, and I've found a 1995 Audi 90 Quattro.

First off, the car is going to be used for me at college, which is roughly a two hour drive from home. We're looking for something used, which is fairly reliable and definitely a stick shift.

The 90 Quattro has high miles (125,000), but is in very nice condition; it's got a few minor flaws and scratches which are typical for any 10+ year old car, but overall it's very nice looking. Mechanically, it's sound, but there are a few things that my dad isn't comfortable with.

A) The high miles - he's used to crappy GM products which he's owned all his life and haven't lasted much over 100K miles.

B) The transmission - The car can be shifted/pulled out of gear easily without engaging the clutch..I don't know if this is just because of wear, or it's the way that the car was designed.

C) The clutch - Along with the tranny prob, the friction point of the clutch is almost at the top of the range of motion. The car shifts fine, but he's concerned about it needing to be replaced.


I'm really into this car - they're asking 4900 for it with everything being fixed (there are minor things - broken turn signal, windows don't work, needs new brakes & rotors, strut caps & an inspection) and so my question is:

* Are the high miles on this car (or any other audi for that matter) a concern?
* Is the transmission being able to be shifted something to be worried about?
* What about the clutch?

Aside from those questions, is there anything else that I should know about this model?

Thanks in advance ~

first off,
welcome to one of the most well informed forums for ANY vehicle on the net...
...trust me, I've surfed them all.
second off, the audi is a tank; but since volvo was more noted for its stoutness, the audi quattro is more of a jeep in a sports car:
an inexpensive porsche...
125K is break-in mileage for her, and if maintained, will easily triple that.
that said, the clutch would be a concern of mine, if I were looking;
all wheel drive ALWAYS means more expensive.
I would inspect the clutch reservior, make sure its full, and ask if it has been serviced;
if so, maybe clutch adjustment is all that is needed,
if not, probably about time for an entire clutch kit and major service.

when you stated 4900, is this for the car AND all items fixed?

there are many aftermarket web ordering facilities with many audi components, or OEM equals of off-market design for less than retail shops and most dealers.
use different search engines (msn, yahoo, aol, etc.) as they will all yield varying results for finding different items concerning this, or any other vehicle.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM OF THIS CAR:
if you are not familiar, the 2.8l V6 is an interference engine:
pop the cover and inspect the timing belt, and ask when the last service was... one $40. belt broke= $2-3K of engine!!!

it sounds like you would utilize this as a distance car:
expected mileage= 18-36mpg, depending on driving surface, city/hwy, cruise and A/C...

will gladly email, fax, or phone any info to you concerning this car;
hope this helps,

ctesla@sbcglobal.net
ASE cert.instructor

forgot...
you said, windows inop...
make sure the auto door locks work.
I am unsure if the '95 was electric or vacuum operated;
if electric, solenoids can cost upwards of $75-150 from a dealer EACH, and a vacuum pump is $400-500 by itself.
other than that,
let your dad know I have a Pontiac Fiero with 328,000+ miles, original engine, original 5-speed;
and
a S10 2WD p-u that I treat like a 3/4ton 4X4 with 225,000 same motor, same clutch, and getting 30mpg from a 2.8l regardless of city or highway.
...good luck on that Audi, it sounds like a very nice ride...
and post back on your endeavors.

ctesla
ASE cert.instructor

Okay, well my Dad has made his descision - a definite NO for this car.

However, I have found another car which he says is a possibility. This car is a 1996 Audi A4 Quattro - Cobalt Blue Metallic with Oyster Leather with 117,000 miles.

They're asking 6,995 for it, which includes brand new brakes and 4 brand new Goodyear Tires.

I'm really fond of the car, but my Dad, once again has his reservations about the mileage. I'm not sure yet if the timing belt has been replaced, but I will be sure to ask about it when the dealership calls me back.

Is there anything else that I should know about the A4 cars? My Dad is constantly saying how wary he is about buying a car with over 100k miles on it, and how in the past his (crappy GM & other domestics) have just shutdown at 100k miles. I'm really fond of Audi's, but I would hate to be defending them all this time, get a car, and then have something happen to it, you know?

Also, the car is in Michigan and I live in Pennsylvania. I was told that even if the car is Michigan inspected, I will have to get it re-inspected when it crosses state borders. Is this true? Does anyone have any more information concerning this?

Thanks for all your help.

have your dad check resourses with you then:

goto msn.com and link to "autos"
used: audi A4
it will give him a complete run down of stats INCLUDING reliability ratings and personal quotes from owners!
purchase from carfax.com for about $7-14? a complete history of the specific VIN of the vehicle:
know the cars history, titling, if accidents, or claims, and the owners, plus a recall history, and then decide.
also; talk to others,
myself included;
chris thomas
ASE cert. instructor
(GM and Audi owner)
713.933.5773 7Am-10Pm central
(leave a message, and i'll return the call on my dime)
ctesla@sbcglobal.net

also, talk to the owner at present; most Audi people will do one of two things: do the maint. themselves, so they have receipts, records, etc.
OR
take it to a dealer or foreign specialist: either of these ways, and you call the shop and check its history; especially the dealer, as an Audi dealer can pull research and tell you EXACTLY what maint. has or has not been performed, also if their were any recalls (usually not, but..) they can explain if it has been serviced, and many will honor it, if within time frame EVEN to non-original owner.

I have many associates in colorado who have shifted from subaru and Saab to Audi, and the last time I was back checking on my other home in the mtns. I saw a '94 audi quattro for sale in canon city, co :
322,000+ miles!

in answer to your questions:
the timing belt is critical on ANY interference motor, american or import;
that said, Audi factory service for timing belts are at 60-90K depending on model. the A4 is a TRUE step up from the 90CS, and I envy you.

AND I do not profess to know PA laws, but if you have emissions and/or state inspection you usually have a 30-60 day grace when transfer of tags.

once again:
chris thomas
ASE cert. instructor
(GM and Audi owner)
713.933.5773 7Am-10Pm central
(leave a message, and i'll return the call on my dime)
ctesla@sbcglobal.net

hope this helps

did some calling myself;
yes PA has both emission and safety inspections:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/

and as far as maint. on your specific car:

An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Stabilizer Links. The cost to repair the Stabilizer Links is estimated at $42.00 each for parts (total of 2) and $39.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.
--also;
A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Air Conditioning (A/C) Evaporator. The cost to repair the A/C Evaporator is estimated at $712.00 for parts and $117.00 for labor. Refrigerant is not included in this estimate. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

without going and driving the car, it would be VERY difficult to even sell me, and MY Audi is also for my
16 yr old daughter; !!!!
so, needless to say, I chose safety/reliability as well as 200HP when I want, and 20-34mpg

NHTSA gave your vehicle 4 and 5 stars for crash test safety
the seller IS selling over $1K less than appraisal value
overall reliability for this vehicle is a 7.8 (realize that most people post very briefly if its good and VERY profusely if it isn't)

but your dad is wise to not just jump on a plane and go buy;
do your research....
call and ask about compression in the cylinders, if there are any OBD codes, and if the tranny and AWD units have been serviced or lubed, and etc....