Possible Convert

[SaabBoy]

So here's my story. I've been a classic saab guy for awhile. Last year my wife's 900T was looking at a lot of repair to keep it on the road, and at 225k the headgasket and timing chain had still not been done , we had been putting plenty of money into our saabs for awhile, and decided to see if a toyota would save our bank acount some stress. We bought a 94 camry w/ 138k and have put about 5 grand into it in the last year So, we're going back to Europe for our wheels. We're looking for that perfect Saab, and not finding it. Lately I've found myself eyeing Audi's from the mid 90s. We are looking to spend about 5000, and there seem to be some nice 90s out there in that price range. So, my question to the forum is: can anyone speak to the audi experience in comparison to the saab experience? Am I going to deal with a lot of quirky problems, but absolutely love the car anyway? Will an Audi leave me on the side of the road (like the toyota- numerous times)? What should I stay away from when buying an Audi? What would be "a find" for this type of car? I know all of this stuff like the back of my hand for old saabs, but feel lost in Audi land. Help!

[ctesla]

Welcome to AF!
have already done the Saab to Audi change.
Pros and cons to any lifestyle change.
Pros: easier to locate parts, upgrade, trick out, and definitely easier to diagnose and work on.
90CS's have fail-safes, upon fail-safes, and are designed and built as well as your familiar 900's and 9000T's, and with exception of timing belt failure, will pretty much even limp home with clogged cats, or blown transmission (have personally witnessed).
has most of your accustomed bells and whistles (and with the exception of Turbo-ed SAABs), even close to better HP per curb weight as well.

Cons: Transmission (autos) are weak link (including Quattro), and many are "year only" non-interchangeable.
A/C units are also high dollar swaps (complete dash assembly removal), and if you are that deep, change dash lights, and heater core too (don't want to be back in the dash in six months).
gas mileage in inner city traffic can suck; highway is closer to the Saabs' 2.0 or 2.3l 4cyl. zone of 30+ w/cruise. most 90series were the 2.8l-V6, though the 5-cylinder were exceptionally well-to-do in power to weight, AND MPG ratings.

currently piloting '93 Audi 90CS (non-Q), 2.8L auto. 115K, and no doubt about this little sport sedan being autobahn bruiser. with the speed limiter disengaged, have seen 160+MPH, with A/C and still managing anywhere from 24-34mpg. smooth running, but a little more wind noise than Saab (but who designed AEROdynamic vehicles?).

things to look at if considering mid-1990's models: if spending $5K, look for the early 5cylinder, or jump up to an A4, for about the same cost. do not spend more than $3500-4K on a 90CS (even Quattro), regardless of mileage, unless seller has receipts, or proof of maintenance. if you are not adept to spinning a wrench for yourself: timing belt-$1000, A/C-$1000, trans-$2000+, etc.
do not be dissuaded, I personally jumped to German, as this is my vehicle, as well as my daughter's first (16 a few months ago). I wanted something, that I would ONLY need to work on when absolutely necessary, yet, be the safest vehicle on the road (that's right, check the reports and stats, it is Audis, not volvos), as well as a wonderfully luxurious little car, that can nearly haul as much as a Chevy Silverado, and still make any 10year old Corvette bow down off the line, through traffic and corners, with twice the door and cargo capacity, and half the cubic inches.

...another plus; this pearled white looks clean even dirty.
good luck finding one that is not miled or aged; and an owner willing to part.
if you're on the east coast, check the "force5" website. Chris usually has many ready to roll for a sweet price.
...if you're near Houston, and cannot find what you're looking for, I might consider parting with mine (with FULL maint. records, and ALL new items mentioned above), and upgradin to an A3.

hope this helps,
ctesla
NRT Racing