Looking at an Audi V8 Quattro

[Zytek_Fan]

Well, first of all, long time no post on UCP!

Anyway, I've embarked on the search for my first car.

I found a 1991 Audi V8 Quattro with 154,000 miles, good condition, automatic (don't really care), $2000.

From the pictures, the body looks great and so does the interior.

Maintenance cost isn't much of an issue, I've been recommended some websites for parts, and I can do most things by myself.

I'm interested in hearing others' opinions on it.

[Zytek_Fan]

Pics of the car in question:

[Zytek_Fan]

More:

[ScionDriver]

Go for it! Its a beauty.

[pimento]

Looks classy, I approve. I know that means a lot to you.

[Zytek_Fan]

I was warned by an Audi guy to be careful with it.
It's been for sale for quite some time...

So, now I'm looking at this:
1998 Volvo s70

edit: Nevermind about the Volvo. It's on jacks and it needs tranny fluid every now and then :/

I'm just going to keep my eye open for Audi's now I guess.

[pimento]

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

So, now I'm looking at this:
1998 Volvo s70

edit: Nevermind about the Volvo. It's on jacks and it needs tranny fluid every now and then :/

No great loss, if you get a Volvo look for a late model 850, they're better to drive than the S70s.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by pimento

No great loss, if you get a Volvo look for a late model 850, they're better to drive than the S70s.

Yeah.

I'm just going to keep my eyes peeled for a good Audi. One is surely going to pop up by July...

[Ferrer]

Go for the Audi, dare to be different.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Go for the Audi, dare to be different.

Well, everything checks out, except it needs a new timing belt soon, which is a $1500 job

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

Well, everything checks out, except it needs a new timing belt soon, which is a $1500 job

Then wait for another one...

...or try finding an Alfa Romeo Milano.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I can vouch for Volvo 850's awesomeness

But a V8 Quattro is a much rarer car with individuality written large. could be cool.

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by IBrake4Rainbows

I can vouch for Volvo 850's awesomeness

But a V8 Quattro is a much rarer car with individuality written large. could be cool.

Found a 1990 V8 with 155,000 miles, good condition. $2000

I have two to consider. That 1991 or the 1990. If the 1990 had the timing belt service done within 60,000 miles, then I'll go for it.

edit: I can get a timing belt kit for $500...
The one in the pics I might be able to get the price down some more since the timing belt will need to be changed...

[The_Canuck]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Then wait for another one...

...or try finding an Alfa Romeo Milano.

cmon, ferrer, you know there are none of those in Idaho

[LandQuail]

Originally Posted by Zytek_Fan

Maintenance cost isn't much of an issue

'Quail's seen many a star-crossed enthusiast eat those words.

If you've got your heart on an old-skool Quattro, I'd not be the one to shake you from it, but what is it about these cars that gets your accelerator pump a-pumpin'?

What's your price range? You can do an awful lot with an awful little these days.

And what do you want out of a car? Obviously, you're a man who digs V8s, and 'Quail respects that. RESPEKTZ it, even; mad props, etc.

But is it the idea of a V8 you like or is it the power they churn out that draws you?

Also, you're obviously after a European car. Again, RESPEKT, but don't forget that those bloody Nips have churned out some tasty iron, and you can get some of it on the cheap. Sushi was their idea, after all, and that sort of thinking rarely goes wrong — the exceptions being rather notable.

Don't forget that there are some tasty late 80s/early 90s Alfas in the States. If you're handy enough with a spanner to buy an Audi from "the dark days" then you'd find you way around under an Alfa's hood easy enough.

I'm guessing you've got about $2,500 to $3,500 to work with (£45 to £62 given the current exchange rate). Given this, I'd give you the same advice I'd give anyone looking for a driver's car on the cheap: Consider a Nissan 240sx.

They're light, RWD, have a good reputation for reliability and have decent power with near-unlimited tuning potential. The only downside is their image, and the fact that there's nary a good one to be found. They've almost all been ridden hard and put up wet, so finding a well-cared-for example is tough.

As for their image, well, there's not much to counter the "just another old car" message they send to all but a few die-hard gearheads, well, there's always the chance of finding a decent 240Z...