Audi 90 for 16 year old?

How good a wrench is he?

I ask because the Audi's of this generation (dad has a 98 Avant Quattro) seem to be built to be maintained at Audi shops as they have specific tools and procedures that require some training.

The V6 needs a rather extensive and non-optional front of engine service. This includes tensioners, belts, hoses and water pump. Double check if this has been done recently. There is a special set of tools needed to do this.

If the auto fails, it will be expensive to replace like any electronic automatic is. Again, there is a maintenance schedule to follow.

Brakes aren't too bad to do.

Expect electrical problems, many are connector problems.

If the a/c system is like the one in my CGT, don't expect it to be GM efficient. It was usually just enough to keep you from breaking a sweat.

What engine does it have, the I-5? The slushbox is a "fail and throw the car away" thing if it breaks. Heater core replacement is one of the worst jobs known to man. For an Audi, these cars are fairly dull. For myself I'd consider a number of alternatives. On the upside, it is slow and fairly safe.

Is this the same Datsun guy who was trying to buy my CGT? It runs now, BTW. Simple fix (of course) that the genius owner finally figured out himself. Also, I've got a Subaru Impreza in the F/S section you may want to consider. For you I'd do a nice package for the price.

Good choice but bad example. My son has an 80 quattro and it has been a great first car. They are very safe, handle well and have great brakes. Not a lot of power, also good. The size of the car makes it easy to drive and park. Your choice is not too good though. Automatics are problematic,. the quattro drivetrain is bulletproof. I bought his car running and inspected for less than a grand.

It's pretty much a dolled up Passat. The VR6 is a great engine, but you need to know a few things first. Have the timing chain tensioners been replaced? Crank the car and rev the engine with the hood open. If it sounds like this Timing Chain Video run like hell. Also, has the secondary water pump been replaced? Has only that freaky blue VW spec coolant been used in the cooling system? If not, big problems. Heater core replacement = sell car. Transmission problems beyond a simple trans service = sell car. My Passat VR6 with 185,000 miles on it doesn't burn oil, it leaks it. The oil pressure sending units leak, as does the oil cooler, AND the oil filter mount.

Unless the car is cheap ($1500 or less) I wouldn't bother. Oh, and gas MPG with the automatic is going to suck.

The Audi 90 did not have a VR6, it had a more conventional design2.8l 12v V6.

I'd turn him away from it, it doesn't have too many redeeming qualities as a car...kind of mediocre in all ways.

Sonic wrote: The Audi 90 did not have a VR6, it had a more conventional design2.8l 12v V6. I'd turn him away from it, it doesn't have too many redeeming qualities as a car...kind of mediocre in all ways.

Whoa, my mistake. I read the specs on the engine (12v, 2.8L, 172hp) and assumed it was the same engine as my Passat. I did a little more digging. Yeah, I wouldn't touch that Audi V6 with a 39.5 foot pole....

My brother in law had a '93. The engines are rock solid as long as they're maintained. Well, he didn't even do that, and his was rock solid, but I wouldn't recommend that. CV joints and ball joints wear out, but are easy enough to replace. The auto transmissions are decent, but pretty expensive to replace.

I wouldnt get an automatic audi, i see too many for sale with blown trannys. It sounds like a not too exciting car that could be a major money pit.

I love our Audi (plural).

However I must say most old or high mileage examples are money pits.

I have lost count of how many young buyers I have tried to steer away from mid-late 90's Audi without success only to later hear from their parents about $3000 and $4000 repair bills for unseen problems.

If the car has been well maintained, it might not cost a fortune to keep running but that V6 with an automatic is probably a ticking bomb. An older I5 quattro manual can be a better bet if you son can do his own work.

If you are going to look at an older Audi I would look at one with the inline 5 and 10v head for a driver, manual transmission and quattro. The I-5 10v head engines are also non interference where the later engines are interference engines. So that is one of those reasons it is so important to get the records on those '90 and after Audis. Basically a very hard setup to kill. It would also be much easier to work on than the later cars with the 20v heads or the V6.

I'm actually looking at picking up an Audi 90 Quattro 10V 5spd car this weekend. $900 and a bunch of spares come with it. First thing I'll be doing to it will be timing belt and water pump, then a basic tune up. Its going to be my daily run about and future project car, all aluminum V8 engine swap.