Audi

"NinetyQ" (NinetyQ) 09/02/2013 at 21:37 • Filed to: A90Q20V

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I'm becoming more and more disenchanted with the Audi each time I drive it. I think I've gotten over the novelty of finally being able to rev that 5-cylinder and row through the gears this week and the reality of its needs is setting in hard now. It has been a perpetual project since December 2010.

The engine is still not running quite right, but it seems like something is just a little out of adjustment. Some hesitation down low and power loss up high. Beyond that, it needs control arm bushings, rear calipers, the hydraulic pressure accumulator, clean ground connections, possibly other suspension pieces, and some serious paint restoration.

Tonight, I just feel like throwing in the towel. If I knew I could sell it for what I paid for it, $2500, I'd be somewhat happy. I'd prefer to get $3k though since it's better off than when I bought it, but that seems unlikely without all those repairs. And then I'd want something else. Hmm...

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > NinetyQ 09/02/2013 at 21:41

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Honestly, does Audi have an upgrade program? I'd check and see if your local dealer had one.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > NinetyQ 09/02/2013 at 21:42

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But...then I'd be the only 20v-er on here. I think.

Out of curiosity, what would you be thinking of as an alternative? After mine (whenever that may be), I'd definitely be in the mood for something either turbo'd or V8. The 5 Cylinder is magical and everything, but you can only put your foot down and enjoy the "HURRRRRRRR" while you basically sit stationary so many times. I feel like some real torque could be an interesting change

NinetyQ > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/02/2013 at 21:45

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Weirdly, I'm thinking pretty much the same! Although our country of origin might be different. I've thought about a '66-'69 Corvair Corsa (the turbo flat-six) or a '66 Oldsmobile Toronado. Trans Ams are also on my list.

I have also considered getting another 20V car. I just think mine was a particularly bad example of one and wouldn't mind if it was simply swapped with a different example of the same thing or a Coupe Quattro 20V.

NinetyQ > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 09/02/2013 at 21:46

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Is that really a thing? Tell me more. I have no idea.

190e30-Now with COSWORTH > NinetyQ 09/02/2013 at 21:55

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I'm in the US, if that's what you meant. But the Corvair would be a really interesting replacement, considering its pretty much the complete opposite of the Audi. Toronados, I've only heard good things about. My dad has a Black and Gold 79 Trans Am a few years back, and it was a ton of fun (I never drove it though, only rode shotgun). The wheels would spin just letting out the clutch while cornering. And when you got on the secondaries, you could actually hear the car gulping air and could see the gas gauge move down. Lots of fun.

I currently own a Coupe 20v, and its a ton of fun. Pretty, comfy, and spacious. Plus, it gets a surprising amount of attention for something so Corrado-like. But again, the power's sometimes just not there. There's almost a second stage to the gas pedal, where if you push far enough you can almost feel like your pushing in a little something extra. The pedal is a bit firmer, and all of a sudden there's a ton of intake noise and a pretty hard pull. But I still cringe every time I do it, and just picture the ancient 4wd setup twisting and bucking under the strain.

I've also been looking into UrS4's and UrS6's (particularly the avant), because turbo. The only issue I've found is that if you can't afford to buy a really clean one, its not worth it, since they apparently can be quite the headache on occasion.

I look forward to hearing more tales on both the 90 and whatever you may get in the future, good luck!

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > NinetyQ 09/02/2013 at 22:15

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Some makes do it, some don't. And sometimes it's dependent on dealership. Basically you can get cash back or so much off by trading in or owning the make you're buying. A lot of makes call it a "loyalty bonus" or something of the same. But basically, it's meant to increase the value you'll receive and make you buy another one of the same make. I would check and see if your local Audi dealer participates. Then ask if it's applicable to used cars, and how much. If they give you 3k for it, and you get 1500 loyalty, it's basically like gettin 4500 for your car. They can sometimes try to load it on the backend, but you can usually navigate around that with some good negotiating because they get it back from the maker anyway. So no loss to them.

NinetyQ > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 09/02/2013 at 22:42

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It would be a really, like microscopically small, chance of the dealership giving me $3k for it in the first place. Probably more like $1k. But then it would be even smaller of a chance that they'd have something on the lot or even available to them that I'd want.

I think my chances are probably better if I just sell it for whatever I can and then buy another 20V car if that's the way I decide to go.

NinetyQ > 190e30-Now with COSWORTH 09/02/2013 at 22:47

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Oh okay, when I said country of origin, I just meant the cars we were looking at. Normally an Audi guy talking about things that are "turbo or V8" would lead you straight back to Audis rather than the American cars I listed.

Don't worry about the 4WD twisting and bucking. Those drivetrains are very overbuilt and you should have no trouble.

I actually know what that stiff spot in the pedal travel is. If you look at the throttle body, it has two butterfly valves. The first one is actuated through the first part of the pedal travel, and then the stiff spot is where the second valve is opening, so they're both open at the same time.

Stef Schrader > NinetyQ 09/03/2013 at 00:49

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But...but......it's so pretty .

NinetyQ > Stef Schrader 09/03/2013 at 01:18

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It's not very pretty in person, at least apart from the general shape. The paint is oxidized, and the left-side bumper cover clip isn't holding right now, but I think I just need to try to put it on right again. Anyway... it has its flaws.

Stef Schrader > NinetyQ 09/03/2013 at 09:45

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Ah, nuts. The snow pic looks cool, though—like it's in its natural habitat.