The Audi Was Saved

"Snuze: Needs another Swede" (markg)
05/18/2019 at 19:21 • Filed to: None

We got it back home, safe and sound.

The Audi suffered a coolant leak on the way to the show. We determined it was coming from the fitting on the turbo. He didn’t want to chance it all the way up to Carlisle and back, so he left it with family who conveniently happened to live near the gas station we were at when we discovered the leak. It wasn’t far from home, so on the way back we got some coolant, topped it off, and I followed him slowly home. No incidents and the coolant level was basically the same when we got home, so the leak must not be too bad.

Driving the Lancia was really cool, a privilege honestly. Here’s a Lancia interior shot so you can see my office for the day. I love the aircraft type gauges.

Honestly, its a really normal, if slightly clunky car. And by that I mean the steering is heavier and the clutch stiffer than you wild probably suspect if you just think its some normal, generic hatchback econo-box. My only real complaint about the car was the vauge shifter. But once you get over that, well, thats exactly what it is, a kind of generic econobox. Aside from a slight exhaust rumble it just purrs around town and cruises up the highway easy as can be. Its not until you give it the business that you get to see what’s really lurking under that cute exterior.

I didn’t get the opportunity to really wring it out hard, though I wouldn’ t do that even if I could out of respect for my friend and all the hard work he’s put into the car. But I did get to dip into the well a few times and let me tell you, it satisfies. It drives like a big turbo rally car. You hit it and the little 16v perks up, the rumble increases, you feel the car start to move under you, and there’s surprisingly little drama...

UNTIL THE TURBO COMES ROARING IN AND IT MOVES WITH SOME URGENCY!!!

Its really hard to describe other than FUN! I’m still grinning ear to ear! I seriously haven’t had this much fun on 4 wheels since my WRX.

If you ever get the chance to drive one, do it!

Bonus pic of his Peugeot 205 GTI. Its for sale if any Oppos are interested.

DISCUSSION (7)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Snuze: Needs another Swede
05/18/2019 at 19:30

How much is he asking for the 205 GTI?

Snuze: Needs another Swede > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
05/19/2019 at 08:02

Ill ask him and let you know.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
06/03/2019 at 09:46

I saw him last night and asked about Peugeot, he’s asking $12,900 for it, but I’m sure he’s open to reasonable offers. If you think that’s somewhere in your ballpark and you’re interested, I can put you in touch with him.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Snuze: Needs another Swede
06/03/2019 at 10:37

Thats probably fair, but also higher than I had hoped.... Truth is thats too much for immediate term plans :(

Snuze: Needs another Swede > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
06/03/2019 at 11:17

Understandable. Do you mind if I ask what you were thinking?

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Snuze: Needs another Swede
06/03/2019 at 12:14

Well, I was HOPEING for ~6-8k. That puts it in plausible “ consolation purchase for getting rid of the FieSTa and buying something with an automatic to make Ms. BoostAddict happy” range... At over $10k its in a “ required purchases only" range.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
06/03/2019 at 12:40

Gotcha.

I don’t want to start negotiating on his behalf because I have no idea what his bottom number is, but based on what I do know I don’t think $8k would do it. I’m sure you’ll find something cool, though, in your price range to replace the FiST.