I found a 1990 Audi 90 on Craigs list and the photos look great. We're these cars reliable? Is the inline 5cyc engine and 3speed automatic any good? In 1990 did this car share a common platform with any VW's? I am looking for a cheap, but safe, car for my grandsons 16th birthday.
Thanks, Jay

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Thank you, Jay
83MB 300D 241K "The silver coffin"
10 Prius lll 1K
95 MB E300D 120K Mable
02 Saab 9-5 Areo 131K
Cannondale SR500
www.thecornerstonefamily.org/

The 5 cyl 10V engines are nearly bulletproof, but I don't think the automagic trannies held up well. I'd personally opt for the Quattro version, which is a kick ass package. They're roughly the same chassis platform as was found in the VW Quantum of that era.

Thanks for the input, Jay

__________________
Thank you, Jay
83MB 300D 241K "The silver coffin"
10 Prius lll 1K
95 MB E300D 120K Mable
02 Saab 9-5 Areo 131K
Cannondale SR500
www.thecornerstonefamily.org/

As I understand it the 010 automatics are bulletproof so long as you keep the fluid fresh and the differential oil at the correct level. The 5 cyl is the standard VW 1.8l + one cylinder. Very reliable engine. That car might also have the Prototen (sp?) safety system... cables run from the rear engine mount to the seatbelts and steering column. In a crash the engine being driven backwards tightens the belts and moves the steering wheel up into the dash.

By the 90s the Passat was moved off of an Audi platform.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Those are good drive trains. The 3 speed auto was reliable and long lasting. Only time we had trouble was in Turbo 5000s or Vanagons. Even then all that would fail was the high/reverse clutch and thats easy to replace. Buy it those cars are great!

I stopped and looked at the Audi on the way to work. I didn't have time to drive her but I started her and the engine makes a ticking sound. What would cause a ticking sound? It also needs 4 tires,rear brakes and rotors and a coolant sending unit. Also, the brake fluid resovior leaks where it connects to the master cyclinder. I plan on test driving her Wednesday. $1300. asking price.

__________________
Thank you, Jay
83MB 300D 241K "The silver coffin"
10 Prius lll 1K
95 MB E300D 120K Mable
02 Saab 9-5 Areo 131K
Cannondale SR500
www.thecornerstonefamily.org/

The hydraulic lifters on those thinks always tick after sitting awhile nothing to worry about. Parts are cheap and easy to put on. You can get almost anything you need for that car from this site.

Thanks for all the advice. We made the dealer an offer and they turned us down. So as of tonight the deal has fallen threw. He had people waiting to teat drive the car so we where in a bad position.
Thanks again, Jay

__________________
Thank you, Jay
83MB 300D 241K "The silver coffin"
10 Prius lll 1K
95 MB E300D 120K Mable
02 Saab 9-5 Areo 131K
Cannondale SR500
www.thecornerstonefamily.org/

Audis are beautiful cars and I like those like you mentioned, but for some reason, Audis seem to be notorious for engine fires. I know its not that common, but seems like they (and Porsche/Range Rovers) rate high in engine fires.

Why, I have no clue. Faulty/poor routed fuel lines I guess.