a4 vs 90E

[helmszee]

hey guys first time post, i'm 19 and sick of driving around in my mums 93 ford laser, always been attracted to the audis and have started looking at buying one second hand.. 2 in particular an audi 1990 90 E with 150000 on the clock for $5500 (for sale on carsguide.com in victoria) then theres an audi a4 1998 with 160000km for $10,500 (also on carsguide.com in vic)

Love the look of the 90 E and would love to modify it a little if i was to buy it, probably nothing more than just lower it... but i'm concerned that its almost as old as i am.. now the a4 in my opinion isnt quite as nice on the eyes as the 90E but its got the same ks and is alot newer.. but also 5grand more expensive..

now i havnt spent a great deal of time looking for second hand cars but wanted to ask a few questions b4 i did..

just after some general pros and cons for either car doesnt have to be the 2 i have seen.. is repair costs for audis expensive.. really just any general advice, things to look for experiences anything that could help me to make a decision..

i know this is a rather broad kind of thread but i'm just looking for anything to help me out..

thanks in advance

[Jarred]

service history goes along way. with a full service history you can see what's been repaired/replaced and/or what needs doing etc.

Unless money is no object I would go for the 90. not only is it half the price, but it's half the price. which is Important when you are 19 (being 19 too, I know this)

Audi's are real solid cars, and alot of the parts are interchangable/the same as various VW parts, which means it should be overly expensive to repair. Depending on where in Victoria you are, there are varios VW/Audi specialists, that'll know what they're ding when it comes to service and repairs, and at awhole lot cheaper than a dealer!

Insurance will prob be cheaper with the 90 as well. (v.Important)

When it comes to inspecting the car, look for various wear and tear on the interior, and look in the engine bay for leaks and stains - something to maybe steer clear of.

um, yea, that's all i can think of, I'm sure some of the other fellas wll have some good advice.


oh, and welcome to VWwatercooled!

[helmszee]

thanks for the thoughts, i was thinking along the same line with the money but was thinking that if repairs are going to be an issue due to age then maybe it was worth digging into the pockets a little deeper and going for something a little newer but really do like the look at the 90E... as for looking for stains and engine wear i can hardly tell the difference between the exhaust and the window wiper ok well maybe I’m not quite that bad but u get the picture

[Golf Loon]

Old Audis have the capability to financially cripple you. Get it checked by someone who knows em.

[Jmac]

Audi 90 was a Great thing when they were newer and unless it has been very well maintained it will be a cash cow. From the top of my head without looking at it , it will be looking at full set of wishbone bushes, driveshafts, balljoints, subframe mounts, oil leaks, cam belt,water pump and if you are really lucky the hydrogen Sphere for the brakes which causes brake pulse and reqs replacement after 7 years. A4 parts are more readily available and lots of parts from passats fit too. Still take the advice and have ot checked over by someone who knows them. Ive just looked at a 02 model for someone that had a RACV inspection and they told him the shudder from his vehicle was engine mounts, turns out it needs a CVT Transmission!!!
Good luck