Consumer Reviews

Audi V8 Quattro

by Certifiable from Kansas City KS on Wed Sep 05 2012

I own 3.5 of these cars - 1990 (Pearl) 1990 (bent) 1993 (Pewter) 1993 (Amethyst) The stated design spec calls for indefinite operation at 200 Km/H. That's 120+ MPH all day long, and again Tomorrow. although other similar vehicles are now available, in it's day the Audi V8Q was really unique, both in terms of performance and features. This car was built to proof the drivetrain; the platform was raced successfully - all 4 doors intact - throughout Europe. The legendary R8 followed and has dominated ever since. These cars shift into 4th gear at 120mph, every time, like Clockwork. I have NEVER owned ANY other car that I could drive this HARD without shelling out the valvetrain or lower bearings. You simply CANNOT break the motor. The rest of the car does not have the level of luxury or detailing of current Audi models. But, that's not really the point! The point is to embarrass BMW drivers on the highway, and SUV drivers in the snow (as long as it's not too deep ':-/ )

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

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Still a good value but can have issues

by Audimano from Sacramento, CA on Thu Jul 26 2018

I’ve owned 3 Audi V8Qs: 1990, 1992, and current ’93. I like these cars overall but after driving even an older Audi A8 have realized the V8Q is just not in that class. The A8 is superior in every possible way, so consider that. My ’93 has 140K. I’ve recently had to do a lot of work on it but can’t really begrudge the need for it. It did develop a lower exhaust manifold crack which required removing a bunch of very corroded parts to fix so that was not fun. Also, after several years of really bad fuel economy and inattention to it other than throwing new O2 sensors, MAF, and other parts at it have recently had a very skilled mechanic smoke the vehicle which revealed vacuum leaks especially at the crank seal as well as a couple of other locations. A lot of work to fix it and surprising but not before ruining the catalytic converters in the process. Anyway, the car is most joyful in the highway at higher speeds where it feels very solid. Engine is a bit noisy. The servotronic power steering they put on the ’92 on models is a bit too overassisted for my taste, the 1990 had better steering feel. I haven’t had anything actually blow up yet and the construction seems very robust mechanically but you simply can’t own one of these without an independent mechanic who is very highly skilled and a parts car would be desirable because if you don’t have available parts you’ll be hurting for cost and also because many parts are just not available anywhere at this point such as EGR valves, MAF sensors, suspension parts and a lot more. Also, there is no point in buying a 1990 or 1991 model years with the 3.6 engine because the 1992 and 1993 models with the 4.2 are so much better. Even the 4.2 is only adequate but the 3.6 is anemic for this heavy car. There are actually no 1994 models because production ended in November of 1993. Seats are very comfortable and in a retro way is cooler looking than some newer. Interior room is very restricted in terms of leg room and rear seats have very little leg room. Fuel economy is terrible, you’ll get 16 combined no matter what anyone likes to say and that’s due in part because the correct 94 to 98 octane fuel is not longer available so both fuel economy and power are effected which is a shame. The ’92 and ’93 models have the 4.2 engine, remote entry, new climate control with R134 A/C, BBS wheels, passenger airbag, new seat switches, cooler exhaust pipes, locking gas flap and a few more things so buying the 1990, 1991 makes no sense but there were a lot of those first sold. There were only 170 1993 cars imported. You can’t skimp on maintenance or you shouldn’t buy one. Power steering racks tend to leak and cost almost 2,000 to replace. Brakes a bit weak on the later models with the Girling G60 brakes. Better do your timing belt service or you’ll regret it. Cruise control breaks on all of them, what’s up with that Audi’! Fun to drive and a good car for the right person with a tolerance for the maintenance costs. After all you’re driving a fancy piece of machinery and therefore justifiably expensive to maintain especially at the higher mileages these cars now have.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does not recommend this car!!

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