Audi 80 (1991 - 1995)

Last updated 4 February 2015

Buying Guide

Good

• Electro-galvanised body shell, hot-dip galvanised underside, so very little chance of rust unless accident damaged.
• 14' 9" long by 5' 7" wide and weighing from 1220kg.
• Avant estate from September 1992. Has switchable ABS (A4's doesn't switch off). Powerful 2.0-litre 16-valve engine. Smooth and punchy 2.6 V6. Economical TDI.
• All had PAS, folding rear seat and better-shaped boot than previous model.
• Engine range started with 90bhp or 115bhp 2.0, or 137bhp 2.0 16v, or 174bhp 2.8 V6 which could be had a s a quatttro; then 150bhp 2.6 V6 and 90bhp TDI from September 1992; then 100bhp 1.6 from September 1993; and 230bhp turbocharged 5-cylinder S2 Avant quattro from January 1993.
• Final run-out 315bhp RS2 Avant of October 1994 set a pattern for Audi building super powerful versions of the last of its old models.

Bad

• Old cars, but not yet seens as classics.
• Franchised dealer service costs.
• Hard to sell without a sunroof.
• Tornado red paint oxidises in sunlight.

Watch

• Duff catalytic converters.
• Accident damage repaired with non-galvanised panels.
• Coolant must be changed every two years, especially on TDI, or head gasket problems can result.
• Valve stem seals need replacing at 100,000-130,000 miles - earlier if mileage clocked up slowly.
• Make sure ABS and ABS switch work properly. Rear discs rust first, leading to failed MOT.
• TDI needs injectors replaced every 80k miles or they dribble fuel down the bores leading to bore overalisation and severe oil burning,
• TDI may suffer bore ovalisation and oil-burning at 150,000 miles.