AUDI 80 (1991-1995)
"So is it really worth paying the extra for an Audi, BMW or Mercedes?" It's a common question for which I've a common answer; "yes - but you won't realise why on a test drive round the block." It's over a longer period of ownership that the real benefits begin to become apparent. And of course on the second-hand market. Which is why a second-hand Audi 80 still makes firsthand sense.
HISTORY
The 80 was the first of the so-called `slippery-shape' Audis, originally launched in 1986 with a smooth, flush shape, quite different from its predecessor. The range was substantially updated for 1992 - and it's these models we concentrate on here.
This was the first mass-produced car to use a fully galvanised steel body, making it completely rust-resistant. So much so that Audi offered all new buyers a 10-year bodywork guarantee. Good news for buyer of used cars.
When the range was revised at the end of 1991, the up-market Audi 90 (a classier looking 80 with 2.0, 2.2 and 2.3-litre engines) was dropped. Initially, most 1992 80s had 2.0-litre four, 2.3-litre five and 2.8-litre six-cylinder engines and, in plusher versions, the expensive option of ?Quattro? four-wheel drive.
A year later, as the 2.3-litre unit was dropped, a 2.6-litre V6 engine arrived and, more significantly, a 1.9-litre turbo diesel unit. This became very popular. At the same time, an estate line-up arrived, with a range of trim and engine options roughly mirroring the saloon range.
In 1993, improvements were added to both the bottom and the top of the line-up. In January, the storming 2.2-litre turbocharged four-wheel drive S2 Estate made its debut, while in the Autumn, a 100bhp 1.6-litre engine was made available in both bodystyles. The range was replaced by the new Audi A4 in March 1995.
WHAT YOU GET 
Many feel that Audi 80s are better built that equivalent BMW 3 series models - and they're probably right. Need we say more?
WHAT YOU PAY
There are more than a few Audi 80s out there that are still going strong. Mileage and condition can vary widely, however, so it may be best to price each model on an individual basis. The most desirable and, therefore, most expensive models are the last of the 1.9-litre TDi diesel estates and these change hands for around £3,400. If you prefer petrol, a late 2.6-litre estate is valued around £3,600.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
It will be worth paying the extra to buy through the Approved Used Car Programme operated by Audi dealers. Every car on sale will have been examined with a fine-toothed comb and the paintwork, glass and luggage area reconditioned. Every car offered under the scheme will have been fully mechanically reconditioned in the dealer's workshops. Any part found to be faulty will have been immediately replaced with a genuine Audi part.
It goes without saying that wherever necessary, a full service will have been completed. This will of course update Audi's `On Call` roadside assistance and vehicle recovery registration - a powerful selling incentive.
As well as this, there's the peace of mind of a standard twelve-month comprehensive Approved warranty on every car, unless the model in question already benefits from the balance of the Audi new car three-year dealer warranty.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
(approx based on a 1990 2.0-litre) As you might expect, parts aren't cheap - though they're not as pricey as some might expect. However, they do last. A clutch assembly will be around £117, whilst a full exhaust system will be around £220. An alternator should be close to £120 and a radiator around £100.
A starter motor is about £145 and a replacement headlamp close to £100.
ON THE ROAD
If all you want is equipment and power, there is a stack of cheaper alternatives. Before you consider them though, take a moment to look beyond the brochures and consider how you're going to feel about your car in ten weeks, ten months - ten years.
I've often thought that the next time I go to buy a car, I'd choose a filthy wet winter's evening to sample it. Poor driving conditions tend to bring out the best - and the worst - in any vehicle. Smart-suited saloons that feel fine in the dry suddenly find flimsier qualities when the squalls set in, the sun goes down and it's Friday night on the motorway trek home.
Perhaps it's only when you reach journey's end that your choice of car is called into question. That window pillar which occasionally obscured your rear three-quarter vision; the garish instrument lighting that made your eyes ache. The way that you had to continually take your eyes off the road to operate the minor switchgear.
These are the differences between a quality car and a mass-produced one. Yet perceived safety is about more than just minor irritations. It's down to active ingredients like handling, acceleration and braking - the elements which make it possible to avoid an accident in the first place. In all these things, an Audi 80 excels.
OVERALL
An excellent private buyer?s second-hand choice. If you find a good one at the right price, then don't hesitate.
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