Audi 100 (1983 - 1994)
8 Saloon and Avant / 2.0 Saloon and Avant [CC, CS, E] / 2.2 or 2.3 Saloon and Avant [CC, CD, E, quattro] / 2.2 Saloon and Avant quattro turbo / 2.3 Saloon and Avant [CD, E, quattro] / 2.0 turbo diesel Saloon and Avant Fourth generation 100 - 1991-1994 2.0 Saloon and Estate [base,SE] / 2.3 Saloon and Estate / 2.6 Saloon and Estate [base,SE,Sport] / 2.8 Saloon and Estate [base,quattro] / 2.5 turbo diesel Saloon and Estate [TDI,TDI SE]
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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Styling had been conservative and, five-cylinder engines apart, there was little for buyers to remember about these worthy, but dull, contenders. The 1982 car changed all that at a stroke and began the long process of image building that led to Audis being thought of as true luxury competitors.
A car that still looks modern, handles and holds the road very well (especially any quattro version), is unlikely to rust, has loads of room and is very economical for such a big machine. Equipment is not overly-generous, though many cars will be full of options such as air-conditioning, a sunroof and central locking. Keep an eye out then, for any well-equipped cars as you won't pay much more than the standard spec equivalents.
As the Eighties third generation cars will be extremely high-mileage examples by now, it's probably easier and better to search out more recent spec early 90s 100s. With these models mileage and condition can vary widely so its best to evaluate each example on an individual basis.
Mechanically, these cars are well-proven as well as very reliable and strong. The five-cylinder engines are not particularly smooth running but they were known for this trait even from new. The power steering can give trouble, though. If you find a leak, it'll be expensive to replace the rack. Other than this, the 100 has no serious weak-points. Check all the electrical 'convenience' features, though, as something like a jammed electric sunroof may not be cheap to have remedied.
(approx based on a 1992 100 2.0 excl VAT) A clutch assembly will be around £170; an alternator should be close to £100 and a radiator around £170. A starter motor will be something like £120, brake pads are around £50, a replacement headlamp close to £160 and a full exhaust is about £790 (including the catalyst),
The 100 has always been like a breath of fresh air, compared to driving other heavy and stodgy rivals. The controls are light and precise, noise levels are low due to that ultra-smooth shape and the handling is generally very good. There may be a little more roll than you'd expect but that's a small price to pay for the super-smooth ride that comes as standard, whichever model you choose.
Audi's slogan translates as 'advancement through technology' and that's exactly what the third generation 100 brought with it. It makes a great used buy for someone who needs a big, strong and reliable car that's easy on fuel.
