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August 25, 1999 was a bad day for myself, a couple passengers,
and my beloved 1987 Audi 4000cs quattro. August 25th marked the
date of my first ever automobile accident. To not go into details,
let us just say that the 4kq is no longer on the road. Luckily,
it is currently under repair, thanks to the generosity of both my
parents and Stott Hare. Parents for backing me on the new car, and
Stott for supplying cheap parts for the repair. When the 4kq is
completed, I will post new pictures.
 The
most obvious ramification of the accident was that I was out of
a mode of transport to and from school. I couldn't walk, as I live
too far from school, so it was time for my second favorite pastime
-- searching for used cars! A feverish perusal of local papers and
the internet turned up several prospects. I considered leaving the
quattro and Audi fold with a BMW 635CSi, but that idea was quickly
vanquished after I drove the car. It was in beautiful shape, but
it just lacked that something that Audis have.
 That
something was most present in the 1989 Audi 200 quattro that I drove
soon thereafter. Although it too was in great shape, it was a little
too rich for my blood, and I didn't think I wanted to get into the
Type 44 just yet. Driving it about brought back memories of the
5000s. It was comfortable, quick, and luxurious, but one thing it
was not was small. For all you Type 44 owners out there, you drive
BIG cars. It just wasn't for me.
All hope was almost gone when my friend Ryan Weatherby called me
up with great news. He had spotted a beautiful 90 quattro 20v in
a parking lot at a local 24 hour delimart. He said it had a for
sale sign in the window and gave me the phone number. The asking
price was $5800.
 I
phoned the owner and set up an appointment to meet her and the car.
It was dark when I got to the car's home, just a few minutes from
my own. I had seen this car a few times running about town, and
now I got to drive it. Walking up to the 90q20v, I notice the owner's
new car: an Audi TT. Hmmmm... another Audiphile? Perhaps. Turns
out the car is a one owner original, with all the documentation
and owners with a penchance for going to the dealer and asking for
things to just "get fixed". Good for me.
A quick drive and I liked it. Nicer and smoother than my 4kq. Richer
and more luxurious for certain, but not as huge as a Type 44. I
take it on the highway and run it around town a while, then take
it over to show my fiancee. She digs it. She loves the pearlescent
white paint and comments on how nice the car looks. Can't believe
it when she finds out it's from 1991.
 I
drop off the car and a few days go by. Several messages get posted
to the 20v and Audifans mailing lists requesting information, suggestions,
comments, etc. Majority of the users send back a "get it", while
there are several comments such as: "where is the car?", and "if
you don't get it, I will", or my personal favorite, "get it, or
I'll come up there and smack you on the back of the head." I want
it now, but it's all about the finances. The damage to the 4kq won't
be free to fix, but this is a deal I can't pass up.
Talking with the owner I learn that she hasn't been trying too
hard to sell the car, but that she really wants it out of her garage
soon. She says that she is ready to just give the car to a used
car dealer and be done with it. Hmmmm... a quick check of the internet
to get the trade-in value and I'm off to make an offer. She takes
my $4000 offer and I'm grinning ear to ear.
September 14th and the new 90q is all mine. "TYPE 89" plates are
already on the way.
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