The Audi 4000S is an Underrated 1980s Classic
The Audi 4000S is overlooked and largely forgotten today. But this is one classic 1980s German sedan I’d gladly have back.
People heap a lot of love on the original Audi Ur-Quattro and for good reason. The car singlehandedly transformed rally racing and made Audi a household name in the 80s, luring yuppies away from their Bimmers. But finding one, an affordable one, is impossible. A good one goes for $30,000 or more on Bring A Trailer, leaving a budget enthusiast out in the cold.
Fortunately, there’s a similar car that delivers a similar driving experience at a fraction of the cost – the Audi 4000S and 4000S Quattro. It doesn’t have the performance or the racing pedigree and it’s largely forgotten. But if you want an upscale German sedan from the 1980s, one built for the open road, it’s an underrated classic. I should know. I owned one and it’s a car I’d gladly have back.
A Brief History of the Audi 4000S
The Audi 4000 replaced the Audi Fox in 1980 and originally came equipped with a 1.6L 4-cylinder and 4-speed manual transmission. A two-door, 5-cylinder model followed along with the addition of a 5-speed manual gearbox. Engine displacement gradually increased, as did power output, but maxed out at 115 horsepower and 126 lb. feet of torque. Audi dropped the 5-cylinder model in 1982 because the 4-cylinder produced similar power and added an “S” designation.
In 1984 the 4-cylinder displacement increased again to 1.8-liters and the 4000S gained Quattro all-wheel-drive as an option. Styling changes came about in 1985 with all models receiving revised front grilles, lights, bumpers and interiors. Finally, in 1986 the 4000CS special edition commemorated both the 100th anniversary of the automobile and the last model year of the 4000 which was replaced after 1987 with the Audi 80/90.
While somewhat rare today, an Audi 4000S Quattro sedan in good condition sells for around $10,000, and coupes are available in the $12,000 range. Engines and drivetrains are practically bulletproof and share parts with a number of VWs and Porsches of the era. However, trim and switchgear can be hard to find. Electrical systems can be problematic but the most common issues involve power windows, cruise control, or gauges. Rust is another common problem and can occur around the finders, rocker panels, and lower body trim. But it’s also a good idea to look under the car at the trunk and suspension mounts.
Owning an Audi 4000S
I owned a 1985 Audi 4000S for just over a year right after college. Needing cheap wheels, I picked it up at an auto auction for $1300. The car was some kind of metallic tan or bronze with a hint of rust forming in the rear wheel wells and fender trim. The brown cloth interior smelled musty and baked in a way only old German cars can. Power windows worked part-time, taking frequent breaks and the sunroof occasionally got stuck. The air conditioner long ago discharged its freon and the heater produced a feeble stream of air that barely warmed the footwell. Occasionally a bump would dislodge a speaker wire and the stereo would cut out on the passenger side. All minor conveniences and the speaker problem would rectify itself with another bump.
Worst of all, it had a godforsaken three-speed automatic, giving the already anemic 1.8 liter 4-cylinder a clubbed foot. Excruciatingly slow around town, it took forever to accelerate to highway speeds. But once up to speed, it would go until it ran out of horizon. The heavy steering felt perfectly weighted and rock steady at 80 mph. Ride quality, which felt firm around town, transformed into a near-perfect blend of comfort and composure. It was nothing to grab three friends, load up mountain bikes and gear, and drive five hours for a weekend of camping. The Audi didn’t care. It just seemed to be happy going places.
Sadly all of that fun came to an end when the repair bills piled up. I sold the Audi for what I paid for it and never looked back.
But as I get older, I look back and think about that Audi 4000S often. It entered my life at a point where the future was wide open, scary, and uncertain, in the twilight of my untethered youth. I had a tape of the Gin Blossoms’ “New Miserable Experience” that played constantly in that old Audi. There’s a line from one of their songs that goes, “If you don’t expect too much from me, you might not be let down.” And that sums up that Audi.
Last week I saw the Gin Blossoms play live and now I’m searching the internet, looking for old Audis.
Photos: Audi
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