[jamesatfish]

ARE they reliable, though?? I keep hearing stories...all 10th hand, though.

For a 30 year old car, I'd say they're pretty reliable.

Our 1984 S hasn't needed too much maintenance given its age - there is a small oil seep in a gasket somewhere that needs attention at some point in the future, and recently the power antenna stopped working, but otherwise it's just had a service every 12 months and no big surprises.

My 1987 S4 needed the steering rack to be reconditioned and kept venting all its AC gas every few months but again was pretty reliable otherwise.

Like all old cars though if they're neglected by previous owners it might be a different story.