Best Used Audi - 100 Cigar

Cars Audi brand was unknown in the USSR. BMW, Mercedes, Opel and Ford were well-known, but only a few had heard of Audi. After World War II, the Audi company was nationalized. Cars under this brand were re-produced only in 1968.


But this does not mean that the same was true in Germany and Europe. Audis were made there before the war, and they were quite popular. The first model was released in 1910 - this is the Audi-A.

But after the collapse of the Soviet Union in Russia, everyone learned about Audi. One of the most famous models of the brand in the 1990s, second only to the Eighty, is the Audi 100 in the back of the C3, also known as the Cigar.

Car exterior

Audi 100 III (C3) debuted in 1982, and they began to sell them since 1983. Although these cars came to Russia 10 years after release, they made a splash. Stylish, with sophisticated aerodynamics - the cars seemed like aliens from the future.



Now the chopped features of the Sotka body do not attract attention, but there is something attractive in the car. It looks harmonious, no worse than the latest Volga GAZ-3110, but compares favorably with the fitting of body elements.



Of course, the years take their toll, and now it is difficult to find a car that has not been touched by rust. But if you set a goal, then everything is feasible, and for modest means. We'll have to review a few dozen copies, but the search will be successful.

Salon and trunk

Inside the Audi 100 is striking in space - there is a lot of space. Three people sit on the back sofa without interfering with each other. There is enough space for the knees, and passengers do not press their shoulders.

The build quality of the interior is striking in pedantry, as well as finishing materials. How many years have passed, but the panels do not creak, and the plastic looks decent. But this is on condition that garage craftsmen who love to throw out “extra parts” and break the fasteners did not climb there.

The trunk of a sedan seems small from the outside, but in fact there is enough space for everyday needs. Summer residents can recommend the Avant station wagon - there is really huge space for transporting goods.

How does it behave on the road?

Riding an Audi 100 III (C3) is pleasant - the suspension is soft. Handling is good when the car is serviced with spare parts of at least an average price category.





A well-maintained Audi goes like a car at high speeds a train on rails – this is the philosophy of the brand. It is impossible to explain it in words – you need to drive the car yourself, at least as a passenger.

Engines and their problems

The engines of the Audi 100 C3 are successful, they easily nurse 500 km, some even 000. The engines are mostly gasoline, four and five-cylinder, there were many diesel modifications. But it is better to refuse engines on heavy fuel - they are worn out, and their runs are on average twice as long.

The first thing to remember is the premature replacement of the timing belt on engines. This procedure is recommended to be done every 60 km. For five-cylinder units, you also need to monitor the pump. If it jams, it is fraught with a broken timing belt.

Oddly enough, but the most reliable and resourceful engine of the Audi 100 is a weak 1,8 gasoline. Almost all problems are related to carburetor malfunctions, and are “treated” for a penny by replacing the unit or adjusting it.



Unfortunately, finding a carburetor for the Audi 100 is not easy. You have to go through and adjust the old ones. It is difficult to find good craftsmen, now is the era of injection engines, there is a reason to learn how to do it yourself.



Five-cylinder petrol engines "please" with mechanical and electromechanical fuel injection systems. These are the once famous Bosch K-Jetronic and KE-Jetronic.

These units were enough for 300 km, then problems with starting, idling, increased fuel consumption and even traction began. To fix it, you need to change the injection regulator, aka the "spider". It is difficult to find this part on the used market, you have to order from European showdowns, but it is not easy to find it there either.

It is not uncommon for owners of cars with five-cylinder gasoline engines to transfer them to a carburetor power system. They still do not like these motors to overheat, so it is advisable to replace the old antifreeze and monitor the level. The cylinder head gasket burns out at a time if you lose sight of this nuance.



Diesel engines in the late 1990s were considered the pinnacle of reliability, but these engines are worn out, they were repaired poorly. Accordingly, the condition leaves much to be desired. To be honest, it is better to refuse the diesel "Sotka".

Gear boxes

Due to age, the gearboxes on the Audi 100 were mainly mechanical - four and five-speed. Usually there are no problems with the units, but time is inexorable and no one has canceled wear and tear.

The clutch can be either mechanical or hydraulic. The systems are reliable, but maintenance is needed, if the car sits for years, problems are possible.

If the hydraulics begin to have issues with gear shifting, then this indicates airing the system.
Automatic boxes are found, but less frequently. Automatic transmissions come in three and four speeds. It is not recommended to take cars with such units - the matter is the age and lack of spare parts, which are many times more expensive than for mechanics.

Other features of the Audi 100

The body of the Audi 100 has been fully galvanized since 1985. By the way, the famous triple protection that was boasted about by "resellers" and car owners in the 1990s is a myth. There were rumors that the letters "ZZZ" in the VIN are zinc three times. In fact, these are factory designations.

But car bodies are protected from corrosion really well, especially since 1985. Time has passed, and finding a whole Audi 100 is now a problem. And it’s not even about age, but about a lot of accidents and poor-quality body repairs.



It is worth paying attention to the door handles - they are made of silumin, they can break. Since 1988, this problem has been eliminated.

How much does such a car cost now and should I take it?

For the Audi 100 C3 they ask from 30 to 000 rubles. The price, as you understand, depends on the condition of a particular car and the greed of its owner. If you try, then for 300 rubles you can find a good copy with a whole body and all working options, which there will be few in any case.

Of course, you can’t buy a great car right away, you will have to review at least 10 copies, but it’s worth it. Audi 100 in good condition still travels on our roads, and if you take care of the car, then your grandchildren will get it.



At the same time, the Audi 100 C3 in the city and on the highway may well compete in speed with modern state employees, even bypassing them.
It is better to take such a car from a thrifty owner, it is better to immediately refuse from copies that were used “for slaughter”!

The legendary Audi 100 "Cigar" is still alive, and for 20 years it will definitely not retire!