Hey, I'm looking at a 1987 5000S Quattro. It's a one-owner with only 117,000 on the clock. It seems like a pretty solid car, it has its issues, which is where AW comes in. I've found the info I need to fix some of the problems, but I just need some motivation to go over the top and buy it. One problem that I didn't find the answer to, however, is that it seems as if it can't keep a charge. It has a new battery, but it's always dead. It has a radar detector hard-wired in, so I'm thinking that may be the issue. Any ideas? Thanks!

Usually owner-installed doodads are a good starting point. My car had an owner installed amp that was always powered up as well a a rogue alarm system.

If that doesn't locate the problem you can pull fuses and put an ammeter that reads milliamps across the terminals - so you can at least identify the problem circuit.

easy to get the charging system checked out by going to an Advance Auto Parts, Autozone, or like store. They will check it out at no cost with a meter in their parking lot.

The alternator is being changed either today or tomorrow. I was skeptical as to whether it was in fact the alternator when they said that. I wasn't sure if the alternator could be to blame for the battery being discharged when they car just sat there. Other than that, it has the issue of one of the back doors not opening that I need to fix, and it needs a good cleaning. It's my first Audi; my mom used to have a '04 A6 2.7T that was totalled by a semi in November and she's currently hoping to get a new S6 or S8. Thanks for all the help, greatly appreciated!

I had the same problem with one of mine. The trunk light switch was bad. I removed the the bulb. Then later, replaced the switch.

post the problem here. I have successfully tackled that problem before. Got some ideas for you.

Alright. I bought it. $1550 out the door. For a 20 year old car, it's BEAUTIFUL once cleaned up! The interior looks like my mom's '04! So far, the list of issues that need my attention:
-Passenger side doors need new handles. They open from iside, but not outside.
-Climate control only blows from defroster vents. Has new control unit. I'm thinking vacuum line somewhere. Thoughts?
-What is supposed to light up? rear dofog button? ABS button? Also, is there any way to adjust the brightness of the cluster?
-Along with the lighting, is the clock in the gauges supposed to be lit at night?
-Gauges. Stuck at 117,199..happened just after I bought it. New gauges I assume from searching...or is there a way to fix it?
-Headlamps. Who is supposed to make them? Every Audi my family has owned has had Hella headlamps but the 5000's headlamps I say Peterbuilt I think. They suck anyway, where would I go to buy reasonably-priced GOOD headlamps?

Sorry for so many questions. If you've read this far, thanks a lot!