Used Audi 100

What to know before buying: Audi 100

From 5 video reviews and 1 forum thread · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The C3 offers a roomy cabin, large boot and soft, comfortable ride; it is stable in a straight line but rolls noticeably in fast corners.[1][3]C3 / Typ 44
• The C3 body resists corrosion well; later cars are fully galvanised, though age and previous body repairs still matter.[1][2][3]C3 / Typ 44
• C4 owners likewise praise the durable galvanised body, comfort and stability, but finding a well-preserved example is difficult.[4][5]C4
• Because of its age, the C4 best suits someone able to diagnose and repair it or willing to budget for a workshop familiar with the model.[5]one sourceC4

Typical faults

• On 2.2- and 2.3-litre C3s, ageing KE-Jetronic mechanical injection can cause hard starting, unstable idle, hesitation, power loss and high consumption; diagnosis is difficult.[1][3][6]C3 / Typ 44

  2.2 petrol KE-Jetronic, 2.3 petrol KE-Jetronic

• The C3 can rust at the lower front wings, where the wing structure traps dirt and moisture.[3]one sourceC3 / Typ 44
• The C4's 2.6- and 2.8-litre engines are reported to suffer an oil-pressure issue linked to a check valve; in one case it led to replacement of the big-end bearings.[5]one sourceC4

  2.6 petrol, 2.8 petrol

• Reported C4 cooling-system faults include a blocked heater matrix and a seized fan viscous coupling that made winter warm-up very slow.[5]one sourceC4
• The C4 steering rack uses one large gaiter; replacing it is labour-intensive because access is tight and the rack may need removal.[5]one sourceC4

Which engine and version to take

• The C3 naturally aspirated five-cylinder petrol engine is durable when its mechanical injection works correctly; choose only a verified, smooth-running example.[1]one sourceC3 / Typ 44
• The C4 2.4-litre five-cylinder diesel is slow but described as comfortable and reliable; over eight years its previous owner mainly changed oil, tyres and timing belts.[4]one sourceC4

What to avoid

• Avoid 2.2/2.3-litre C3s with a malfunctioning KE-Jetronic system: causes are numerous, expertise is scarce and parts-swapping without diagnosis can be costly.[1][3][6]C3 / Typ 44
• Choose a 2.6- or 2.8-litre C4 only after checking oil pressure; the source reports a check-valve fault followed by big-end bearing repairs.[5]one sourceC4

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect arches, sills, door and front-wing bottoms, jacking points and the windscreen surround; galvanising cannot protect dirt traps or poorly repaired areas.[1][3][4]C3 / Typ 44C4
• Test a KE-Jetronic C3 both cold and fully warm: starting, idle and acceleration should be smooth and hesitation-free; check vacuum hoses and fuel pressure.[1][3][6]C3 / Typ 44
• On a C4, check temperature, fan operation, expansion tank, hoses and cabin heat; sources report overheating sensitivity, a cracked tank and a blocked heater matrix.[5]one sourceC4
• On a 2.6/2.8-litre C4, verify oil pressure, warning indications and repair history, especially work involving the check valve or big-end bearings.[5]one sourceC4
• After prolonged storage, inspect a C4's brakes carefully and road-test it; one documented car required extensive work before its brakes functioned properly.[5]one sourceC4
• Check the C4's large steering-rack gaiter, steering-link bushes and wheel-bearing noise; repairs can be labour-intensive and require specialist equipment.[5]one sourceC4

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Старые Цилиндры — Audi 100 C3. A detailed review of this amazing car. · ▶ video
2. [2]CarRanger — Audi 100 2.0E Typ 44 (1991) - 40.000 DM für PREMIUMQUALITÄT und modernste Technik! · ▶ video
3. [3]Сергей Самсонов — AUDI 100 44 body. Pros, cons, consumption, acceleration and everything. · ▶ video
4. [4]SpeedyCar — Audi 100 C4 2.4D for 100,000 Rubles | Pros and Cons of the Audi 100 C4 REVIEW · ▶ video
5. [5]это avby — Каково это — владеть надёжным немецким авто, но 30-летним? Честные рассказы хозяев Audi 100 · ▶ video
6. [6]iauto.lv — Audi audi 100 2.3 E 1987.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum

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