Used Audi Quattro (Mk1, 1980-1991) buyer’s guide: an iconic and historic coupe
The Quattro rocked the world in 1980 when it proved that four-wheel wasn’t just for mud-plugging. It’s still great, but choose carefully
Verdict
It’s hard to think of a good reason to not buy a Quattro, unless it’s a poor example. This groundbreaking coupe bridges the gap between classic and modern, and can be driven every day or occasionally, which is how most are now used. There are plenty of Quattros that have been crashed, and while they can often be repaired to a good standard, they often aren’t, so an inspection by an expert is crucial.
While buying the best you can afford is true of any car, it’s especially so here. Get a sorted car and it’s one of the most complete classics you can buy, but buy a dog and you’ll have a very expensive project ahead of you.
It’s rare that a car comes along and changes the way that people think, but that’s exactly what the Audi Quattro did.
Before its arrival, four-wheel drive was for off-roading, but when the Quattro made its debut at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, and set the rally world alight in the same year, it recalibrated performance car buyers’ expectations with its blend of performance and durability.
This was a car that really did have it all; scintillating performance (for the time) with potentially sensible fuel economy, handling, grip, reliability and muscular looks.
Used - available now
2024 Vauxhall
Mokka
35,385 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £12,995
2024 BMW
iX3
52,831 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £26,094
2024 BMW
iX3
38,698 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £24,409
2022 BMW
iX
53,016 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £38,318As a genuine icon, the Quattro has long been in demand and values have been rising for a while. We reckon it’s worth stretching yourself to buy one, but you need to do so with the utmost care.
History
The Quattro arrived in March 1980, with quad headlamps and a 2,144cc five-cylinder engine that was intercooled, turbocharged and featured electronic ignition. UK deliveries started in November 1980, with only left-hand-drive cars being sold.
From September 1982 the first right-hand drive cars were available; after just 17 cars were built, single-piece Cibié headlights were adopted. From October 1983 there were digital dials and anti-lock brakes, then in March 1984 the suspension was lowered by 20mm.
Revisions in September 1984 included sloped headlamps and grille, a colour-coded rear spoiler and smoked tail lamp lenses.
From November 1987 the engine was enlarged to 2,226cc and a sunroof became standard. The engine was a 20-valve 220bhp unit from October 1989, catalytic converters were now fitted and the interior trim was upgraded. The last Quattro was made in spring 1991, with 11,452 produced in total.
Which one should I buy?
There are three types of Quattro: the pre-1987 2,144cc WR, the 2,226cc MB (1987-1989) and the post-1989 20-valve RR. UK sales for these amounted to 1,994, 421 and 295 respectively; the last one is the rarest, most valuable and therefore most sought after.
Each has different emblems on the rear; WR is identified by a decal, the MB has physical Audi lettering and a chrome badge, while the RR goes with just the badge. All are great to drive and very collectible; the key is to buy the best that you can find or afford, and to focus on condition rather than which edition you acquire.
Having said that, the RR has the best investment value, even if you’ll pay more for one in the first place; if you’re buying for regular use, a good-condition MB might make more sense.
Prices
Quattro values have softened over the past couple of years, but mint well cared-for cars will always carry a significant premium, because the cost of improving tatty examples is so high due to the sheer cost of parts. The newer the iteration, the more it’s worth, but values are all over the place because there’s plenty of speculative pricing.
The cheapest Quattro is a scruffy WR, which is worth around £15,000, but restoration costs are likely to quickly exceed the car’s final value. A good WR fetches £30k-£40k, while the best examples are typically £55k-£80k. Equivalent MB values are £25k, £35k-£50k for good cars and £60k-£80k for the best.
The RR is the most valuable, and projects start at £30k (if you can find one), whereas good cars are £45k-£60k and the best ones are £75k-£90k.
On the road
Even the quickest Quattro, the RR, takes 6.3 seconds to do 0-60 and tops out at 142mph, which seems slow now, but it’s the ease with which the power can be put down that impresses.
Even on wet roads there’s plenty of grip, while the chassis remains neutral when pushed hard into dry corners. Rapid cruising is easy, although the power delivery isn’t as linear as in a modern car; it’s not as laggy as some contemporaries though.
The steering doesn’t provide as much feedback as you’d probably like, but this is a civilised car, with a ride that’s far more compliant than you might expect.
Alternatives to the Audi Quattro
The Lancia Delta Integrale is another four-wheel-drive rally star that’s very collectible. Early editions had eight valves but from 1989 there were 16; all have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and left-hand drive. Pick of the bunch is the Evo 2 of 1993, but an Evo 1 is also brilliant.
Another icon is the Subaru Impreza Turbo. Its abilities are breathtaking; a hard drive in one can change your perspective on performance cars. Buy an estate and there’s decent practicality too.
Or you could try a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 (saloon) or an Escort RS Cosworth (hatch); there are some fabulous examples around, but values have soared.
What to look for
Rust in peace
From 1985 some panels were galvanised and from 1987 the boot lid was made from plastic; earlier ones were steel. Major rot is unusual, but check the sills, and the wing seams on post-1988 cars.
Engine room
Of its three engines, the WR is the most troublesome and the RR is the most reliable (and the most costly to buy parts for). Worn turbos and valve seals, plus cracked exhaust manifolds are common problems.
Transmission
Despite the complexity of the transmission, it’s pretty much bullet-proof. The synchromesh can wear out (gearbox rebuilds are expensive), but clutches last well if not abused. Sachs items are the best.
Other problems
Alloy wheels buckle, suspension bushes perish and interior trim wears, but retrims are possible. The electrics are much more complex on Quattros from 1983, so check everything works.
Interior
Excellent practicality was always a core part of the Quattro proposition. The front seats are supportive, there’s room in the back for two adults, and the build quality is good, even if some electrics may be part-time. Boot capacity is good at 330 litres, but the space-saver spare wheel (if fitted) eats into this.
Modifications
The Quattro is one of those cars that’s best left as it came out of the factory, because it was so essentially right in the first place.
However, the supply chain for original parts is either particularly poor or costly – quite often both. The downside of this is that owners skip original parts and indulge their desires to have something even more capable, with upgraded brakes, suspension systems or exhausts.
Such modifications can be fine, but they’re often unnecessary, so before buying a car that’s had significant changes made, make sure the car hasn’t been a track day hack or constantly abused.
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