WHAT IS IT?
A first-generation Audi 5000 of any spec is incredibly rare in the U.S. having done a disappearing act similar to its not-very-good predecessor the Audi 100 LS. Technically, the 5000 was the second generation of the Audi 100, but it was renamed the 5000 for the U.S. because of the less-than-enviable reputation of the 100 LS. These boxy sedans sold in large numbers as a more popularly-priced alternative to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Their FWD and later Quattro AWD also proved more useful in cold climates. Clearly, however, they weren’t built like a Benz because the early 5000s are solidly on the automotive “threatened, endangered or extinct” list.
WHY THIS ONE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Frankly, this car has a leg up simply by virtue of the fact that it still exists. Add to that the attractive Regatta Blue paint which looks remarkably well-preserved, and its matching blue leather (nicely worn-in, but not worn-out) complete with the original Blaupunkt cassette player and 5-speed manual transmission, and you have a near museum-quality piece of Audi history. It has all of the hallmarks of long-term ownership by a careful elderly owner who didn’t mind the fact that his mid-sized German sedan had under 70 horsepower. It’s been on sale for a while at the same dealership that we would bet acquired it at an estate sale.
It has all of the hallmarks of long-term ownership by a careful elderly owner who didn’t mind the fact that his mid-sized German sedan had under 70 horsepower.
Yes it is super clean but at the end of the day it is a Diesel. I love these cars and honestly not surprised to see a diesel 5000 this nice. If it were a standard 5000 or a 5000S it would have my vote but this is to me more of a concours d’ lemons contender for worst of show being an awesome example of a car that due to the engine choice, is not what the 5000 was designed to be.
Easy to forget that diesel 5000s existed, and almost as easy to forget that the pre-unintended acceleration-era models more closely resembled E28s than their wind tunnel-friendly successors. It may be an interesting off-the-radar choice, but it doesn’t get my heart palpitating.
Yes, BOOT-P worth indeed. However, the competition is no where to be found. As Basem said, I too forgot these even existed. Now, the cost of ownership might be a whole different story. Would love to see in person and even drive it.
I haven’t seen an example of this generation of 5000/100 anywhere since Clinton was president. Just by virtue of its mere survivorship, this one would be a contender for BOOT-P but this one is actually seriously nice. It’s not perfect, but does a perfect manual diesel 5000S exists anywhere? I doubt it. This one gets a thumbs-up from me!