Used buying guide: Audi Cabriolet

Fabulous lines, a variety of appealing engines and prices at their nadir make the Audi 80-based Cabriolet an intelligent investment

Before we get too carried away with the famous fact that Princess Diana had an Audi Cabriolet, it’s worth noting that it was a dealer loan car. Even so, you would think her tenuous connection with the elegant Audi would be enough to secure it a place at today’s table of rising modern classics, but – happily for us – not so. 

If you’re looking for a classy bargain, then, you’ve just found it. Prices start at about £1000 for project cars, but just £4000 buys you a tidy example and £8000 the very best. 

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Why so? It’s hard to say, especially since the model has so much going for it. It looks super-cool, with its elegant roof-down lines unspoiled by the presence of a roll-over bar (the strengthened windscreen does the job instead). It’s built like a battleship, having a galvanised body that laughs in the face of corrosion and a hood that chortles at the worst weather. 

There’s a choice of strong and reliable four-cylinder 1.8-litre 20v and 2.0-litre 8v engines, a short-lived 2.3-litre five-pot and two V6s (a 2.6-litre and a 2.8-litre), all driving the front wheels (there was no Quattro version) through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. They’re all fuel-injected, too, with power outputs ranging from 115bhp (2.0) to 174bhp (2.8). The pick of the lineup, the rare 2.3, produces 133bhp. 

Downsides? Without question, the model lacks the sporty character and image of the equivalent E36 BMW 3 Series Cabriolet and the engines are a little lifeless, although the 2.3 sounds good and pulls strongly. Owing to its solid build quality and additional body strengthening, it’s a heavy car and not the sharpest through corners. It also suffers that old soft-top curse of scuttle shake. Still, you could argue that most of these problems are subjective. 

The Cabriolet was launched in 1991, based on the B3 Audi 80 that first appeared in 1986. This platform was superseded in 1992 by the longer B4 that underpinned the facelifted 80 and then in 1994 by the all-new B5 platform for the A4. The point is that the Cabriolet soldiered on throughout with its old B3 platform until its retirement in 2000, the reason a simple issue of economics, since a convertible is more expensive to engineer than a conventional car yet sells in lower numbers. 

It may have been overtaken by newer Audis under the skin, but no matter, because outwardly the Cabriolet remained a looker until its dying day. It took its updated bonnet and rear lights from the stylish B3- generation S2 coupé, with which it also shared its sports suspension. 

Later, as part of the 1997 facelift, it gained smoother rear bumpers and projection-lens headlights. 

The Final Edition version of 1999 featured a leather interior, air conditioning and 16in alloys. 

Whichever version you buy, find a good Cabriolet and snap it up, because its application for membership of the modern classics club is surely soon to be approved. 

*An owner’s view*

*Mark Sumpter:* “I’ve always been an Audi fanatic, owning a 20-valve Coupé at the age of 20, later an 80 Sport and then another Coupé, followed by a couple of Cabriolets, including my current one. It’s a 2.8 Final Edition automatic with 130,000 miles on the clock. It looks and drives remarkably well. There’s a bit of scuttle shake, but older cabrios are like that. I love how old Audis’ lines are much cleaner than the latest models’, and with no roll hoop, the Cabriolet looks so elegant with the roof down. What I don’t understand is why prices for the model aren’t higher. People talk about it being a modern classic, but I don’t see values rising – at least not yet. Grab a bargain while you can!”

*Buyer beware*

*Engine: *The V6s should run smoothly and quietly while the five-cylinder unit should emit a pleasing rasp. The latter can experience valve-lifter problems, often caused by a fall in oil pressure due to clogged oilways, resulting in a drop in power. Regarding all engines, make sure the timing belt and water pump have been changed regularly.

*Suspension and tyres:* The Cabriolet is a heavy car, so its shocks, ball joints, links and bushes will be tired now, unless recently replaced. The top mounts and upper and lower wishbones are also potential problem areas. The front tyres, too, take a pounding, so inspect them for excessive wear.

*Body: *Check the hood operates correctly, because the wiring loom, which also sends power to the boot lock, can fail and the plastic reservoir that holds the hydraulic fluid can spring a leak. Check the boot floor for rust caused by water seeping past the hood seals and down between the body panels. On that point, check the condition of the rubber seals at the base of the windscreen pillars. Make sure the exterior door trims are secure and not deteriorating – an occasional problem that can require repainting or, worse, expensive replacement trims. New headlights are hard to source. 

*Interior:* Check for warning lights, including the airbags, which have a finite life (it’s usually a sensor problem). On early cars especially, make sure the cabin heater works, because the absence of a pollen filter means the heater matrix clogs up before failing expensively.

*Also worth knowing*

Owners recommend cleaning the roof with a quality shoe brush before applying Grangers Fabsil waterproofer (use a paintbrush). Meguiar’s PlastX plastic polish brings up the plastic rear window, while K-Seal is good for plugging a leaky heater matrix. Engine a little hesitant? Try Slick 50 injector cleaner. For the five-pot’s valve-lifter issues, use Forté Top End Treatment.

*How much to spend*

*£1000-£2499:* Project and SORN cars, including a 1997 2.6 with 105,000 miles and the rare optional hard-top for £2400.

*£2500-£2999:* Runners with short MOTs and patchy service histories.

*£3000-£5999:* A good choice of decent late-plate cars, some with solid service histories.

*£6000 and above:* Some nicer cars, including a selection of Final Edition 2.8s. Also a 2.6 from 1995 with just 50,000 miles and a good service history for £8000.

*One we found*

*Audi Cabriolet 2.6E, 1995, 90,000 miles, £4000:* A full service history including two timing belt changes is this Cabriolet’s chief attraction. What’s more, it has had only three owners and features a leather interior, a smart blue powered hood and the smooth 2.6-litre V6.