Gang,

A colleague of mine is selling an 84.5 245Ti with about 205,000 miles and the AW-71(?) automatic tranny. It's a beautiful blue (metallic?) wagon, black leather, in decent condition. No body damage or rust (Calif.) but the turbo is gone. I have been told that it can be rebuilt for about $250-300. I'm also aware that this car will need rear bushings (have rode in it and it has the classic "groans" on acceleration) but he has installed a new wire harness, radiator and rack in the last 18 months.

My real concern is the tranny. I've heard that these AW units are virtually bulletproof, but it has been my experience in the past (w/other cars) that autoboxes have a more definite lifespan than sticks. I've never had to rebuild a manual tranny, but have had two slushbox-equipped cars deposit their gears on the highway.

Don't see very many posts about AW troubles, so I assume it shouldn't be a worry, but still, at 200K.......

TIA,

-Jim