Find of the Day: 1986 Zermatt Silver Audi 4000 CS quattro

words: Bill, photos: GermanCarLover via cars & bids

Now I know I’ve said this before…the Pacific Northwest must be a time warp where old(er) German cars stay in pristine condition and I mean pristine. From rust-free exteriors to crack-free dashboards, most of the 80s/90s German cars coming out of the PNW look brand new. This 1986 Audi 4000 CS quattro is a prime example. Most 4000s were driven hard and put away wet where time and rust took their toll. Here’s the ad:

Doug’s Take

Now THIS is special! Not a lot of these 4000 models were sold, as Audi wasn’t quite a mainstream brand in this era – and not many have survived. This is the desirable CS variant of the 4000, which stood out from the base S model with Quattro all-wheel-drive and a 5-cylinder engine – and it touts about 66,500 miles, which is remarkably low. This 4000 also hasn’t been modified, it boasts a 5-speed manual transmission, and it features some nice equipment, including a sunroof, leather upholstery, AND heated front seats – and the clean, accident-free Carfax report is another benefit here. Finding another 4000 CS like this one will be easier said than done, and I’m proud to offer it on Cars & Bids!!

Highlights

THIS… is a 1986 Audi 4000 CS Quattro, finished in silver with a black interior.

  • This sedan’s odometer displays about 66,500 miles.
  • The attached Carfax history report starts in 1986 and lists no accidents or mileage inconsistencies, though it contains several gaps. It also shows that this Audi has been Oregon-owned since at least 2000.
  • Factory equipment includes 14-inch wheels, locking front and rear differentials, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, air conditioning, and a cassette player. The seller reports no modifications.
  • Audi released the 4000 during the 1979 model year to replace the Fox at the bottom of its range. Known as the 80 in many global markets, the sedan wore a boxy exterior design penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and it was available in a wide number of configurations, including front- and four-wheel-drive and two or four doors. The 4000 notably spawned the Coupe, and it retired after the 1987 model year.
  • Power comes from a 2.2-liter 5-cylinder engine, rated at 115 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. It spins the four wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Equipment

  • 14-inch wheels
  • Locking front and rear differentials
  • Rear spoiler
  • Sunroof
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Power-operated windows and locks
  • Air conditioning
  • Cassette player

Known Flaws

  • Some exterior dings
  • Scratches under the front bumper and on the passenger-side fender
  • Faded trim above the windshield and around the rear windows
  • Yellowing paint protection film around the rear wheel arches
  • Wear on the driver’s seat’s outer bolsters and on some of the interior touch points
  • Some scratches on the rear seats
  • Cracked panel above the pedals
  • Some rust on the exhaust system

Recent Service History

  • An invoice pictured in the gallery shows that the engine oil, transmission fluid, battery, brake hoses, brake fluid, right front CV boot and axle, and wiper blades were changed at 66,199 miles in July 2020.
  • The seller adds that the valve cover gasket and the CV boots were replaced at that time as well.
  • Some service information appears in the attached Carfax history report.

Other Items Included in Sale

  • 2 keys
  • Owner’s manuals
  • Available service records

Ownership History

The seller purchased this 4000 in 2021.

66,000 miles! Why it’s hardly broken in. The other Zermatt Silver 4000 I know that came out of the PNW is a 1984 4000S quattro and while it has over double the mileage, it’s also in showroom condition. Must be something (not) in the water up there. Did I mention that this 4000 is owned by Rob from quattroholics? If you are not in the know, quattroholics specializes in OEM Audi parts from 1980-1996 so you know this 4000 is well cared for.

Speaking of Zermatt Silver Audi from the 80s, don’t forget that we are giving away a 1985 Audi quattro coupe in our Audi Club Sweepstakes. Imagine winning that and buying this 4000…I can hear Der Kommisar by After the Fire blasting from a cassette player in your garage. Speaking of buying, this 4000 CS quattro is on cars & bids with 6 days left and it’s only up to $7,500. You can find it HERE.