When I first got the 1995 Audi S6 Avant home and off of Martha's Vineyard, I was giddy with having finally snagged a real deal, a car that was purchased for very little solely because I had the inside track on it coming up for sale. Of course, that euphoria eventually wears off once the realities of a project sets in - it's inevitable.
The first big bites of maintenance were necessities, and not the kind you necessarily instantly appreciate. The timing belt absolutely had to be done, as prolonging that job risked a grenade-like situation where the belt snaps and the motor is an instant paperweight. Then, the suspension had to be refreshed; the control arms replaced; the HVAC blend box was dissected and repaired, yielding functional A/C. Along the way, a Stromung exhaust was fitted.
As you can see, the improvements gradually became more noticeable, and, quite frankly, fun. But one big job remained that I did not fully appreciate how transformative it would be until it was done - and that is a clutch replacement.
The clutch pedal had always been super firm and the engagement point very late. I knew it was tired, but after having the first job at my new shop here in Annapolis be a clutch, slave, and pressure plate replacement, I can honestly say I love the car all over again. I didn't realize just how bad the old clutch was, and how negatively it was impacting the driving experience.
It is now a wholly enjoyable car to drive, and outside of a sagging headliner, I can't think of anything else I feel the need to address in the short term.