Need some advice - LHD Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI Quattro

gangitano85

gangitano85

A2OC Donor
Belgium
Good afternoon,

As I have already mentioned, I will be moving back to the continent in the near future. I have gotten the idea of bying a LHD car in the UK which I can take back and register in Italy. Has every on here ever done something similar? Also, I'm not sure as to whether I should get a LHD with UK registration or one with a EU registration.

Secondly, I am looking at LHD Audi A6 avant 2.7 TDI Quattro with automatic gearbox. Does anyone have / Did anyone have this car? Any advice or perhaps warnings... I am a bit worried as it has the tiptronic CVT gearbox (I think) and it is a high mileage car...

Link to advert is here

Thanks in advance

Best wishes
 
Moving back to the EU? Can I come too, and leave the sinking ship that is the UK at the moment?!? :p

The CVT is definitely to be avoided, but was never fitted to a quattro car. As such, a 2.7tdi quattro will have a torque converter tiptronic box which will be a lot more robust. The 2.7 not as refined or potent as the 3.0 tdi that replaced it, but otherwise is pretty solid I think. There are some stories about soft cam shafts needing replaced, but if serviced regularly they are not an issue.

As ever, caveat of "these are my opinions only" apply :p Dont know anything about re-registering Im afraid
 
I had one of these brand new sir, in 2007. 2.7TDiQ Lemans Avant

The Quattro's did have the tiptronic gearbox and it is much more reliable than the CVT but needs good oil changes for long life. Not that this will be an issue, but some came with over 224gKM Co2, mine was just below but depending on Spec they can go above and attract higher UK road tax. All the Allroads were above for example.

The 2.7 and 3.0 ran in parallel it was not a replacement. Both were normal TDi prior to 2008 and common rail diesels after this (which are the pick). I found the fuel consumption in the 2.7 pretty poor at 32mpg average and is was beaten by both the 2.0TDi and the 3.0TDi, but to get the kit I wanted I couldn't stretch to the 3.0 unfortunately. There are a few problems with engine wiring looms, the standard suspension issues (for older Audi) but otherwise a lovely cheap tourer. I'm sure I'll get another one again at some point.

The car you have found looks like a basic spec with cloth seats (non heated) and Low MMI, it does have optional wood trim which is nice however. Given the price and the mileage I would say you are paying a premium there, but that may be as it is LHD.

s800J6DEM-Front-SIDE.jpg
 
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I've no idea on prices in Italy (or France or Germany) but LHD cars in the U.K. always seem to be expensive for what they are.

As for the above example: to my eyes it looks absolutely battered: the damage down the right hand side would technically write it off into Cat S territory I'm sure (front bumper and wing scuffs, rear door / skin, rear quarter).

As I see it, trying to buy LHD in the UK gives you amazingly limited choice, not to mention the paperwork of getting the thing into the E.U.

Be interested to see whether you'd do better buying in Germany where there is probably a good supply of high quality A6's?
 
mrbroons said:
I had one of these brand new sir, in 2007. 2.7TDiQ Lemans Avant

The Quattro's did have the tiptronic gearbox and it is much more reliable than the CVT but needs good oil changes for long life. Not that this will be an issue, but some came with over 224gKM Co2, mine was just below but depending on Spec they can go above and attract higher UK road tax. All the Allroads were above for example.

The 2.7 and 3.0 ran in parallel it was not a replacement. Both were normal TDi prior to 2008 and common rail diesels after this (which are the pick). I found the fuel consumption in the 2.7 pretty poor at 32mpg average and is was beaten by both the 2.0TDi and the 3.0TDi, but to get the kit I wanted I couldn't stretch to the 3.0 unfortunately. There are a few problems with engine wiring looms, the standard suspension issues (for older Audi) but otherwise a lovely cheap tourer. I'm sure I'll get another one again at some point.

The car you have found looks like a basic spec with cloth seats (non heated) and Low MMI, it does have optional wood trim which is nice however. Given the price and the mileage I would say you are paying a premium there, but that may be has it is LHD.

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Click to expand...
Ahh, you beat me to it with a much better post ?
 
Have had the 4F2 model for 11 years. (mine was re-mapped w/larger IC and 200hp)
Weak points:
- wireing looms for MAF (the full front need to go off to change bulbs and this is cause stretch in the cable loom)
- electrical handbrake
- wire loom for ABS and handbrake
- very expensive towbar
- 2.7 and 3.0 are very nose heavy and ABS resolution is low and it struggle on ice.
- tire wear is 40% higher that 2.0TDI FWD

Positives
- Integrated phone is brilliant
- the silent environment
- CV value/ handle high wind well
- sound system of high quality

I shall not try to talk you out of the 6 syl /quatro/ tipronic, just be aware that the 2.0TDI has much better balance and beat you in slalom , fuel consumption is 50% lower, it can carry more load , and your gearbox problems will cost you same as the car.....
Consider to buy your car in Holland, good roads, high average speed, regular use and general high competence on their garages. TDI's worst enemy is all the short trips at low speed.... Good luck ?
cheers
dieselfan
 
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Thanks for all the advice. Price of this particular example is way too high. We currently have a LHD Volvo Xc70 D5, so I'm guessing that for now we will stick to it and sell it when we actually move.
 
Why are you thinking of finding a car here rather than when you arrive? Surely the choice and therefore chance of finding a good deal are better in your target country if you want LHD?

Maybe what you want wasn’t sold there or the market for used cars is much “hotter” - I have no idea but genuinely curious
 
Cars tend to be more expensive in the EU, but I am looking to sell our RHD whilst still living here. We won't find any takers on the continent, hence I thought about buying a LHD car before leaving
 
you will need to pay duty on the value of the import back to the EU. I would not do it. Here that duty would be 10% + VAT on the entire car value - it's not worth it.
 
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