What car to buy in Europe? (Some Audi content)

[John Larson]

OK.  Here's the real deal.  He's clarified some areas in which I was flat
out wrong.  He does NOT plan to bring a car home.  Too much trouble!  That
opens up the field.  He's living in Barcelona, not Madrid ( I hate him
already!), and can only keep a new car tax free in Spain for 6 months.  He's
also looking at used but fairly recent cars.  He really appreciates all the
advice so far, and thanks you all.  He is leaving 08/17 and welcomes any
further comments right up 'til the very end.  It will, BTW, have to be a car
available in Spain, as I understand it.  He's gone to both the Skoda and
Seat websites per my (well, your) suggestion, and I pointed him to the
various RS2 and RS4 sites.  (Just to inflict a little torture!)  Keep 'em
coming!  Thanks to all, John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Eyvind Spangen" <eyvind.spangen at c2i.net>
To: "TM" <t44tq at mindspring.com>
Cc: "'Robert Myers'" <robert at s-cars.org>; "'Pantelis Giamarellos'"
<pantg at otenet.gr>; "'John Larson'" <j.d.larson at verizon.net>;
<quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 27, 2002 12:44 AM
Subject: Re: What car to buy in Europe? (Some Audi content)


On Fri, 26 Jul 2002 21:54:33 -0400, you wrote:

>The Skoda would be impossible to get trim and body parts for in the US
>(through official channels), but the drivetrain is exactly the same as
>the A4, no problems servicing the car otherwise.

Nope, the Octavia uses a transverse mounted engine. Replace "A4" with
"TT", and you're right. Suspension components etc. made for the TT
bolts right up on the Octavia.

Wouldn't it be a problem to get the car titled in the US when it's not
sold there officially and crash tested, emissions tested etc.?

--
E. Spangen
'89 Audi 80 2.0E quattro
('90 Audi 200TQ20v - garasjedronning)