Audi Quattro as a daily driver

NewApproach

OK, I was thinking of selling my current car (2006 Alfa) and pocketing some cash and buy a chear runabout for a few years, but then an idea sprung into my head.

This year, the first Audi Quattro's will be 30. This means they qualify for v cheap VRT and Tax.

Assuming one has a good history and has been well looked after, how much extra attention will they require over and above a modern day car?

I am trying to convince myself that they make financial sense. Tax will be low, Classic insurance*, no depreciation, fuel a wee bit more. Obviously the servicing/maintenance costs are the biggest factor. How much would need to be budgeted a year for this would you reckon?

Also will a Quattro be suitable as a daily driver in your opinions? I do about 15k miles a year FWIW.

Anything else I should know?

Thanks

* hopefully, need to ring the companies.

galwaytt

...the early ones are a bit crude, but none the worse for that. Shouldn't have any problems as, compared to modern cars, simple.

But there was also a non-turbo Coupé Quattro too you know, which would be a pittance to buy and run. Like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1861536.htm



I had one for years...........sorry I sold it........last seen in Tipp, 86 G 1247..............sigh........

quattro777

LHD quattro sales began in Europe in November 1980. The first batch arrived in the UK in March 1981 and these were also LHD, although a few were converted to RHD.
Official RHD production was not announced until 22nd October 1982.

Even if you manage to find one of the early one's in good condition you will have to pay big money for it. 1983-84 would be more realistic.

NewApproach

Thanks guys. I'd be happy enough to wait a couple of years if necessary, if still only 20 anyway so that might not be a bad idea.

The non-turbo quattro crossed my mind, but I think deep down I would regret not buying the FF Turbo model if I bought it. Still it's definately worth considering.

In the meantime I can still dream. Would I be right in thinking though that once looked after, they will not depreciate, and if anything appreciate?

Bigus

You'd want to start advertising the alfa now to have it shifted by next year. Cheap Alfas easy to sell 2006 ones are like wedding rings.

NewApproach

Bigus wrote: »

You'd want to start advertising the alfa now to have it shifted by next year. Cheap Alfas easy to sell 2006 ones are like wedding rings.

Every car has it's price

Stojkovic

House on Bunting Road in Inchicore (SCR end) has four audi quattro's in the drive. They look like they haven't been driven in a good while.

Bigus

Stojkovic wrote: »

House on Bunting Road in Inchicore (SCR end) has four audi quattro's in the drive. They look like they haven't been driven in a good while.

Is that collection known as a quattro ? of quattros or a quattrovarious ?

Bigus

NewApproach wrote: »

Every car has it's price

Glad you had the courage to say what i was afraid to.:P

Mr Benevolent

Bigus wrote: »

Is that collection known as a quattro ? of quattros or a quattrovarious ?

Quattroporte?

chiefwiggum

i hate to rain on the parade but a couple of things jumped out at me from your post:
1 classic insurance is on a limited mileage policy i.e you could only do 6000 miles a yr(thats mine anyway) plus you must own and have insured an"everyday" car so as to prove your classic wont be your everyday

2 if your only 20 youre gonna have a big problem i'd say as most classic policies insist on the driver being over 25 with a full licence and i think sometime a full ncb

ds20prefecture

chiefwiggum wrote: »

i hate to rain on the parade but a couple of things jumped out at me from your post:
1 classic insurance is on a limited mileage policy i.e you could only do 6000 miles a yr(thats mine anyway) plus you must own and have insured an"everyday" car so as to prove your classic wont be your everyday

Not true, mine is a 10000 mile policy fully comp with the classic as my only car. Mind you, it's far from cheap, at €600

2 if your only 20 youre gonna have a big problem i'd say as most classic policies insist on the driver being over 25 with a full licence and i think sometime a full ncb

This, unfortunately, is true. For whatever reason, they won't insure an under 25 on an over 20y.o. car.

8~)

I wouldn't get hung up about classic insurance. 600 is probably about the same cost as a 'normal' policy. So just insure the car on a normal policy. Some insurers are picky about insuring 20+ year old cars but in my experience generally they're okay so long as the car has an NCT.

Regarding maintenance costs, at this age of car the reliability and maintenance costs will depend very much on the individual car and how well it was maintained through the years by previous owners. Audis were well built so you are off to a good start. Look for a well maintained car with history and few owners. In general it will be a better bet than a non-historied car with many previous owners.

You'd better drive some cars of the era, just to be sure you like the experience.

galwaytt

8~) wrote: »

Some insurers are picky about insuring 20+ year old cars but in my experience generally they're okay so long as the car has an NCT.

...gas, isn't it ? They harp on about it being 'necessary' to save us all from ourselves, and then when they get it they.....what, don't believe it anyway ?

8~) wrote: »

Regarding maintenance costs, at this age of car the reliability and maintenance costs will depend very much on the individual car and how well it was maintained through the years by previous owners. Audis were well built so you are off to a good start. Look for a well maintained car with history and few owners. In general it will be a better bet than a non-historied car with many previous owners.

You'd better drive some cars of the era, just to be sure you like the experience.

Have a look at the gutter, above bootlid, under the rear screen rubbers for corrosion, near the hinges. Not a huge job, but messy, to fix.