Audi 80 Avant (1993 - 1996) 1.9 TDi SE 5d (1993/L) Owner Review
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
This older model of Audi Avant says you either have an eye for THE BEST German engineering, OR you would like a quality car but can't quite afford a newer one!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They think it is a country mansion on wheels! Some comment that the legend that is the 1.9tdi is beyond doubt THE greatest diesel engine of all time.. Some who have driven her have agreed with the all round quality of the older models, as opposed to some of the newer ones..
Would you buy this car again and why?
In a heartbeat! Infact I have... for all the reasons already stated: Quality, bulletproof engine, quality, load space, smoothness, engineering excellence ...and quality.
What are you likely to buy next?
Already have...No suprises... Another Audi! A4 Avant ...and Yes a 1.9tdi.. why bother with a lesser vehicle.?
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£650
When did you buy the car?
March 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
THE buy of my life! £650 for a superb example of German over-engineering.. The car had been almost rebuilt, £2,000 spent on all major components, as well as 4 new tyres, new exhaust, battery, radiator, turbo, wishbones etc.. 4 A4 size sheets of parts. It was a titled gentleman's country estate runabout and clearly had all the work done as a tax dodge..
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I needed a solidly built, diesel engined, work horse with a tow bar.. The car came with 12mths MoT and even 12mths road tax.. bargain!
What was the dealer like?
The mechanic was great. He was the landed gentry's mechanic and was told to find a suitable buyer..
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
This model drives soooo effortlessly that I cannot wait to get in her! Super comfy seating, more leg room than a modern A6 (I know as I enjoy owning several 'ducks') The quality and typical Audi over-engineering pays dividends... I have driven from the lake district to the South of France (les Issambres) with nothing but comfort and a feeling of safety and security, regardless of road conditions, traffic, speed etc.. The steering is light, but not too light. The gearbox silky smooth, the 1.9tdi engine has bags and bags of 'grunt' (torque)...this puppy will pull all day!
What's it like to park?
Even though the car is a fairly large car, with the comfort of a stately mansion, it will perhaps suprise anyone that parking is like parking a wee fiat panda, or similar... clear all round vision, no blind spots and precise, light steering all play a part... You have to love the German's even if only for the quality of their cars!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Yes. Even though every other part had been replaced, a tiny spigot shaft bearing went (requiring the clutch to be removed) such is life..could have gone on any car, at any point.. Everything else is like pure granite!
What's most practical about your car?
The fuel economy! Mine gets 53mpg Urban, 55-60mpg on long routes.. I do not know if the ECU re-chipping (done professionally) has any bearing on this? The load space IS epic! considering this car is actually not so big. The seats do fold flat (you need to lift the squabs) I managed to fit (albeit a smidge of a squeeze!) a pine bunk bed set AND TWO MATTRESSES!!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
These older models do not have 'gadgetry'.. the SE does however have: electric windows all round, heated mirrors, central locking, alarm/immobiliser (though in fairness I should mention the locking and therefore the alarm CAN play up on some) electric sunroof, roof rails, split/fold down rear seats, superb stereo etc..
