Audi/Diesel/Quattro fiend!

[bangoman]

Hello everybody, I'm a Brit hoping to move to Canada in 2010. I drive a 2003 A3 (3-door) 2.0L TDI Sport - her name is Roxy and she's a legend, I love her to bits. Just a shame she can't travel across the pond with me! I would buy the same car again - except only the 5-door is available in Canada. However, our destination is London, ON so maybe quattro is better for the winter months and maybe need space for future kids. A quick browse around my local dealer here in the UK.... aha the new Audi A4 allroad 3.0L TDI looks perfect for my wants and needs - the sweet torque of TDI with the security of AWD but alas not to be seen on audi.ca. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Or how about the S4 Avant? Not yet on audi.ca. Aaaaargh! So I've signed up to the forum to keep tabs on the Audi market in Canada and to pick your brains about maybe importing from the USA (bumper issues and all). Saw a used RS4 for sale.... hmmmm, RS4. If only the RS4 Avant were available in North America. You need 420hp to lug around hockey kit and baby stuff! [rant] What's with the lack of S/RS series wagons? Why are the Canadian vehicle import regulations so harsh? Why can't I spec up my dream Audi here in Europe and then ship it over to Canada? (Well I could spec it now and ship it in 15 years.) Smacks of protectionism? Or is it just Euro-NCAP safety ratings and emissions standards aren't stringent enough for Canada? [/rant] Or maybe I should just stop rambling and be pleased with a new 2010 A4 2.0TFSI or a used allroad (A6 base) or a used S4 Avant. And not pay the horrific prices we put up with in the UK! Or maybe I just need to read around the forums a bit more and get an idea as to what's going on. At least I have a forum full of helpful souls!

[Open Road]

You're right. What's with the lack of wagons in general?! It's almost worse -- no actually it IS worse -- in the US. They are positively allergic to wagons. Subaru, in my opinion, is where it is today thanks to its wagons, yet the Legacy wagon was cancelled in the US years ago. That's mind blowing.

First, your idea of importing from the US is spot on: DON'T buy an Audi in Canada! A blatant waste of your money. My friend was actually just browsing prices on US Manheim database for me yesterday. For used 09 A4s, prices are typically about US$4k less than at US dealers, and about US$11-15K less than at Cdn dealers.

To wit: on Manheim US, 2009 A4s start at US$23K (C$25355 incl 4% exchange and required 6.1% duty). Compare that to the absolute lowest price dealers are now charging on trader.ca: C$36K!!

And that my friends, is why I'll never buy a new car (and likely a used car) in Canada.

[Steverino]

Hey Bangoman,

Just because you're a Brit doesn't mean you have to move to London
Good luck.

Steve
Coventry->Portsmouth-> Chichester-> Vancouver
2010 Audi TT

[coimbra]

its a shame. I am jealous of the choice of Diesels in Europe / UK not just in audi's but every other vehicle. North America needs to step their game up.

[nothing77]

You will most definitely miss the torquey habits of your diesel when you cross the pond, but we look forward to having you.