A4 Avant Quattro 3.2 FSI S line - Advice please

[grobba]

Hi all,

Looking for some adice please on whether to splash some cash on restoration or just let it go.

Some background - the car is low milage, circa 56k and almost like new inside, there are signs of rust on the front wings and some rust hole on the rear tailgate. There is also some signs of a previous paint job being done on the bonnet which is now showing up, and stone chipping on front (my fault for using a resurfaced country road as a commuter route).

It's just passed it's MOT with a few minor advisories, including a small engine oil leak. Main concern is that sills have been mentioned in previous MOT, however this latest MOT mentioned not able to check due to side skirts, so not quite sure what extent corrosion is if any.

On previous various garage visits the techs have said it would be well worth keeping and doing up the bodywork, however talking to a local body repairer recently the guy said it wouldn't be worth it, which was a bit disheartening.

As I see it, it would take a couple new wings, replacement tailgate (perhaps from eBay in similar colour for external respray) and some work on the front and bonnet to get it presentable (although 'if 'the sills are shot then that might be an issue).

I've been told this model is/was quite rare? and also myself (and the missus) have become quite attached to it, and would be prepared to spend a bit... if worth it. I could maybe do some myself like the wings, although getting on a bit, not quite so good at squirming around under a car in the cold like I used to do!

The car still drives and handles like new with the acceleration and 'entertaining' engine / exhaust tone to go with it.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated... cheers

2005 Audi Avant Quattro V6 3.2 FSI S-Line - No Mods. other than new alloys.

 

 

[Steve Q]

I'd always say bodywork is worth while doing to preserve the car if you like it. Sometimes eurocarparts have offers on wings etc. But I can see where the body shop are coming from regarding the car not having a lot of value and thus not doing. However I've never had a body shop say that to me, as they should not question why you want the work done unless they don't want the job? 

[grobba]

22 hours ago, Steve Q said:

I'd always say bodywork is worth while doing to preserve the car if you like it. Sometimes eurocarparts have offers on wings etc. But I can see where the body shop are coming from regarding the car not having a lot of value and thus not doing. However I've never had a body shop say that to me, as they should not question why you want the work done unless they don't want the job? 

Thanks Steve, it's possible he didn't want to do it or was just being fair from his point of view, they're a busy / popular shop. I know a mate tried to get his fully self restored E-type sprayed there, but apparently took a year for them to say they were ready for it! The Avant was in for a service this week with them, and pretty much a clean bill of health mechanically, apart from the small oil leak, the sills were looked at but didn't think they were an issue. I think after he'd spent some time working on it and drove it, realised where I was coming from.

I'll try get a second opinion, but think I'll probably pursue this as a personal project for the bits I can do. I see some panels can be ordered online pre-sprayed to body colour, how well those would match with original paint and what quality, I don't know though.

Cheers..

[Steve Q]

Sounds like a good plan 🙂 glad it's mechanically sound. Definitely worth doing work on in my opinion