Importing Audi A4 Quattro Diesels

[GeoffParker]

Just wanted to see if there would be serious interest from anyone in purchasing an Audi Quattro diesel from Europe (left hand drive).



I'm a frustrated diesel fanatic and have been lusting over Audi, Mercedes and Honda diesels that the Europeans have had to choose from.



I just recently met a guy that has done some importing of Land Rover diesels and have learned quite a lot from him.



Up until now the big reasons as I understand that we haven't had more imported diesels is because of our fuel quality and the perception that diesels are not sought after by the American public... ... . Now that we have ULSD diesel (15ppm) at the pumps we should be able to drive EU3 European diesels that are designed to run on their diesel spec of 50ppm sulfur... ... From what I've read their EU3 standard was for model year 2000 until 2005.



Importing a foreign vehicle to the states isn't cheap... ... Transportation is a big part of the cost and then there are the changes that have to be made like all the light lenses and in some cases brake lines to DOT approved versions as well as the speedo to miles.



One of the reasons I like the Audi's is it seems you could get some or most of the parts for a 1. 9 or 2. 0 diesel here in the states as they were in VW TDI's of the same era... ... The rest of the car is the same as the US versions which means parts and service are available..... I own a 2006 A4 Quattro that we bought for my wife... ... . The car will go anywhere you want in any kind of weather.



Once we get the first car approved it is quite easy to bring more in..... My question is if there is enough interest to consider importing more than one... ... . And if not the Audi diesels what other vehicles from Europe would you be serious about owning?



If you know something else that would keep someone from easily importing a diesel please tell me... ... I don't pretend to know everything about the subject.



I hope I posted this in the correct Topic category..... If not I'm sure I will find out where it should be soon.



Thanks,

Geoff

 

[kcv67]

I would be interested in their little diesel pickups. I heard the ford rangers over there have a diesel. I will research that some more and get back to you.

Casey

 

[Duluth Diesel]

How about an Audi A6 Avant diesel? That would be a nice replacement for our Passat gasser.

 

[Matt400]

If you know something else that would keep someone from easily importing a diesel please tell me... ...

Be sure to check with your local government first. I imported a dirt bike from Canada in 2003 that has been a legal battle for just an off road sticker.



A fella importing street bikes recently was sentenced to prison with steep fines by the CARB (California Air Resource Board)

 

[GeoffParker]

What I've learned so far is that legally importing any vehicle less than 25 years old is possible buy very cost prohibitive. If the engine in the vehicle is not an EPA approved engine it will take tens of thousands of dollars to get it certified. This is not a viable project in my opinion. :{ :{ :{



I'll have to wait for the new diesels which may be better than I'm expecting... ... I like clean air but not at the expense of decreasing fuel economy to the point where there is no benefit to drive a diesel.



PS There are many "clever" (illegal) ways to bring in vehicles..... I like sleeping well at night so count me out.

 

[skobylenski]

I've been dreaming of a new Mini "One D" (the Euro version of the new Cooper, but with, duh, a diesel). I have no idea when I'll be financially able to do it, but it's on the list of things to do before I die