Peter Wight

Dear fellow members, It's about time I wrote to you all. We've said goodbye to the car and I write to say goodbye to you. I contacted a firm in Walsall specialising in left hand drive vehicles. I got the impression it was one man and a couple of sons. Anyway just as I looked forward to some time working on its kerb appeal, the man rang to announce their imminent visit to the Northwest. "Yes, come to us too", said I, and suddenly it was all over. We were left clutching a few hundred pounds, he left hoping to find a Spaniard needing a bargain in which to get home. Perhaps a prospective buyer was already identified (given the haste). Anyway, we're not expecting complaints: as you all know, an Audi of that vintage will just keep on going. However, I am going. Thanks, best wishes and goodbye to all who submitted comments and or advice, yours sincerely Peter Wight

Dear Spartacus, thanks for submitting the photos: our car must have looked almost that good when we bought it in 2005. I lavished lots of wax polish on it, but we lived down a dirt road so it was seldom not dusty. I attach a snap of one such moment 2019, plus one from it's repair in Somerset on the way home and one frosted up this morn. As I've suggested elsewhere, to me that body oozes simple good taste (or boringly dull utility to those who favour the dramatic lines of later times). Happy new year, P

Dear Spartacus, many thanks for your detailed and sympathetic letter. The reference to southern Europe is significant: until our departure from Spain about three months ago, this car was one of those sometimes seen. A mechanic there remarked on the unusual scars underneath. Salt damage, said I. Its early life had been in Germany. Also I agree with everything you said. I have failed to find a picture of the B5 body shape to which you refer. I must submit a photo to confirm or not that our car has one, arguably in the "restrained good taste" category. There are two rubber strips needing re-attachment to doors on both sides and postponing that task has postponed the photo-shoot. But for now, bye-for now, Peter

Once again, thanks for your replies. I've been deliberately inexact in my post and accordingly have enjoyed a broad range of comment. Also I learn from an unrelated post by Dave L Rust, about selling his car, that a few hundred pounds would be a generous offer for it. I must post it for sale here in the club and meanwhile see if there are specialist scrap dealers. Bye4now, Peter.

Thank you Gareth, I ought to have made clear that we do want to say goodbye to it. I have an injury to my right foot such that driving is not possible otherwise simply enjoying it indefinitely would have been attractive. Thank you Clifford for your no-nonsense reply. It could be however that a fellow Kentish person would fork out a few hundred for a car in which to nip frequently across the channel. Keep brainstorming folks!. Regards, Peter

Dear fellow Audi fans, I'm looking for advice, comment, ideas sensible or fanciful on the future of the A4 Quattro estate that has served us since 2005. All replies are welcome no matter how "imaginative". Feel free to refer to its value in parts; there are five well-shod 205mm wide wheels and a 2.8litre petrol engine, for example. My wife and I sought a left hand drive car for our new life in Spain, bought this treasure in 2005 in Huddersfield and trundled south to Andalucia. We took a load of stuff (it's very capacious) and now that we've sold up and left El Andaluz, stuffed the car again and trundled back . To Manchester. The car: Built in 1998, first registered in 2001 . Engine: six-cylinder (tho' has V5 written on it) 2.8 litres. Automatic transmission (with manual option). A sharp press on the pedal adjusts the gearing to 'sporty'. Mileage: 145,500 (not kilometres, this and the speedo' is in miles.) Please note; it has spent 6 of every 12 months in our garage in Spain (we in England), and consequently 19 years on roads not treated with winter's salt. Obviously a thirsty engine but motorway cruising is at very low revs. Then safely you overtake. Quickly. However, don't miss the special sleeve for your wet skis when you're fresh from the piste. As the song says, "You always hurt the one you love": we are ashamed of the dents and scratches on our faithful, so reliable servant. The sunburn on the paint is a virtual melanoma, and the wider part of the rear backrest can no longer be folded flat. Main repairs over the years are a new exhaust, new coils (1 per 2 cyilnders), cylinder head gaskets and a tensioning gadget (plus belt) for the power steering pump. Its Spanish MOT equivalent expires April '25. Yours hopefully and with thanks in anticipation, Peter. p.s. Photos soon available, meanwhile imagine pale leather upholstery.