One of the worst things DIY car enthusiasts hate to see is the word “NLA”. Short for no longer available, it signifies the part you’re looking for is out of production. And that could be a big problem.
YouTube channel Top Dead Center’s latest project car is a C6 generation Audi RS6 Avant. As per usual, the guys bought just about the roughest version they could find, so they can fix it up and show us the process. It’s the sort of nerdy car repair/restoration content that I love.
One fault of that particular RS6 is the perished shock absorbers. Sounds normal, right? Suspension parts are regular wear items that need replacing every so often. However, the C6 RS6 features a trick hydraulically linked damper system. There is no aftermarket/third-party replacements available. You’re forced to buy the full-fat original part from Audi.
Except Audi no longer makes that part! It’s the dreaded NLA. For a car that’s not all that old - only 16 years - it’s morbidly amazing that owners are kind of SOL moving forwards. The existing set of shocks on the car, plus whatever is left stocked in warehouses around the world, is it. Past a certain point, owners will simply have to live with a worn out suspension.
Or, use stop-gap aftermarket dampers made for an Audi S6. Which is what Top Dead Center did.
I have similar concerns when it comes to keeping my MK7 Golf GTI fit for the long term. Anything mechanical and oily I’m not too worried about. Volkswagen Group has produced millions of MQB platform vehicles. A replacement, let’s say, control arm can always be found.
What I am worried about is body and interior pieces. Some stuff is already NLA - for a model that was last sold in 2021! Spilled something unsavory in the trunk area and you need to replace the spare tire well carpet? Well you can’t, at least not directly from Volkswagen. You’ll have to scour the junk yards and eBay.
Granted, interior stuff are far less likely to need replacement compared to mechanicals. So I can see why original manufacturers cease producing parts relatively quickly after end of production run. But if you’re the type of enthusiast that likes to purchase used cars and restore them up a bit, NLA parts can potentially stop the fun completely.
Hanging out.