Audi Cabby 2.6 Autom. good ?

Hello, after we bought a new cabby in March (1.8 from 1997) it starts from the beginning, because it had a silent accident and now goes back to the dealer. We have now found a 2.6 with Automatic. Does the meaning or does the Automatic take a lot of power and only increases the consumption? The seller thinks that with 8-8.5 liters on the country road he can easily get out and wants city/AB so nearly 10. Does the automatic drive well with the engine? When is the timing belt due to ne This is the first time that we have had a debate on the Commission’s proposal for a directive.