Looking to buy an A2 need some advice please

[Ska]

Was the A2 ever made with an Auto or Tip box?
Anything out of the ordinary I should be looking out for when buying one? I wanted to go for a high spec one sat nav etc. but 1.4 engine to save on running costs.
Also has Audi stopped making them? if so when is a replacement due?
Whats the general feeling about owning/driving one?
Not asking much am I?
Cheers [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[sdalton]

They have indeed stopped making them (I think there are a few 55 reg ones about). The current replacement is the A1 i believe, but that is not due until 2009...


Don't think it was ever made as an automatic, but I could be wrong. Were you looking at the 1.4 petrol or diesel? The 1.4 diesel is riduculously economical.

We are about to buy one for my wife, so obviously I think they are a good ownership prospect [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[danksy]

The 1.2Tdi was never imported officially into the UK, but that had a tiptronic box [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img] And with extra thin glass and a few other extra weight saving measures was also was good for true 75mpg .

My A2 (1.4Tdi) has averaged 59.2 mpg since I have had it (Over 10,000 miles [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] )

Things to look out for.

1. Chipped/Kerbed wheels (easy to do on an A2)
2. Knocking from front suspension (well known problem, and time consuming to sort out).
3. Vibration from under engine bay (in the worse cases fuel lines may need replacing)
4. Check that the compressor and gunge is in the boot. (Spare wheel was an optional extra)

Watch out for after market wheels, which can turn a hard, but compliant ride into a bone shaker [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smashfreakB.gif[/img]

After 37.5k miles, mine is nice and tight, with no rattles or squeaks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img].

Generally they are compact cars, but with probably more space in the back than say an A4 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]. On some models, like mine with the "bench" rear seats, they can be removed entirely for enormous load carry capacity [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img] Mine also has the optional spare wheel, and false boot floor. Once these are removed the boot is actually quite large, due to the depth of it [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

They also drive like a bigger car, and are screwed together like the rest of the audi brand [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img] Handling wise, they handle like little go-karts too [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img] and can give many cars a run for their money [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

Heated seats and cruise control are do-able retrofits, as is a MFSW.

For an RNSE retro fit, an A6 unit must be used and cut down to size [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img] and currently there is no double-din cage available so you must take care to purchase one with a Symphony head for an easy retro-fit. Also the Gala function has to be tapped into a wire behind the dash [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img]

Otherwise it's a case of replacing the whole dash at a cost of >£800 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img]

Overall they are cheeky little cars to own, and are still quite rare on the roads. With £50 a year Road Fund Licence and 60mpg achievable day-in-day-out they are frugal, but very fun cars.

I will be very sorry to see the back of mine when it finally goes [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sekret.gif[/img]

[sdalton]

[ QUOTE ]

I will be very sorry to see the back of mine when it finally goes [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sekret.gif[/img]


[/ QUOTE ]

I am sure you'll run it to it again at some point [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sekret.gif[/img]

[danksy]

But I'd lose my no claims [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/EEK2.GIF[/img]

[sdalton]

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif[/img] perhaps "encounter" would have been a better phrase [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/coffee.gif[/img]

[bpsmith]

Do you have one for sale then Danksy?

[s4_sat]

Erm, Check the front wings for damage as the plastic arch can't be changed so the whole wing must be changed which is a bitch to do. The bonnet is another problem, check for any damage or warping as these cost around £250 to replace. The rear arches can be replaced separately. The boot should close easily and shouldn't rattle. The rear screen is expensive to replace so check for damage to the screen and the heater element and the aerial. The climate control panel usually starts to wear due to the surface being rough rather than smooth like other audis. The front droplinks and tiebars can go pretty quickly and the antiroll bar mounts can break, these need to be replaced with the new ones with metal collars instead of the plastic ones. The throttle body needs cleaned every 50k approx and the inlet pressure manifold sensor is also a weak point on the 1.4. Make sure the recall on the fuel filler pipe has been done and the front service flaps opens easily and the filler pipes come out and there are no leaks. I think thats all and if i think of anything else, i'll put it up.

[bpsmith]

Out of interest, where exactly is the aerial on the A2. We have one and getting various different results with using the Griffin FM transmitter with our iPod Nano recently. Hoping that if we place the device nearer to the aerieal then it will improve!?!

[s4_sat]

It's in the rear screen.