mjs4x4
A2OC Donor
Hi,
I am a new member - thinking of buying an A2 - a 3-5 year old model as a second car. I have read a few threads on this site to get a feel for the things to look for and the things to avoid.
A few comments on the following would be appreciated:
1. Blind Spot
When I test drove an A2 s few years ago, I was surprised at the compromised vision caused by the A Pillar. Recently I drove one again and it did not seem so bad (maybe because I drove a Seat Altea for a week which is worse!!)
In regular use - how much of a pain is this? I mean there is not much point in all the safety features if there is a big design flaw that might cause an accident!
2. Open Sky
This looks like a really nice option to have - but I am concerned to read a few threads suggesting they are troublesome and expensive to fix. Again, what is general experience on older cars? Are there any issues concerning leaks on Open Sky sunroofs?
3. 17" Alloys
Not to put too fine a point on it - these sound ****. Alloy wheels that seem to buckle when you hit a bad pot-hole? 16 inch alloys sound a much better bet?
4. Accident Damage / Insurance
Again, a few threads seem to suggest that A2's are easily written off if there is any damage to the space frame. That being the case I would have thought the insurance companies would have hiked premiums - but the insurance groups don't suggest this? Curious.
5. Sound Systems
Is there any difference in sound quality between Concert and Symphony? I appreciate that Symphony is more that single CD. A BOSE system would be nice - but have members improved sound quality just by replacing speakers with good aftermarket items?
6. Drum Brakes
It seems odd to find a post 2000 car with drum brakes on the rear. I would be looking at a 75bhp TDI - are they all drum braked or were later ones fitted with discs? It's a light car and some threads suggest the braking is good (in spite of rear drums). Comments?
7. Rear Wiper (lack of)
Appreciate that the tailgate shape made fitting a rear wiper damn near impossible. In reality - is it a problem not having one?
8. Ariel (lack of?)
Pretty much all other VW group cars of this era have the 'bee-sting' ariel - but not the A2. What does it have to get decent radio reception?
In passing - I read a couple of threads suggesting that Audi has a bit of a negative stance toward the A2 since they ceased production. I was at the Audi Museum at Ingolstadt a few weeks ago. You might have thought that they would have one as an exhibit - they didn't!!
Mike
I am a new member - thinking of buying an A2 - a 3-5 year old model as a second car. I have read a few threads on this site to get a feel for the things to look for and the things to avoid.
A few comments on the following would be appreciated:
1. Blind Spot
When I test drove an A2 s few years ago, I was surprised at the compromised vision caused by the A Pillar. Recently I drove one again and it did not seem so bad (maybe because I drove a Seat Altea for a week which is worse!!)
In regular use - how much of a pain is this? I mean there is not much point in all the safety features if there is a big design flaw that might cause an accident!
2. Open Sky
This looks like a really nice option to have - but I am concerned to read a few threads suggesting they are troublesome and expensive to fix. Again, what is general experience on older cars? Are there any issues concerning leaks on Open Sky sunroofs?
3. 17" Alloys
Not to put too fine a point on it - these sound ****. Alloy wheels that seem to buckle when you hit a bad pot-hole? 16 inch alloys sound a much better bet?
4. Accident Damage / Insurance
Again, a few threads seem to suggest that A2's are easily written off if there is any damage to the space frame. That being the case I would have thought the insurance companies would have hiked premiums - but the insurance groups don't suggest this? Curious.
5. Sound Systems
Is there any difference in sound quality between Concert and Symphony? I appreciate that Symphony is more that single CD. A BOSE system would be nice - but have members improved sound quality just by replacing speakers with good aftermarket items?
6. Drum Brakes
It seems odd to find a post 2000 car with drum brakes on the rear. I would be looking at a 75bhp TDI - are they all drum braked or were later ones fitted with discs? It's a light car and some threads suggest the braking is good (in spite of rear drums). Comments?
7. Rear Wiper (lack of)
Appreciate that the tailgate shape made fitting a rear wiper damn near impossible. In reality - is it a problem not having one?
8. Ariel (lack of?)
Pretty much all other VW group cars of this era have the 'bee-sting' ariel - but not the A2. What does it have to get decent radio reception?
In passing - I read a couple of threads suggesting that Audi has a bit of a negative stance toward the A2 since they ceased production. I was at the Audi Museum at Ingolstadt a few weeks ago. You might have thought that they would have one as an exhibit - they didn't!!
Mike