Wanted: A2 1.2 TDi 3L

[Dave Thomlinson]

Wanted: Audi A2 1.2 TDi 3L in good (or better) condition. Please phone Dave Thomlinson on 01588 640550.

[Gaff]

Wanted: Audi A2 1.2 TDi 3L in good (or better) condition. Please phone Dave Thomlinson on 01588 640550.

Hi Dave,

Mobile.de is a good source:
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/search.html?isSearchRequest=true&switchScenario=&sortOption.sortBy=price.consumerGrossEuro&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&lang=en&scopeId=C&_features=on&negativeFeatures=EXPORT&bodyStyleRadio=&makeModelVariant1.makeId=1900&makeModelVariant1.modelId=7&makeModelVariant1.modelDescription=&makeModelVariant2.makeId=&makeModelVariant2.modelDescription=&makeModelVariant3.makeId=&makeModelVariant3.modelDescription=&minFirstRegistrationDate=&maxFirstRegistrationDate=&minMileage=&maxMileage=&minPowerAsArray=&minPowerAsArray=KW&maxPowerAsArray=&maxPowerAsArray=KW&minPrice=&maxPrice=&fuel=DIESEL&transmission=AUTOMATIC_GEAR&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&ambitCountry=&zipcode=&climatisation=&emissionClass=&adLimitation=&daysAfterCreation=&usageType=&doorCount=

Otherwise try autoscout, or the Audi websites of Germany, Italy, Spain.


Why would you want one?

In my opinion the British market 75bhp TDI would be more fun to drive and safer and the difference in fuel consumption negligible when offset by the extra costs to maintain the 3L cars clutch and gearbox.

GA

[RAB]

Just to put things in perspective, we have three cars with this gearbox/clutch system, one A2 1.2 and two Lupo 3L's. They have covered a collective distance of 452,000km and the only problem I have had was a defective seal on a pressure accumulator. The clutch and (manual) gearbox are virtually standard products, the automated controls being external. The latter is potentially expensive to repair but so is an engine, should it go wrong.

RAB

[Gaff]

Just to put things in perspective, we have three cars with this gearbox/clutch system, one A2 1.2 and two Lupo 3L's. They have covered a collective distance of 452,000km and the only problem I have had was a defective seal on a pressure accumulator. The clutch and (manual) gearbox are virtually standard products, the automated controls being external. The latter is potentially expensive to repair but so is an engine, should it go wrong.

RAB

Hi RAB,

I am a great fan of the 3L: no other car comes close for CO2 emissions, even 8 years on. However I do appreciate that it is very narrowly focussed (i.e. best for city and slowish travelling). For a UK purchase, the LHD steering is one extra point against the car that tips the balance in favour of a standard A2 or other reasonably efficient modern small car.

If the reason to buy is to save fuel, then one has to consider the extra initial cost as well as the additional annual cost of servicing with respect to the standard A2. The additional servicing cost of the automatic for me was over 100 Euros. This cost alone means that you have to drive about 5000 km, before starting to benefit from the lower fuel consumption.

GA

[RAB]

Hi Gaff,

Yes, for motorway use it is a bit under-powered. I've never found the LH drive a problem in the UK and when I stop for a newspaper in the morning, I open the door and I'm on the pavement! I cannot think of any reason why the servicing should cost more. The engine does not require any more work than the 1.4Tdi and there is no routine work required for the transmission, apart from inspection.

Have you had problems with your gearbox/clutch?

RAB

[Gaff]

Hi Gaff,

Yes, for motorway use it is a bit under-powered. I've never found the LH drive a problem in the UK and when I stop for a newspaper in the morning, I open the door and I'm on the pavement! I cannot think of any reason why the servicing should cost more. The engine does not require any more work than the 1.4Tdi and there is no routine work required for the transmission, apart from inspection.

Have you had problems with your gearbox/clutch?

RAB

No problems with the gearbox or clutch in 7500 km of ownership. During the standard service there is a procedure for checking the adjustment of the gear selector, controlled electronically, and also for topping up the fluid in the clutch reservoir. This adds half an hour to the service time and is only possible by Audi mechanics.

The engine is plenty powerful enough for motorway, particularly as I use this car when I'm alone. What disappoints is the braking. On many occasions I have had to brake sharply, and found myself sliding all over the road. My brakes are fine, very powerful, but the 140 width tyres don't grip well enough. I suspect that a good 10 metres more than most other cars is needed when braking from 140 kmh.:( Much of my commute is motorway, so I am indeed wondering whether to keep the A2 for its low consumption or to buy a more recent car for safety.

GA

[RAB]

Gaff,

You can top up the hydraulic reservoir yourself but you have to disconnect the battery (to stop the pump switching on) and drain the accumulator first by loosening it to show the actual level in the reservoir.

I've yet to drive my 1.2 with 140 tyres!

RAB