Information Journey to 2027

A2b2...

Member
Hi All,
I've been looking through this site since last December since when I finally acquired my long sought after A2. It has been in the family since 2006. I was instrumental in choosing it as on paper it seemed the best car that could be bought for under 20 grand. And so it has proved to be. I always hoped one day it would be mine. Knowing its history meant deciding to be the new owner was an easy decision. It is though nearly 13 years old. With few tools and little mechanical knowledge is keeping it for 10 more years viable? Were it not for information contained here I might well have looked for a newer car. With its mostly non ferrous material build I hope it will cost me (over 10 years) no more than buying a new car would.

It's been regularly maintained by a local well regarded non specialist garage.

My biggest problem to date has/is in changing the coolant temp sensor. I'm hoping for some help later on putting back the plastic U clip and will post question in relevant area.

The car seems in good shape for a late 2004 model. It's first owner was a manager at an Audi dealer. I like to think the car got some special attention from Audi when new as it's only now having some of the problems that have afflicted other A2's.

It's completely standard in terms of modifications. It's in Dolphin Grey and has done 58k.


Jerry
 
Hi Jerry, sounds like an excellent buy with low mileage for it's age, a good service history and a good spec.

I see you have a 1.4 TDI (90). There have been a number of threads on this forum about high mileage A2s with a number now over 200,000 miles, especially TDIs. So, depending on your own mileage I would say it's good for another 10 years.

The main issue I can think of is the dual mass flywheel on the 90 bhp models which can cause problems. It's then an issue of getting spares. Other more expert people on this forum will say if the same flywheel is also fitted to other more recent models (e.g. golf).

Another issue is the rare open sky you have. Search for the guides about regular servicing (lubrication and regular opening and closing) to ensure the open sky doesn't jam. If it jams then all the teeth on the cog wheels get stripped!

Oh, one other thing: don't have a prang - the cost of fixing aluminium cars is so high, that chances are it will be declare a write-off.

Happy motoring for the next 10 years :)
 
I'd say its definately viable motoring for the next 10 years. The only factor that might change this is supply of parts but at present they are still readily available new and there are plenty of spares around.

As Alan has said, whatever you do don't bump it because insurance companies always seem to go for the write off route.

As long as the government don't legislate us off the road there's no reason why the A2 can't be a very usable classic.
 
Hi Alan_uk,
Thanks. Yes I'm sure you're right about the dmf. I've read lots about the lack of durability of dmf's. Would personally prefer a non dual mass flywheel extra vibrations and all. I've driven diesels from the early 90's which I don't think had dm flywheels and I don't recall any issues.

Ahh yes Open Sky. When inherited it it was thought to be broken. It had been left open perhaps 2 or 3 mm (mostly on one side) for fear that moving it more would break it further. It did not leak but made a noise at motorway speeds. Pressing down on the glass whilst the rocker switch was pressed closed it completely without problem. My plan is to leave it closed for now and perhaps open gingerly with the manual ratchet handle, if I can find it.

Jerry
 
A2 Steve,
I'm hoping 3D printers will come to the rescue, at least for the smaller items. Will small manufactures start small batch runs? I think its likely. Will they be of OE quality, I don't know.

Jerry
 
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