Any Buying Advice?

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Ham6506

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I'm looking to buy an A2 sometime soon. Pretty sure the TDi is the one for me.

Looking to spend 15k max but only if I have to. If I could pick up a resonably specced used model for closer to 10k then I'd me much happier.

Any pitfalls in buying used over new?

Anything I should look out for.

Need it by Jan 1st.
 
I've just bought (6 days ago, no problems yet!) a TDi SE A2 with climate control & metallic paint, 4 months old, 3K on the clock from Lomond Audi in Glasgow for £12495 (list price £16200). They use them as courtesy cars, then sell them at 3K miles. I don't know where you live, but may be worth checking to see if your local dealer does something similar.
 
Thanks,

I'm in Northampton.

I will pop into the dealer tomorrow.
 
Hi Hamid,
I bought second hand - 1 year old, 8000 miles with everything on it I wanted. The down side of buying second hand is that if you are particular on spec it may be hard to find your dream car, where as if you buy new you can have what you want but without the savings and then there is the dreaded depreciation of a new car! The very best of luck with your choice.
Personally I always buy second hand, usually an ex-demo.

HT

TDI SE, AMULET RED, OPEN SKY,1/2 LEATHER, BOSE. UK OWNERS PAGE 11
 
Just to echo the above - I got mine exactly as above from the MK Audi (Wayside) they have lots of current stock available and will deal as well!! Only downside is you can usually only find cars with metallic paint, climate and sometimes a CD, as the dealers lose buckets of cash on any other options as it makes the cars too expensive. If you want lots of extras like the OpenSky etc then you'll probably find it tough to find one via a dealer - I looked for weeks and never found one anywhere in the country!

TDi is way better car IMHO but drive them both - many people seem to prefer the SE to the Sport (myself included) as the ride of the Sport is very harsh and while the alloys look fab, you've no doubt seen the posts about how easy they ding! I do 20k+ pa and couldn't live with the Sport's ride (but also have a BMW Sport so am not just anti-sport models!!). TDi has good performance and driven sensibly gives 60+ mpg easily and still manages to put a smile on my face and embarrass a few others from time to time!!

Good luck!

Damon - '03 A2 1.4 Tdi SE, Silver

"Your past is not your potential" Unknown
 
Thanks fellas,

I didn't manage to get into the dealer today but hopefuly they will be open tomorrow (Sunday).

I've always had a company car but am moving job at the end of the year and leaving behind a Mini Cooper. I love the Cooper but it's not really practical for me the missus and our son. I'm hoping that the missus will learn to drive in the A2, then in a couple of years I can treat myself to something ( Cooper S would be nice) with the A2 being the family car.

I'm pretty sure I'll buy used to keep the price down and therefore finance it over a shorter period. The option that I really want is alcantara or leather trim so I'll just have to see whats about at the time.

Should I avoid anything over a certain age or mileage?
 
ham6506

welcome!

Just my thoughts on the issue (and good luck on the Sunday opening-my local dealer was a 6 day a week job-if you want an Audi, you will buy on their terms....!)

You'll save. Easy as that. But so shop around. The A2 looses money fast when new-don't let Audi tell you otherwise. And don't let a dealer try and sell you a used one at near list price "because they hold the value"-when you come to trade in the dealer-even an Audi one-will give you list minus whatever he feels like. I know-my dealer wouldn't even touch the A2 they sold me when I wanted to get rid.

If you want diesel, play the trump card of "there is a new one out soon-give me more off"

If it's a courtesey car, be prepared for slightly more wear and tear-how many people treat these cars with the respect they deserve? Thrash them to see what they can do, don't care how they park/drive, cheapest fuel going to fill them up. Go for a private owned and it will hopefully be that bit better.

Used cars "should" have any niggles sorted if it was a private owner who had it last-they want the car straight. Saves you the hassle.

Good luck on the search!

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
Oh no, not the Northampton dealership !!

Thats my local one, I live 3 miles from it. I bought my A2 from Cambridge. Kind of says it all about the Northampton dealership. I went in 5 times, was ignored 3 of those, patronised once and told 'we dont have any A2's at the moment' the other time.

Good luck, hopefully they have new salespeople now.

2002 TDi SE, Dolphin Grey,Black/grey interior,climate,CD.
 
Recommend searching on allapprovedcars for your exact spec.
I just bought a TDi - I think I'm right in saying it has less CO2 emissions than any other EU4 emissions spec car.
One tip - check registration date with Audi customer service before you make an offer.
 
Think laterally and you will save 1000s! see comments under Left Hand Drive (the A2 is a very narrow car and visibilty around the A pillars at roundabouts is an issue but Not if you go LHD) by rktec - and the link below

cheers



Lukas

First A2 1.2 TDI in UK
Style pack + Chorus + Advance pack + winter wheels + iRiver MP3CD


http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/mar.htm
 
Yes the Northampton Dealership.

Went in there on Sunday (yes they were open) and was totally ignored.

Went in there yesterday and was ignored again. I had to explain to the receptionist that I wanted to speak to someone about the A2 and after a few minutes a saleman was found and his first words were, "so you want to test drive a TT?"...... Urrr no, I'm interested in the A2!!!!!!

I was there for 30 minutes and it felt as though I was talking to myself. Nothing I said registered with him!!!

He knows nothing about a 90ps diesel - 'If it's not on my price list it doesn't exist'

I wanted to drive a diesel but all he can do is book me in for a test drive of the petrol on Wednesday.

I'll keep you informed....
 
If that was me, the only reason I'd go back there would be to gloat that I'd bought an Audi and it wasn't from them 'cos they are so shoddy. The 90ps A2 is mentioned in the latest freebie Audi magazine - which is probably sitting on a coffee table in their reception area.
Definitley worth going a bit further afield by the sounds of it.

Don't drink drive! Not only is it socially unaceptable, it also harms A2's.
Was a 1.4SE petrol. http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk14.htm http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/safety.htm
New A2 - Ebony Black, Red Leather, CC, Symphony + all the previous options we had.
 
Having had the same 'Northampton' experience, I would recommend a chap called Chris in the Cambridge dealership. Very helpful, nothing too much trouble. I bought mine there and it was worth the 100 mile round trip.

2002 TDi SE, Dolphin Grey,Black/grey interior,climate,CD.
 
Test drove the A2 today at Audi Northampton. I was a well equipped demonstrator with nice leather seats. Unfortunately it was a petrol and I really want the diesel.

Saleman is going to arrange another appointment to drive the 75 TDi. Oh and he also say's that he's spoken to his Product Manager and they should have a 90ps in by the end of the month.
 
Don't want to be a damp squid,and I really love my A2 1.4TDI BUT!!! let me tell you my short story, bought my car 2 years ago paid £16,000 for it, due to loss of job though the baby would have to go back, went to dealer to get a price (are we not told Audi hold there value) he offererd me £8,000, if I bought another Audi he would give me £9,000. Told me if I sold it private may get £9,500. Now I have had many cars from new so am aware just driving it off the forecourt the value drops, but I have never had a car were the value has dropped so much. Is this what A2 are worth or is my dealer having me on???
 
I got my second A2 in September, 1.4SE, metallic, CC etc, 2000 miles, was given approx £9k in December, a drop from £14k+ in 3 months.

The Audi dealer wouldn't even by my A2 off me (despite the problems I had-maybe that's why-they don't want a duff motor they sold me back) so it went to a SEAT dealer.

Poor, poor show. Even with VAT off, a £5k drop in 3 months.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
Hmmmm!

Bought a 7 month old demonstrator from a dealer with C/C, metallic paint, bench seat & 6CD with 7000 on the clock in June this year for £11300.

Avoided the 'big drop' on new prices. [8D]

After 5 months and now at 11000 miles I now understand it is
worth £9950 as a Part Ex and 'around £9300' offered as a straight buy - not at the same dealers where purchased!

[:p]

A2 1.4TDI SE - 108 BHP - Pine Green Pearlescent | Climate | Front Centre Armrest
TTC 225- Denim Blue with Blue Leather 6CD & Bose
 
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