Hello, with a few newbie questions

[cornetto]

Hi,

I'm looking to buy an A2, and was wondering if you guys could help me with a few newbie questions that I have.

I had been looking for a diesel, but they seem quite hard to come by, and recently an 03 black 1.6 FSI has come up at a local (non Audi) dealer with 75k on the clock. It has full service history - I assume the cambelt should have been done by that sort or mileage?? Are there any other problems associated with that sort of mileage?

I currently drive a Yaris Tsport, but the 3 doors and teeny boot mean that I'm searching for something a bit bigger - the Audi seems to fit the bill nicely. Will I find enough space for baby and all the necessary stuff that goes with transporting one? I've found a pram that will fit in the boot of the Yaris - I presume if it fits in the boot of that, means I'll have no problems getting it in the Audi? Do any of the A2 models come with Isofix as standard, or was it an option?

I think that's it for now, unless anyone can point me in the direction of a buying guide??

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jaci]

If you are unsure about service history you have an option to check car history in so called ELSA. This is the VAG car database where all service information and initial (factory) configuration for each Audi or VW can be found. All you need is VIN number and friendly Audi dealer.

A2 has bigger boot than A3 so you have enough space here. Also comfortable for 4 persons (5 is an option). Diesels are noisy inside so FSI is a good choice. Isofix is a standard as I know

 

[cornetto]

Thank you.

I have just heard back from the dealer, and cambelt has not been done. Is this a problem on a 75k car? Presuming I were to buy, how much does this cost to get done?

 

[dr_jones]

I would insist upon a cambelt being done for a car with that many miles!!! I'm shocked it hasn't been really, have you checked it's service history?

As for the comment about diesels being noisy inside, I would disagree, I think once they are rolling they are very smooth and quiet inside compared to some I have driven.

 

[cornetto]

I'm shocked it hasn't been really, have you checked it's service history?

Me too really...... haven't been to see the car or anything yet, but the ad specifies FSH. I guess it's not really full if this hasn't been done - maybe best to steer clear??

 

[dr_jones]

I would wait for another opinion before binning this one off, but if it were me I would be slightly sceptical yes!

 

[agent006]

I would insist upon a cambelt being done for a car with that many miles!!! I'm shocked it hasn't been really, have you checked it's service history?

I though the same before i started looking at A2s. Half the cars i went to see were overdue a cambelt change by between 10 and 25 thousand miles. The one i ended up buying was overdue by 6.

 

[murdo]

Me too really...... haven't been to see the car or anything yet, but the ad specifies FSH. I guess it's not really full if this hasn't been done - maybe best to steer clear??

In my view this is far from a deal breaker. If the car checks out and is in a condition that's acceptable to you, I would do some more digging and negotiating. The car does need a belt change at that age and miles, however this could have been an oversight - especially if the service history is with an indepenant dealer/mechanic. (This isnt a bad thing - many smaller garages provide a level of care that you wont find at many franchised dealers) Ring the places that have stamped the book. Phone Audi UK Customer Services to enquire what has been done to the car during warranty period and take it from there.

No matter what though - unless the car is a real bargain you want the belt doing or £300 off the price.

 

[dan_b]

When I bought my A2 it needed the cambelt doing (think the mileage was 80k at 5 yeas old without it being done!), I got the garage to agree to fit the new belt for free as condition of sale - no belt, no sale. They agreed. I got my car and a new cambelt at a price I was happy to pay. Everyone was a winner as they say.