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shaun5

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Hi all.

I became a member a few weeks ago as i thought i was gunna swap my Audi Coupe for an A2, that never happened but its made me want one even more.

Ive done a fair bit off research but wondered if some kind members could list what i need to look for when i go and look at some.

I dont do many miles so a diesel doesnt make sense but there is one for sale cheap local to me so i wont rule it out.

The 1.6 FSI doesnt do it for me (to complicated engine wise) Im a mechanic so can do my own repairs but feel i wont be able to with this engine.

The 1.4 i think is best for my needs but if you have got any argument for the others then im listening.

My wish list for the car is.

Climate control (did they do simple air-con? like found on VW Golfs etc) i would be happy with that.
By all accounts i dont want a sunroof model (are they that bad? if they are left closed and not used, do they leak?)
Dont really want a sport model as the ride is harsh? and tyres cost alot? insurance is more?
Want remote locking (do they all have it?)
Age isnt important (it can be old as long as it is in good condition)
3 seats in the rear (is that really rare?)
£2-3000 budget

Any info would be greatly appriciated or if you know of any cars for sale.
 
Welcome!
3 rear seats is unusual in the A2.
1.4 is a simpler engine than the FSI, but the FSI is a hoot to drive.
Never seen an A2 without central locking.
The cars are a mixed bag for air conditioning. If they have digital climate settings then you will have air con.
Dials for temp normally mean no air con.

Great cars. Look out for knocking roll bars and tracking issues.
Not much else of note. Enjoy shopping!
 
Hello and welcome :)
OpenSky roofs can be problematic, there is a ten year warranty on them though, and once closed are normally watertight; a BrokenSky (non opening) can be nice in itself for the extra light it lets in. It's all down to personal preference really.
1.4 is simple enough but can be prone to engine management lights and oil usage; cleaning the throttle body and replacing the breather can work wonders though, and it's rare for them to leave you stranded (that goes for all engines :) ).
None of the A2s are great for ride quality - many people on here have changed dampers and/or wheels/tyres to improve it - so I wouldn't discount a Sport for that, but I would say try one because of the front seats. Aside from the extra bolstering, they have adjustable lumbar support which the standard seats usually lack (it was available as an option but it's rare to find).
Ultimately your choice will be dictated more by the 3 rear seats (bench seat) than by SE/Sport etc.
Also; electric rear windows weren't standard on any A2, but are retrofittable (once you've found all the parts...), cruise control can be retrofitted as well.

Happy hunting, and post up any links of any you find if you have any questions :)
 
Welcome indeed! You will be able to buy a nice 1.4 for up to £3000. Its by far the most common A2 so you will see about 100 or so on Autotrader week in week out. If you are a mechanic you'll know your own mind what to look for in a used car. As a TDi fanatic, I pay little attention to the petrol cars on the classifieds, but I'll start keeping an eye out for suitable candidates with a bench seat ( yes rare but not unavailable)

Cheers, Murdo
 
The 1.6 FSI doesnt do it for me (to complicated engine wise) Im a mechanic so can do my own repairs but feel i wont be able to with this engine.
The 1.4 i think is best for my needs but if you have got any argument for the others then im listening.
Click to expand...

Just my two cents as a 1.4 owner. 1.4 is a pretty proven engine across the VAG group. Doesn't feel underpowered. If I was buying all over again and didn't get a TDi though I'd buy an FSi because it offers a lot more performance for just about the same running costs. Potentially more prone to problems, but then I've had pretty big problems with the 1.4!

I dont do many miles so a diesel doesnt make sense but there is one for sale cheap local to me so i wont rule it out.
Click to expand...

MPG from the TDi is so good (easily trounces both petrols) you don't have to do the miles to see the benefit
 
For some reason my last post hasnt come up!!!! so i'll try again.

Thanks for the welcomes and replies.

By the sounds of it ive just got to have a good look over the car, make sure everything works and check for accident damage.

Does it take much to write a car off? would just panel damage write it off?

Im in the south west, where would be the nearest repairer? (i read there are only a few alluminium specialists for structural repairs?)

Cheers Shaun
 
shaun5 said:
For some reason my last post hasnt come up!!!! so i'll try again.
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The forum software often sends posts for moderation which have attachments. Protects against spam/inappropriate content etc..

Its on there now. :)

Regarding your question about write off potential - A2's are increasingly being written off due to high repair costs of the aluminium structure. You see minimal damage relegating otherwise lovely wee cars to the breakers yard and its a real shame. Many fall foul of the insurance companies ruling of % repair cost vs. current value, so yes - on a car worth £2 - £3k, a minor bump may well see it written off.

You can argue this one with them once the loss adjustor has weilded the reepers sickle - but I don't fancy your chances, unless buying the car back of the insurance company and getting your own repairs done.

No idea about ally repair specialists - Audi have several, but only one in Scotland ( of interest to me but not you!!) - check the oracle that is Google, and hopefully one of our members has knowledge of one in your general area.

First things first though - before you worry about total loss - you need to find a car first!
 
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I wasnt worried about write offs just curious as there are a few on ebay listed as cat c and d. If they only had panel damage i wouldnt worry but if they have structual damage i would.
 
shaun5 said:
I wasnt worried about write offs just curious as there are a few on ebay listed as cat c and d. If they only had panel damage i wouldnt worry but if they have structual damage i would.
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Aye, again an increasing thing to see this now. Potential to pick up a car cheaply as a Cat C or D repaired, but its always a gamble that its been put right properly. Good luck with your search.
 
Ive been and looked at the one on ebay, its a nice car, a few marks on the body as to be expected of a car that age. It had working climate which had been recently re-gassed.
4 x electric windows, no sunroof. Recent rear shock absorbers, the fuel flap has recently been repaired (£500 bill) cambelt / waterpump done 10k ago.

The owner had £2700 on the screen but would take £2500 which is the same as Foghorn wants for his and to be honest i would rather have Foghorns as he is a trusted member on here and a better car going by the adverts.
It will need 4 new tyres soon £400? and front brakes £50? so really the car is £3000
 
Welcome to the forum.

I would say the biggest lesson i learned from when i bought mine is not ensuring the cam belt had been done. Very important this is done so you make sure you don't end up with a big bill like i did.
 
I'm quite local to you, (Bradford-on-Tone) If you've got sufficient cover you are more than welcome to give my TDI a drive if you are TDI-curios.
Really are hard pushed to find a better, long service car than and A2 for the money.
 
I can summarise my buying experience briefly: I had an FSI when new and loved it. We have three children so I needed the 5-seat version. To cut a lot of pain and verbiage out of it, I spent £1,900 on a metallic black FSI Sport with 55k miles, straight body, red leather 5-seats / (broken)sky, climate and parking sensors.

It had one owner, full service history and an engine that had been butchered by an ignoramus. My sunroof is still broken and I have just paid Tony (A2 Cars) the same again to fix the entire intake system, replace the brake servo and master cylinder and do the cambelt and water pump, plus some fiddling around with trim and radio wiring.

I am going to do the NoX sensor next weekend but I now have a £4,000, 55,000 mile one owner Audi that looks a million dollars, does 10mpg more than it did before it had been 'toned' and which the wife loves.

My only advice to you would be to hold out for a 5-seater in the right colour with the right trim and a straight bodyshell and budget to spend some serious money on the engine to get that ruddy light to go out!
 
Tobecomecarrion said:
I'm quite local to you, (Bradford-on-Tone) If you've got sufficient cover you are more than welcome to give my TDI a drive if you are TDI-curios.
Really are hard pushed to find a better, long service car than and A2 for the money.
Click to expand...

Just celebrated my mum's 70th birthday at the White Hart in Bradford on Tone tonight.

Ive actually got myself a 03 A2 1.6 FSI Sport 52k Green with cream leather. Would be good to meet up with you.

I made a friend buy a "Y" reg 1.4 for £200. Which wasnt running but all it needed was the throttle body cleaning.
 
I'm just over the hill towards Bridgwater. Likewise happy to meet up for a brew/compare notes.
 
Been busy this morning, got the engine all back together (the water pump had failed so i did the cambelt, water pump etc) I need to insure and tax it and go for a drive. (there was lots of white smoke, water coming out the exhaust but hope its just water in the exhaust as its not been used for a long time.

Once ive got it on the road i'll contact you guys.
 
Forest green with twist leather is one of my favourite trim/colour combos.
We will make sure we all meet up over the summer. Always happy to talk A2's
 
Car is Taxed, insurance starts at midnight so i will be going for my first drive tomo :D

Hopefully the guy that had it before me didnt drive it for to long with the water pump gone/no water in it.
 
Hi shaun5
I have a 2003 petrol with rear bench in full leather if you're interested. 80 k with full history.
Rgds Colin
 
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