Thinking of buying an A2.......help please

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Bigpikle

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[30]
Just had a test drive in a 1.4TDi SE and was VERY impressed. I'm looking at trading down from a 2.3 Honda Accord to something cheap to run (I use my car for 30k pa on business)with a degree of practicality as well but will be good for long distances and motorway cruising.

I do a lot of motorway cruising and although it seemed slightly noisier at 75mph, as I'd expect, it was ok. It did seem to move about a bit in the wind but when I tried the Sport version it moved less but the ride was too harsh on most surfaces. General power, ride etc was excellent for most driving.

Just wondering what, if any, advice there is from existing owners? I'm looking at nearly new and found a few 52/03 cars at Audi dealers with <10k miles at £11,995. Is there any essential kit I should look for or things to avoid? Also, what mpg can I really expect for careful driving and lots of motorway cruising (75mph etc and no regular red-lining!) I'd really like cruise control but none seem to have this 2nd hand - can I get aftermarket or a retro fit from Audi? Heard lots about the weird rear window visual and the fact it gets totally filthy all the time and mixed reports on build quality etc. Any colours to avoid for resale? Any info you can offer would be very welcome.
Thanks in advance.
[30]
 
Hi Bigpikle...welcome to the forum!

I own a 1.4TDi SE and also do a lot of motorway miles, I find it a pleasure to drive at speeds because of the torque from the engine, although I am now considering getting it chipped to enhance the fun even more. It does shift a little in the wind at speed but you do get used to it and there is nothing at all to be afraid of, the A2 is a very stable car with superb handling, as I'm sure you noticed on your test drive.

In terms of cruise control, a very good after market tuning and accessory company offer it using original Audi parts. It is £275 + vat incl fitting, for info, see: http://www.auto-amd.com/a2.asp Once you have joined the A2OC ;) you should hopefully be able to get some money off this price.

The rear window top half stays nice and clean but as you say, the lower section can get filthy, but the head restraints block most of it anyway, and I've never had any visibility complaints to the rear. A good product such as Ombrello (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/omb.htm) should see off any of your visibility worries (I'm not just plugging that as the A2OC has an agreement with it - it really is a damn good product!).

Economy - sadly I'm not sure as I don't have DIS, but I'm sure someone else here can advise you.

In terms of essentials to get on your A2. If possible get the following:

- Open sky roof (fantastic, but only get it if you are happy never to use a roof rack)
- Driver Information System (DIS)
- Space saver spare wheel (as opposed to the fluid normally provided)
- Concert CD player, if it only has a tape, then don't take Audi's offer of a CD player unless it seems a reasonable cost. There are far cheaper ways of upgrading to a CD player.

Hope that helps.

Stuart.

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | A2OC Forum | Support the A2OC!
 
Thanks for the info. Performance seemed good to me when in the gears as I love the torque of the new diesel engines - my other car is a 330i Sport BMW so I get my real kicks at weekends in this baby. Even stepping from this to the A2 this morning I was impressed!

Thanks for the info on the cruise - sounds a good deal. All the cars I looked at had a CD and I definitely want DIS if poss - if I'm downsizing I want to see 55+ mpg registering in front of my eyes [25]. Makes a change from seeing 20-25 on the Beemer [27].

Just heard it'll be discontinued soon and everyone predicts a big drop in residuals but does anyone know exactly when that'll happen? I'm already surprised in the low residuals on the nearly new cars I looked at which is probably not a good sign....

Great forum by the way!
 
Bigpikle

Welcome!.

No firm date on cease in production-possibly 2005-ashame really but Audi just ain't shifting enough or pushing the things to sell enough!.

I test drove the petrol and diesel but plumped for a diesel as most of my driving is around town and the noise from the diesel was just to much for my petrol upbringing-but the torque of the diesel is something else, and the engine note isn't unpleasant-just more of it.

Most A2's will have climate, Bose is a nice option but not essential. Opensky is a big personal choice-you either love it or can do without. Other options you may find on used A2's include individual rear seats or a rear bench, leather and electric lumbar support. Most will come with a single slot cd player, but you can get a changer fitted in the boot as an option.

Steve - 2002 1.4SE petrol, Silver, black/black interior, Then an identical replacement 2003 A2. Now a Toyota Corolla 1.6 T-Spirit
 
Thanks - diesel is a must and once it warmed up it didn't seem tooooo bad. I was worried at first as it reminded me of a Mondeo diesel I once rode in that was noisier than a tractor, but it soon disappeared, and the torque is good.

I saw pics of an armrest in some of the club members cars and again, none of those I saw today had one. I assume this would be a dealer fit option, although it did look attached to the seats rather than the car? I missed the armrest just on my 20 min testdrive so a 3hr motorway cruise would be tough. Is there a source for these?

Thanks
 
The armrest is only available through the A2OC (http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/armrest.htm) or through one dealer - Aston Green Audi (in Slough)! But it would be a lot cheaper buying it from the A2OC, as I sell it to them!!

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | A2OC Forum | Support the A2OC!
 
Go on then - how much would it be and is it self fittable for a reasonably competent person? I mean I'm pretty handy on the DIY front and used to service all my old bangers etc but haven't done that for a while.... Slough's not too far away anyway if they'd need to fit it.

Thanks - this is proving a very useful place to do my research!
 
It's not too difficult to fit, you do need a few specific tools though. Have a look at http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/dennisarm.htm
His instructions/photos are very good.

The armrest itself is £65.00 + P&P for the vinyl armrest or £12 extra for leather.

Glad the forum is proving useful to you!

[img=left]http://www.a2forum.net/stuart.gif[/img=left]Stuart Diamond: A2OC Founder | Forum Administrator

2001 TDi SE:http://www.audi-a2.co.uk/uk1.htm Cobalt Blue Metallic | Open Sky Roof | Kenwood Mask CD | Front Centre Armrest | Front Centre Tray

A2OC Website | A2OC Forum | Support the A2OC!
 
Consumption: I have got 60mpg overall in a 1.4TDi - including the run-in period. Much of my mileage is on motorways. Consumption depends on speed. Drive on a flat straight road at 52 mph on cruise control with a/c off just for the bragging rights: my DIS then moves between 95 and 115mpg. Put the a/c on and it drops to 70mpg. When driving at more sensible speeds the a/c makes much less diference. With cruise control the car will never lose speed on motorways at 85mph :-}

An A2 is very swerve-able at speed, even if loaded, if you need to miss mad drivers on the motorway.

Agree with others about options to go for.

Chivers ':)'
'02 A2 1.4TDi SE
 
Hi Bigpikle, on a recent 200 mile motorway journey I averaged 53mpg @ 80+ mph and on the return journey achieved 71 mpg @ 65 mph.

Shaf

Nov 2002 TDi Sport, Silver,Black/grey interior,climate. Replaced previous Mar 2001 TDi SE
 
Mine is the 1.4TDi SE, it goes up and down the M1 all week and returns over 60mpg.
There is a lot of time queuing in that figure, a clear run returns more like 70mpg.

Financially I get 350 miles for every £22 I put in.

Engine noise is not an issue at the 70-80 area.

2002 TDi SE, Dolphin Grey,Black/grey interior,climate,CD.
 
Thanks all - had a 24 hr test in a tdi yesterday and did about 170 miles, mostly up m/way and dual carriageway in clear traffic. Sadly didn't have DSI but did it from just below half a tank to driving on empty for about 15 miles. I guess I was getting 60+ on that run so am fairly impressed!

Just trying to find a decent car at a decent price from a dealer now so hopefully soon to join the ranks....

Thanks for all your help

[24]
 
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