Today I.....

(Yes)today I made my traditional tuna / mayo / sweetcorn / cracked black pepper sandwiches which can only mean one thing: heading out to buy a car.

As per the For Sale ad, bought (sight unseen but a video walk-around) FSi Sport, BOSE, OSS. Socially distanced collection was straightforward as all paperwork done in advance, keys were in it and all wiped down. Plus it was coming home on the trailer as well.

As above, once committed and certainly whilst driving home though I didn't get that lovely fizz from a new car (or project). Nothing like the TDi from last week or previous A2's. Woke up in the night wondering quite why I'd rushed out and bought another one.

Although it was very clean as collected, 110 mile return trip on gritted roads had not enhanced it, so gave it a quick wash, Zymol polish and Gyeon Tyre dressing (not a valet by any means, just 45mins worth of quickness). As it's now in my name and taxed I took it for a little run this afternoon. Turns out FSi's Sports are not for me. I can see the attraction for sure, but it's a no. Of course in normal times I'd have gone up, had a good look around, gone for a drive and taken it from there. We can't do that obviously so it was always something of an informed roll of the dice. For me this time, it's not a six. Will put it straight back up for sale at a modest loss as description will detail and go back to last week's TDi. I think this also seals the fate of PYXi sadly: the qualities of the FSi aren't for me. I'll swap various bits between PYXi and last week's TDi and move PXYi on as well.

It's all good, if you don't try, you don't know. On the other hand, if there's doubt, there's no doubt: sell.

Anyway, the morning after the night before:

P1030439SM.jpg


And out in the sun post quick clean: definitely the prettiest one so far!

P1030447SM.jpg
 
(Yes)today I made my traditional tuna / mayo / sweetcorn / cracked black pepper sandwiches which can only mean one thing: heading out to buy a car.

As per the For Sale ad, bought (sight unseen but a video walk-around) FSi Sport, BOSE, OSS. Socially distanced collection was straightforward as all paperwork done in advance, keys were in it and all wiped down. Plus it was coming home on the trailer as well.

As above, once committed and certainly whilst driving home though I didn't get that lovely fizz from a new car (or project). Nothing like the TDi from last week or previous A2's. Woke up in the night wondering quite why I'd rushed out and bought another one.

Although it was very clean as collected, 110 mile return trip on gritted roads had not enhanced it, so gave it a quick wash, Zymol polish and Gyeon Tyre dressing (not a valet by any means, just 45mins worth of quickness). As it's now in my name and taxed I took it for a little run this afternoon. Turns out FSi's Sports are not for me. I can see the attraction for sure, but it's a no. Of course in normal times I'd have gone up, had a good look around, gone for a drive and taken it from there. We can't do that obviously so it was always something of an informed roll of the dice. For me this time, it's not a six. Will put it straight back up for sale at a modest loss as description will detail and go back to last week's TDi. I think this also seals the fate of PYXi sadly: the qualities of the FSi aren't for me. I'll swap various bits between PYXi and last week's TDi and move PXYi on as well.

It's all good, if you don't try, you don't know. On the other hand, if there's doubt, there's no doubt: sell.

Anyway, the morning after the night before:

View attachment 77251

And out in the sun post quick clean: definitely the prettiest one so far!

View attachment 77252
Oh interesting Barry, are you now saying you’re a TDi convert? If so, that’s a very different position from the one I recall you taking when you got your first TDi (the Devon car I think you called it?) and was comparing it with the petrol version about 6 months or so ago. Mind you that TDi wasn’t the best example I also recall you saying.
 
Oh interesting Barry, are you now saying you’re a TDi convert? If so, that’s a very different position from the one I recall you taking when you got your first TDi (the Devon car I think you called it?) and was comparing it with the petrol version about 6 months or so ago. Mind you that TDi wasn’t the best example I also recall you saying.

It's funny: I think the TDi's are the noisest, crudest things when they start up, the gear-change (even well sorted) is somewhat heavy for the size of car and doesn't encourage a flickity flick style of progress, but they do pull particularly well. I rather liked the little 1.4i AUA. Light at the front, quiet when pottering, wonderful to rev out, although there was no denying its lack of low pulling power. But mine appeared to circling the drain, so didn't give an impression of longevity. To me though, it did embody much of the A2's ethos: light, effective, economical and quiet.

I guess I rather thought the 1.6FSi would combine the best elements of both: the low down lug of the diesels with the refinement and rev-happy nature of the 1.4i. Actually I just didn't like it, not in the context of a Sport anyway. The funny thing is, when I took PYXi for a drive in the sunset days of her last MOT, I really enjoyed it, so I don't know what's changed. I would say that for me, the A2's I've had to date have had the right mix of fun and comfort. Perhaps for me the FSi Sport just upsets that balance. Also, we can all be very forgiving of any car that owes you sub £300: it's raining and I'm still dry! It has an interior light! As the price goes up, the fun per pound goes down and expectations are higher.

I still think the diesel is bonkers noisy when cold, although the latest (and highest mileage one) seems notably quieter than the 170K one, which in turn I'm sure was quieter than the 155K mile one. BUT, I've done some cracking trips in Cobalt Blue II (Sussex - North Wales - Sussex all before lunch, Sussex-Norfolk-Sussex x lots) and a few others. It's very, very good on the longer runs, the range is fantastic and pulling power when joining motorways is fab. There is one other thing that I really, really like. In the boot I carry a spare can of diesel. It is wonderful to know that won't just get you to the next garage, but one over 70 miles away.

Finally, the diesels have that reassuring, relentless air about them: it will get you there, no faff, no warnings, no messing. It's just going to work, year in, year out. So yes, if they did a quieter one that warms up quicker, I'll take it please. Until then I'll stick with one of these TDi's. Perhaps get my little petrol car fix from the Smarts.

Edit, for all the above, it does occur that I might as well do a scan, some basic checks and try my ProBoost, just out of interest ....
 
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I guess I rather thought the 1.6FSi would combine the best elements of both: the low down lug of the diesels with the refinement and rev-happy nature of the 1.4i. Actually I just didn't like it, not in the context of a Sport anyway. The funny thing is, when I took PYXi for a drive in the sunset days of her last MOT, I really enjoyed it, so I don't know what's changed. I would say that for me, the A2's I've had to date have had the right mix of fun and comfort. Perhaps for me the FSi Sport just upsets that balance. Also, we can all be very forgiving of any car that owes you sub £300: it's raining and I'm still dry! It has an interior light! As the price goes up, the fun per pound goes down and expectations are higher.

As someone who owns a BBY and an ATL but has never driven an FSI - in what way does it not combine the two? What is it like if not something between 1.4 and TDI?
I understand from your post that it wasn't a comfortable ride, but not how the engine contributed to it. Would you mind sharing how that compared for you?

--------

Uuh, I like the look of that wheel + shiftknob - a pity there was no brown leather option on the A2 to go with it.
 
As someone who owns a BBY and an ATL but has never driven an FSI - in what way does it not combine the two? What is it like if not something between 1.4 and TDI?
I understand from your post that it wasn't a comfortable ride, but not how the engine contributed to it. Would you mind sharing how that compared for

It just seemed to me to not have much more low down pull than the 1.4i and then also not overly keen to rev either. Some reports suggest the former is a common impression at least.

Now ... I've not even done the most basic of checks yet: VCDS, actuator rod, condition of plugs etc. Also, I have a Pro-Boost here that I've not tried either: that would be well worth a go thinking about it. It might well be that a seasoned FSi owner hops in this car and declares it utterly different to theirs.

Therefore, don't take any of my comments as gospel: they are my impressions after a cautious drive (elderly timing belts) over my usual commuter route. It might well be if I did the belts, a scan and tried the ProBoost I might be coming back with a very different report. Perhaps it's a grower, I don't know. As above, I did enjoy PYXi on that one drive.

Confused.com :oops:
 
It's funny: I think the TDi's are the noisest, crudest things when they start up, the gear-change (even well sorted) is somewhat heavy for the size of car and doesn't encourage a flickity flick style of progress, but they do pull particularly well. I rather liked the little 1.4i AUA. Light at the front, quiet when pottering, wonderful to rev out, although there was no denying its lack of low pulling power. But mine appeared to circling the drain, so didn't give an impression of longevity. To me though, it did embody much of the A2's ethos: light, effective, economical and quiet.

I guess I rather thought the 1.6FSi would combine the best elements of both: the low down lug of the diesels with the refinement and rev-happy nature of the 1.4i. Actually I just didn't like it, not in the context of a Sport anyway. The funny thing is, when I took PYXi for a drive in the sunset days of her last MOT, I really enjoyed it, so I don't know what's changed. I would say that for me, the A2's I've had to date have had the right mix of fun and comfort. Perhaps for me the FSi Sport just upsets that balance. Also, we can all be very forgiving of any car that owes you sub £300: it's raining and I'm still dry! It has an interior light! As the price goes up, the fun per pound goes down and expectations are higher.

I still think the diesel is bonkers noisy when cold, although the latest (and highest mileage one) seems notably quieter than the 170K one, which in turn I'm sure was quieter than the 155K mile one. BUT, I've done some cracking trips in Cobalt Blue II (Sussex - North Wales - Sussex all before lunch, Sussex-Norfolk-Sussex x lots) and a few others. It's very, very good on the longer runs, the range is fantastic and pulling power when joining motorways is fab. There is one other thing that I really, really like. In the boot I carry a spare can of diesel. It is wonderful to know that won't just get you to the next garage, but one over 70 miles away.

Finally, the diesels have that reassuring, relentless air about them: it will get you there, no faff, no warnings, no messing. It's just going to work, year in, year out. So yes, if they did a quieter one that warms up quicker, I'll take it please. Until then I'll stick with one of these TDi's. Perhaps get my little petrol car fix from the Smarts.

Edit, for all the above, it does occur that I might as well do a scan, some basic checks and try my ProBoost, just out of interest ....
Doesn't sound, (to me...) that your silver FSI is in the best of fettle, engine wise. The scan could be interesting, illuminating even.
Mac.
 
Doesn't sound, (to me...) that your silver FSI is in the best of fettle, engine wise. The scan could be interesting, illuminating even.
Mac.
I thought you might say that :) I have to say I really enjoyed PXYi that one time I drove it before the MOT expired: seemed to feel like my old MK3 GTi 8V which I loved and ran (completely reliably) for years.

Anyway, now the dust has settled I won't be able to resist a scan and then trying my Pro-Boost as well. I know you always say that if all systems are O.K. you won't need the latter, but as an additional diagnostic tool at the very least, it's well worth a try. If nothing else, there's no way I'd want to sell it if I didn't feel it was right.

Whilst we're in there will be interesting to see if the steering is throwing any codes. I did wonder whether there is any live data on steering that I might compare with PYXi (which is fine in that department).

I have to say, the FSi Sport does look very, very nice. I must also say, Scott (and Mrs Scott) were a delight and were obviously sad to see the car go. Over the last three years they'd spent a fortune on the car keeping it right for their son, so if it isn't running as it should I'm sure it would be news to them.
 
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Oh yes, I knew I logged in for something ... Today I got a red Brake warning on the dash of Cobalt II. I have to confess I assumed it was a front pad sensor wire that had failed. Then when at work I noticed it had peed itself down the inside of the OSR rear wheel: brake cylinder had gone.

When I bought the car there was an issue with the cylinder on the other side and @A2Steve kindly sent not only a replacement but a spare as well (ATE no less). Having one 'in stock' therefore I was able to creep home, and change it out. I don't think it could have been like it for long as was fine when I replaced the wheel bearing late last year.

All was fine: brake cleaner and a quick dry with the blowtorch saw the shoes go that nice light grey again, post adjust on the handbrake, bleed with MitiVac and I was off to do the weekly shop, car still not quite cold. One thing of note, when carefully removing the brake pipe, once again I had a struggle to get the fitting to rotate around the hard brake line. I cycled hot-cold, hot-cold with the blowtorch and WD40 for a good 15mins before I could see the fitting rotating without dragging the hard brake pipe with it. I have no doubt if A N Other Garage had been doing it, they'd now be on the phone saying the pipe had snapped and they need to replace it. In the blink of an eye the whole thing would be getting out of hand.

Anyway, job's a good'un. Onwards!
 
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I thought you might say that :) I have to say I really enjoyed PXYi that one time I drove it before the MOT expired: seemed to feel like my old MK3 GTi 8V which I loved and ran (completely reliably) for years.

Anyway, now the dust has settled I won't be able to resist a scan and then trying my Pro-Boost as well. I know you always say that if all systems are O.K. you won't need the latter, but as an additional diagnostic tool at the very least, it's well worth a try. If nothing else, there's no way I'd want to sell it if I didn't feel it was right.

Whilst we're in there will be interesting to see if the steering is throwing any codes. I did wonder whether there is any live data on steering that I might compare with PYXi (which is fine in that department).

I have to say, the FSi Sport does look very, very nice. I must also say, Scott (and Mrs Scott) were a delight and were obviously sad to see the car go. Over the last three years they'd spent a fortune on the car keeping it right for their son, so if it isn't running as it should I'm sure it would be news to them.
Barry,
I have only ever driven one FSI, so my comments are based on a limited database!
My Sport is only just over 50.000 mls, and has an error free scan. To me, it is lively, and doesn't lack in the performance department. My other car's a Mk1 TT, and the FSI is every bit as enjoyable, albeit different, obviously...
Unless you (or I) have driven several FSIs, in various states of engine fettle (from excellent to not so excellent), we tend to accept the one we know as typical of the breed.
Once we are allowed out and about, maybe we, (Mr & Mrs PM), could pop over, and compare notes.
Mac.
 
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