Is it still worth buying an A2?

T

teazel

Guest
Now the A2 is no longer made, and I'm thinking about buying a used A2, is it still a worthwhile car to buy?

That is, given the unique nature of the car, will parts become increasing difficult to source, will residuals plummit when I come to eventually sell the car in a couple of years time, for example?

My alternative choices are another VW Polo 1.4 FSi Sport, or a Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 Sport.
 
i wouldn't expect parts supply to be an issue at all - it shares many common parts with other group cars, and where it doesn't the suppliers are contracted to hold stock for 15 years after end of life. In case of residuals, its like all cars - your gonna take a hit anyway, so why not do it in style - I'm speaking from experience :(

Kaine
 
If you buy a 3-4 year old model it will have lost most of it's depreciation anyway. Also, I think you'll get a lot better car than the Polo or Colt, but sadly more expensive to own.

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II. (now sold)
 
I dont think the decission to buy an A2 should be based on whether they still make them or not. The second hand A2 in my opinion is good value for money as they are well built will last for years. My A2 is nearly 4 years old and still has less rattles then a year old ford still drives and feels the same as when I bought it. As for residual values what ever car you buy the value will go down. You dont buy cars as an investment (unless of course its a old classic) If you like the look and feel of the A2 then go ahead and get one. Just make sure you have a good warranty with it. Buying from a dealer will of course cost more but then you will get the full warranty.

1.4 PETROL A2 BLACK WITH OPEN SKY AND REAR BENCH SEAT
 
Will, can you elaborate more on why you believe the A2 is "more expensive to own"?
 
Will can answer for himself of course, but here's my 2 pennyworth.
The labour rates can be very high, but shop around, see previous posts on this subject, VW agents can do most of the work and can be cheaper, so far independants don't seem keen, probably due to lack of appropriate software.If you buy a high quality car, then any parts will be high quality and often more expensive and last longer than run of the mill volume cars, not always true though, some very ordinary cars can charge sky high prices for spares. You are also unlikely to buy spares in your local corner spares shop, but specialists on the web can supply spares. Remember if you buy a quality car and fit cheap or pattern parts it is no longer a high quality car, as my Volvo dealer said to me,"when you fit non Volvo parts, it's no longer a Volvo".
Buy the A2, follow the advice on this forum and enjoy it!
 
yes I totally agree with that hollyrescue. Even though my service was carried out by a VW dealer they used the correct Audi parts.

1.4 PETROL A2 BLACK WITH OPEN SKY AND REAR BENCH SEAT
 
Yes, I agree entirely with Richard (Hollyrescue). I think ther servicing/repair costs of the A2 are greater than that of the Polo and Colt. Also even on a s/h example the depreciation will be greater I expect. But having said all of that I'd still buy an A2 over those other cars. Its design and rareness on the road give it a clear edge when so many other cars look-a-like these days.

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II. (now sold)
 
Is it really worth buying an A2

what a question?

I have an 2003 A2. minuses...
I have been through 4 gearboxes including the original, all replaced under warranty. Apparently a water trap wasn't fitted on the gearbox, and so lots of water got into the gearbox. The water trap diverts the water away from the "open" bits of the linkage. Took 2 dealers to spot this. And 3 extra gearboxes. Warranty stumps up the cost of this. If it was me, it would be a £980 all in cost. Ouch.
I had my nearside front glass broken, and because of the Audi door contruction, I have a load of glass left between the double skin of the door. So I have a free optional extra...a pair of castanets in the front door. Sounds great (not) when I slam it shut.
The fabric puller, which helps you lift the upper boot floor just got pulled off - this is way too weak for anything more than a years use. The electric window saftey feature which backs off the closing glass if there is an obstruction, is a 300quid motor replacement if it doesn't work. I am also on my second Boot CD Changer. Its been OK for about 2 years now. the Interior lights now stay on permanently. Its just gone, so Audi will look at that, I'm sure.

On the plus side, the diesel 75BHP is unburstable. With the Aluminium body, the accelearation on an upward incline puts many sports cars to shame. The DIS is bloody useful. The tank range is quite accurate. I had the TFT SATNav installed and this is also very good. The Audi 03 TeleaAlas Cd is useless. Dump it for the Audi 05 CD, where the M6 Toll road is actually included. And destinations by postcode becomes available. Regular Servicing is a big plus. First Service was at 31,000 and I have just had the second one at 62,000. For that distance and just 2 services...thats impressive. The Rear Parking sensor are a delight to use. I will get them on any subsequent car. the In-car telephone installation was OK. the microphone is embedded in the rooflining, and when Audi found the microphone was reversed, they fitted it properly, and so my boss could hear me swear at him now. The M/F Steering wheel is great for controlling the audio with your hands firmly on the wheel. I didn't get Cruise Control but I wish I had. The holder for the Audi/Nokia phone holder isn't brilliant though but it does the job. it could do with tilting a bit, toward the driver, so the driver can see the screen when it rings. A german company call Cullmann make all the adaptors for Audi, and they are (finally) catching up with the mobile phone world. The removable seats are also a major plus. So many time this little "van" has helped me out.

Would I buy another? You betcha. Although I had a few problems, this car had been with me all over the country. It has certainly seen some miles.
There is no other car that's built in this way...Like a little Swiss Watch of a car. But with ownership brings commitment. There is nothing I've seen that comes close as a complete supermini IMHO.

1.4TDI Dolphin grey, DIS, SatNav, Boot CD, Climate, Parking Sensors, Mobile pre install, Multifunction Steering wheel. Special fabric ( nice and hardwearing ) with map pocket nets, and a bucket load of commitment. Rock on.
 
I agree

I agree that the A2 is a special car. One that you can be proud to own, feel good about driving something a bit better than the average fiesta or dare I say Polo, even.
Ours is 4 years old now, and it has been pretty reliable - any problems have been sorted under the 3 year warrenty very efficiently by Audi Swindon and Audi Bath dealerships. (For servicing though, I will not return to Swindon again).
Go for it. Buy an A2, join the cameraderie of the A2OC and get so much more out of your ownership of this great little car than you would from a lesser vehicle!
 
Only you can decide...

I'm a privateer owner and I bought mine second hand three years ago. I've been very happy with it and like others have said, it feels a little bit special, considering it is a little car.

I love the sound system, I love the looks and the fact it is relatively frugal (even in the petrol incarnation).

Would I change anything, if I had my time over? I'd have waited until I saw one with leather, bose, air con AND a TDi engine as the petrol engine, though lusty is not truly punchy.

The depreciation I've seen (based on Autotrader.co.uk since I am not thinking of selling mine, just yet) is about 4.5k in three years.

I love its looks especially in the darker colours. And it still gets positive comments from people who see it or ride in it. Only a few days ago, the guy in the petrol station in Balham said is that the new mini Audi - it looks lovely. And I was quite chuffed to be able to say, 'No, it's about four years old!'. :)

Downsides - the suspension is pretty firm on the early models with low profile alloys and it's a bit of a b****r driving it over the ever increasing number of speed bumps. I understand later models had suspension tweaks but it is a much firmer ride than a lot of other cars I've ridden in. Labour costs if something goes wrong. I got an extended warranty, but am now outside that so I may be in for a shock soon (anyone got any recommendations for a way for me to insure myself against such costs?).

But at the end of the day, only you can make the choice. I know one can't predict what the future will bring but I reckon it'll still be much loved by owners in another ten years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top