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.