Hello everyone, it's been a while and I thought I'd post an update on what's been happening with my A2.
For a number of reasons, such as my work schedule getting busier and having to travel a lot, but also after a discouraging conversation with an AA operator, I have let the time run out on my chance to return the A2, and have started sorting it out, little by little. To be honest, I really like the car, which is 17 years old and doesn't have as much as a parking ding, and I find the brilliant black/platinum interior combination very smart looking, fact which has been noticed by everyone who's seen the car. I simply think it should've cost less...but I guess that will be a tough lesson which I'll remember whenever I buy something again in the future. (If I can learn at least 10% of @steve_c 's uncompromising determination, I will still be far better than the hopeless negotiator I was when I went to see this car!)
What I've done so far:
- replaced middle and rear exhaust with stainless steel for £340 (I nearly went with @steve_c 's solution of a straight through pipe, however I had to remind myself I have to keep costs under control at the moment, and also for me the quietness of this engine is one if its best features, so I wanted to keep it exactly the same). Even so, the difference is noticeable in fuel consumption and power, plus it also seems smoother at low speeds somehow.
- have replaced the front suspension (I went with the forum's favourite combo of monroe shocks and spidan springs) for just under £500 pounds, sourcing parts myself and having them fitted by Keith at VW Green Garage. I hope this way to solve both the leaking shock absorber and correded spring + completely knackered top mounts, and also hoping to slightly improve the harsh ride, which has been pointed out a number of times by my girlfriend.
Things to do still:
- apparently the ball joint covers are both split, and that will need to be attended to soon. I've been told that since I have the cast wishbones, the ball joint can't be replaced therefore the entire wishbones will need replacing, which is a pain, but I guess it's the only solution? There's no knocking noise at the moment so I guess it's not very bad yet, but it will be soon
- I am planning to do the same replacement for the rear suspension in the next few months, as I did for the front.
Things I'd like to do:
I've been dreaming about installing a Bose system, however I have to keep reminding myself I'm just a freelance musician living in London so I can't keep acting like a kid in a candy store...! So that will have to wait until I have sorted everything else, and have enough money to justify the expense. I have also been tempted a few times by a set of pepper pots, but I think I should apply the same judgement here, plus (in spite of the harsh ride), the car just looks so good with the 17" wheels!
More thoughts on owning it: there is definitely a premium feel about so many things in this car, which is even more amazing considering it's 17 years old. It also starts a conversation wherever I show up with it most of the time. And thinking about it, even overpriced as it was and with the generous bill I am paying for various repairs and improvements, I don't think I would find something equally satisfying to own under 5k.
For a number of reasons, such as my work schedule getting busier and having to travel a lot, but also after a discouraging conversation with an AA operator, I have let the time run out on my chance to return the A2, and have started sorting it out, little by little. To be honest, I really like the car, which is 17 years old and doesn't have as much as a parking ding, and I find the brilliant black/platinum interior combination very smart looking, fact which has been noticed by everyone who's seen the car. I simply think it should've cost less...but I guess that will be a tough lesson which I'll remember whenever I buy something again in the future. (If I can learn at least 10% of @steve_c 's uncompromising determination, I will still be far better than the hopeless negotiator I was when I went to see this car!)
What I've done so far:
- replaced middle and rear exhaust with stainless steel for £340 (I nearly went with @steve_c 's solution of a straight through pipe, however I had to remind myself I have to keep costs under control at the moment, and also for me the quietness of this engine is one if its best features, so I wanted to keep it exactly the same). Even so, the difference is noticeable in fuel consumption and power, plus it also seems smoother at low speeds somehow.
- have replaced the front suspension (I went with the forum's favourite combo of monroe shocks and spidan springs) for just under £500 pounds, sourcing parts myself and having them fitted by Keith at VW Green Garage. I hope this way to solve both the leaking shock absorber and correded spring + completely knackered top mounts, and also hoping to slightly improve the harsh ride, which has been pointed out a number of times by my girlfriend.
Things to do still:
- apparently the ball joint covers are both split, and that will need to be attended to soon. I've been told that since I have the cast wishbones, the ball joint can't be replaced therefore the entire wishbones will need replacing, which is a pain, but I guess it's the only solution? There's no knocking noise at the moment so I guess it's not very bad yet, but it will be soon
- I am planning to do the same replacement for the rear suspension in the next few months, as I did for the front.
Things I'd like to do:
I've been dreaming about installing a Bose system, however I have to keep reminding myself I'm just a freelance musician living in London so I can't keep acting like a kid in a candy store...! So that will have to wait until I have sorted everything else, and have enough money to justify the expense. I have also been tempted a few times by a set of pepper pots, but I think I should apply the same judgement here, plus (in spite of the harsh ride), the car just looks so good with the 17" wheels!
More thoughts on owning it: there is definitely a premium feel about so many things in this car, which is even more amazing considering it's 17 years old. It also starts a conversation wherever I show up with it most of the time. And thinking about it, even overpriced as it was and with the generous bill I am paying for various repairs and improvements, I don't think I would find something equally satisfying to own under 5k.
Last edited:
I used Monroe reflex E4998 and Spidan 49527 to my car without opensky, and they work wonderfully! Haven't done the rear yet.