Purchase advice needed

[seemehow]

Good Morning Everyone!
I am here for a piece of advice. I fell in love with the A2 model and looking to purchase one. Being in London and due to ULEZ charge I am left with but one option - 1.4 petrol – These are going up slightly as I think sellers have realised Diesel is less desirable due to pollution charges in big cities. For my budget (up to £2000) it is very hard to find something with less than 80k and nice condition. With this price range I could get an 2007-2010 – Mercedes a150 – a160 which has similar size and economy but half the mileage. This would not be my first choice but given the scarcity of A2’s available at the moment I might have no other choice – I am not interested in a project car – no funds nor time for this. I would like a good, reliable car which is cost effective to keep. What are the things I should be aware of when buying 1.4 petrol A2 with approx.. 80k on the clock? What are the service costs? And maybe not the most popular question but is Merc a viable option? – I am talking the second gen as the first one was a disaster. I will be using it for short trips outside the city with my wife and probably will not exceed 6k miles in a year. Many thanks for all the advice and my apologies if I rub some the wrong way.
Mike

 

[steve_c]

And maybe not the most popular question but is Merc a viable option?

You definitely come over as a Merc type, so yes, get a Merc.

 

[seemehow]

I’m getting the impression you think home maintenance is a bad thing? I’m not sure I agree with that. My sons A2 wants for nothing and is better maintained than any garage would offer, we do everything in the driveway. If you find a decent owner then I wouldn’t be concerned about home maintenance as long as he has a file full of receipts to log the work done.
Also that is very good advice regarding the suspension arms, if you get a later car with pressed steel arms that have not been replaced then they will definitely be shot and will cost a few hundred to change due to the labour involved.

Interesting thought - yes your impression is correct I am concerned but just because I know little about the car (apart that I am in love with its design) and the age worries me a bit but so are alternative Merc costs. I would like to use it for weekend escapades with my wife (who also really, really likes this car) - i am not a mechanicly skilled and have no facilities at home to do service myself so finding a good garage will be the next task. Regarding the suspension - I will seriously consider it as few mentioned it before - I have seen many sport models with rear sitting really low - I wonder if this was the suspension fault or something else. Thank you so much for words of encouragment!

 

[seemehow]

You definitely come over as a Merc type, so yes, get a Merc.

I did not know there was such a type...? Why would you say so? I only mentioned merc becasue its a similiar engine, size and body type and similiar price range.

 

[steve_c]

I did find this car and contacted the seller asking some simple questions why he's pricing it at this level (the engine was swapped so not really sure what is the actual mileage) but his rude response just put me off. Really unpleasant man it seems. The distance puts me off because I'm a new driver and do not feel comfortable to take such a long journey as a first trip. A bit of disadvantage I guess but better safe than sorry is my motto

I'm sorry but I'm getting the sense that this conversation is a wind-up. You ruled out an A2 in the midlands as being too far away (and also, by implication, overpriced) and then you contact someone in the North who's asking a grand more? I simply don't get it.

 

[g111mds]

You’ll enjoy the A2 when you get it. We’ve got far too many cars at home, but i opted to bring the A2 this morning to work

 

[seemehow]

I'm sorry but I'm getting the sense that this conversation is a wind-up. You ruled out an A2 in the midlands as being too far away (and also, by implication, overpriced) and then you contact someone in the North who's asking a grand more? I simply don't get it.

I see your angle so let me explain - The car in the midlands seems far away for ME - I've just past my driving license 2 weeks ago being a long term biker but I do not feel comfortable to go for the first long journey alone in a new car even if works ok. Its 4hrs motorway drive (the quickest way but I never felt comfortable on motorways - perhaps is a motorbike thing, perhaps I also learned to drive in a city as you might remember). I contact everybody who is selling A2 in a good condition - even if all I get is advice or his opinion and becasue there are so few of them (petrol- see ulez). I asked him why his car was priced this way when the engine was changed (Parker's guide was less than half what he asked for from what i remember)- I am just trying to get my head around it. I am just learning about the car. It is not a wind up - I genuinely like the car but have no experience with it or around it.

 

[TAABVW]

The biggest mistake your making is limiting your distance to view ...some of the best buys I’ve made are miles away from home ..one was a flight up to Dundee if the spec price and service history is all good ...you can glean a lot from the buyer with right questions asked ..I always bought return train ticket just in case and a return is not much more than a single ..i always treat it as a day out and if the car is as described wonderful ..good luck

I agree with above. Widening your search area is the key. I fully accept you concerns as a new driver but there are ways around this. I often take a friend to view a car, two pairs of eyes are better than one. Maybe you could take a biker friend 2 up on your bike and let him drive it home; or both go on the train. Obviously there are costs involved but given your requirements on age / condition / price then the one thing you can change is the range of your search. A little voiced fact is that second hand cars tend to be cheaper the further north they are. I'm in Gloucester and bought my last A2 from Edinburgh. I appreciate it seems a lot of hassle but its potentially one or two days out of your life to get what you want at the price you want.

The 1.6 may be ULEV but the 1.4 is more reliable.

 

[Mihai]

I think with any car older than 10 years you're going to have to change some things... I would think something in the range of 1.5k is a good price, as you can have a few hundred pounds put aside if anything needs doing (if your budget is 2k). There are much cheaper ones, but I guess unless you get really lucky, theres a reason why they are so cheap.

My mistake was buying from a dealer and overpaying. Judging from my experience, I would say you get the best deal buying from a private seller who really cared about the car, if it's from a member that's ideal.

 

[seemehow]

m drive it home; or both go on the train. Obviously there are costs involved but given your requirements on age / condition / price then the one thing you ca

I agree with above. Widening your search area is the key. I fully accept you concerns as a new driver but there are ways around this. I often take a friend to view a car, two pairs of eyes are better than one. Maybe you could take a biker friend 2 up on your bike and let him drive it home; or both go on the train. Obviously there are costs involved but given your requirements on age / condition / price then the one thing you can change is the range of your search. A little voiced fact is that second hand cars tend to be cheaper the further north they are. I'm in Gloucester and bought my last A2 from Edinburgh. I appreciate it seems a lot of hassle but its potentially one or two days out of your life to get what you want at the price you want.

The 1.6 may be ULEV but the 1.4 is more reliable.

Yes I noticed the further north the cheaper the car - also usually in nicer condition too. I am seeing one tomorrow 50 miles from my home for 1500 - its 1.4 with 80k and last serviced 2k miles ago. Condition seems nice. Is there any ballpark figure to look at for a yearly service I should be looking at?

 

[TAABVW]

Yes I noticed the further north the cheaper the car - also usually in nicer condition too. I am seeing one tomorrow 50 miles from my home for 1500 - its 1.4 with 80k and last serviced 2k miles ago. Condition seems nice. Is there any ballpark figure to look at for a yearly service I should be looking at?

Really sorry but I have no idea on service prices. Non of my cars have ever been to a garage as I do it myself. I'm sure someone will answer this one for you.

 

[seemehow]

Really sorry but I have no idea on service prices. Non of my cars have ever been to a garage as I do it myself. I'm sure someone will answer this one for you.

Actually - this might be interesting topic as many A2 owners seems to do their own service - what sort of work is required? - is it oil and filters or something more complex as well? I might actually start a new topic for this.

 

[A2Steve]

Yes I noticed the further north the cheaper the car - also usually in nicer condition too. I am seeing one tomorrow 50 miles from my home for 1500 - its 1.4 with 80k and last serviced 2k miles ago. Condition seems nice. Is there any ballpark figure to look at for a yearly service I should be looking at?

Most garages will do an oil service for around £80. Any addons from there will be added to that price I.e air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs etc etc

 

[A2Steve]

Actually - this might be interesting topic as many A2 owners seems to do their own service - what sort of work is required? - is it oil and filters or something more complex as well? I might actually start a new topic for this.

There are already plenty of guides on the forum for servicing your own car, although if you have no mechanical knowledge at all I would advise that you have someone who knows what they are doing supervise you for your first few attempts

 

[seemehow]

@ A2Steve - I see - thank you - coming from the bike industry I am not sure what to expect - my basic year servise was £180.

 

[steve_c]

My basic year service was £180.

The A2 needs a full service every two years, and an oil service inbetween.

Don't even think of attempting this yourself. Use a local independent VAG specialist, such as VW Green Garage in Kilburn:

VW Green Garage Independent Volkswagen VAG Specialist Mechanics London

Independent Volkswagen Audi SEAT and Skoda Specialist Mechanics A Great Alternative To Main Dealers Saving You Time & Money On Running Your Car.

www.vwgreengarage.co.uk

Obviously you'll be paying London rates, likely to be in the region of £300 for a full service and £120 for an oil service. Don't forget you'll also need a new cambelt and water pump every five years.

 

[seemehow]

The A2 needs a full service every two years, and an oil service inbetween.

Don't even think of attempting this yourself. Use a local independent VAG specialist, such as VW Green Garage in Kilburn:

VW Green Garage Independent Volkswagen VAG Specialist Mechanics London

Independent Volkswagen Audi SEAT and Skoda Specialist Mechanics A Great Alternative To Main Dealers Saving You Time & Money On Running Your Car.

www.vwgreengarage.co.uk

Obviously you'll be paying London rates, likely to be in the region of £300 for a full service and £120 for an oil service. Don't forget you'll also need a new cambelt and water pump every five years.

Great advice - thank you I will give them a call.

 

[TAABVW]

Actually - this might be interesting topic as many A2 owners seems to do their own service - what sort of work is required? - is it oil and filters or something more complex as well? I might actually start a new topic for this.

There is nothing on an A2 that is any more complex than any other car apart from maybe the sunroof although I don't have any with sunroofs so just experience from this club.

If the cambelt is replaced recently it would be a bonus. Brake discs and pads and tyres are just another cost item

Lower suspension arms have already been mentioned. listen for wirring / whining at the front for possible wheel bearings though these are more repair items (that you might have with any car of a similar vintage) than service items.

All older cars need a bit of attention from time to time but there is a difference with the A2. Most cars get to a certain stage in life when they become uneconomical to repair as the rest of the car isn't likely to outlast the repairs. If all the above items needed doing then I guess (and I am guessing) the bill might be in 4 figures. The car might then only need basic servicing for the next 5 years or more. Since the A2 is mostly Aluminium and VWAudi engines generally have a good reputation for longevity (I ran a 1.8 petrol up to 286K in an A4), I think there is a feeling that they have a much longer potential lifespan than other cars hence the repair costs are worth it. A cared for interior also lasts well. Buying an Aclass (and I own a Merc) you will have similar repair items / costs / risks but without the longevity.

And if you want to factor in full life cycle costs then Aluminium has 5 or 6 times the scrap value of iron.

Oh dear, just re-read this and it sounds like I'm a real fan and I'm trying to convince you.....sorry, just my 2 penneth.

 

[seemehow]

There is nothing on an A2 that is any more complex than any other car apart from maybe the sunroof although I don't have any with sunroofs so just experience from this club.

If the cambelt is replaced recently it would be a bonus. Brake discs and pads and tyres are just another cost item

Lower suspension arms have already been mentioned. listen for wirring / whining at the front for possible wheel bearings though these are more repair items (that you might have with any car of a similar vintage) than service items.

All older cars need a bit of attention from time to time but there is a difference with the A2. Most cars get to a certain stage in life when they become uneconomical to repair as the rest of the car isn't likely to outlast the repairs. If all the above items needed doing then I guess (and I am guessing) the bill might be in 4 figures. The car might then only need basic servicing for the next 5 years or more. Since the A2 is mostly Aluminium and VWAudi engines generally have a good reputation for longevity (I ran a 1.8 petrol up to 286K in an A4), I think there is a feeling that they have a much longer potential lifespan than other cars hence the repair costs are worth it. A cared for interior also lasts well. Buying an Aclass (and I own a Merc) you will have similar repair items / costs / risks but without the longevity.

And if you want to factor in full life cycle costs then Aluminium has 5 or 6 times the scrap value of iron.

Oh dear, just re-read this and it sounds like I'm a real fan and I'm trying to convince you.....sorry, just my 2 penneth.

That's ok - kind of what I wanted to hear - I am more and more convinced it might be the right choice for me - I honestly do not really lie any alternatives... I will keep in mind what to look out for tomorrow!

 

[steve_c]

I am seeing one tomorrow 50 miles from my home for 1500 - its 1.4 with 80k and last serviced 2k miles ago. Condition seems nice.

Is this the one you're going to see?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201909262653415

Save your time. It's too old, pre-dates EURO 4, and won't qualify for ULEZ exemption. Which is why it's so cheap.

Check any car you're thinking of buying here:

Check your vehicle

Check that your vehicle meets the required emissions standards

tfl.gov.uk

 

[TAABVW]

Is this the one you're going to see?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201909262653415

Save your time. It's too old, pre-dates EURO 4, and won't qualify for ULEZ exemption. Which is why it's so cheap.

Check any car you're thinking of buying here:

Check your vehicle

Check that your vehicle meets the required emissions standards

tfl.gov.uk

having just followed your link I'm not sure any A2 qualifies for ULEZ??? A petrol car has to be Euro4 which started in 2005, the last year the A" was built. So aren't all A2's Euro3?