A2 - worth considering?

[Riley Blue]

I've been drivng VAG cars for decades, from a 1303 Beetle back in the 1970s to my current 2003 A8. The A8 may be written off due to electrical gremlins so I'll be looking for something to replace it, something different and inexpensive as I've three other cars, two of which are British classics and need constant fettling/restoration.

The A2 seems 'interesting' but what's it like to own and run? Which is the preferred model? I've rather gone off the idea of diesels after a few Golf, Ibiza and A4 TDIs so that leaves the 1.4 or 1.6 petrol. With up to £5K to spend, what do you reckon I should go for?

[s2boy4]

I run older Audi's, S2 Coupe, C4 S6's and a 2005 A3 Sportback. I thought a A2 looked an interesting car a couple of years ago so bought one a year later.
The car is very good, surprisingly big inside (but generally only a 4 seater, 5 seaters are around but rare) Not as light as you'd think (my 1.6 is 1220kg with only me and quarter tank of fuel) The 1.6 FSI engine can be a nightmare to get running right but when it is it goes very well if you are prepared to rev it up. There are various common faults with the car as there are with any car.
Ive actually decided to sell mine (its got cream leather which doesn't mix well with a young family plus i dont use it enough because ive got use of so many other cars. If you are interested its on Ebay and Gumtree (Audi A2 1.6 FSI Sport 53k)

[Riley Blue]

You run an S2, that's a rare beast these days. I remember when Jonny Milner ran a Shell sponsored one in the British Rally Championship; he gave me a ride in it on the press launch at Silverstone, early '93-ish I think.

Back to A2s. I had a look at your ad., pity your car is green as I have a thing about green cars, don't like them - sorry.

[s2boy4]

Yep had my S2 since 2000, its defo rare nowadays. Rare even when it was new.

Shame you dont like green, its a lovely car and looks so good with the cream leather.

[Dr G]

With £5k to spend and wanting to change because of gremlins I'd be tempted personally to look at a more modern car.

They're old cars now and as already mentioned above the 1.6 FSI is known for needing more than its share of attention. The 1.4 is hopelessly gutless. The diesel was actually quite good but they're all now pretty old and also needing regular fettling.

[Riley Blue]

I know they're getting on a bit and I ought to think newer but there's nothing else in the VAG range at the moment that interests me whereas I've always found the A2 appealing. If I'd been looking a year or two back I'd probably have bought a diesel but we already have one (a Fiesta) and in any case, they're not flavour of the month these days.

BTW, this morning, in Derby, a black S2.

[Dr G]

Possibly then have a mooch around the A2 owners club; they're a devoted bunch.