Used car buying guide: Audi A2

Another costly problem, common to all A2s, is repairing serious accident damage. It’s high enough for most insurers to write off a car. At least casual dents can be fixed. SE trim dominates but many of its features that were initially standard were withdrawn to become options, once Audi realised they were the only things that turned a profit. Cars in Sport trim sit a little lower and have sports seats. Most A2s have two seats in the rear and, remarkably, they’re removable. It’s a buying guide cliché but now really is the time to buy a good A2 before that word ‘bargain’ no longer applies.

How to get one in your garage

An expert's view:

Graham Alderson, Director, IVC Leeds: “We’re a specialist Volkswagen Group workshop and I’ve always owned Audis. Last year, I bought a 2003 A2 1.4 TDI with 155,000 miles on the clock. I’ve since put another 40,000 on it commuting to work. It hasn’t put a wheel wrong and averages 55mpg. It’s one of the few A2s with three rear seats, so I can carry my three kids. We get a steady dribble of A2s through the workshop but I can’t say there are typical problems, other than age-related things like worn suspension.”

Buyer beware...

â–  Engine: The 74bhp 1.4 MPI can suffer coil packissues. The 1.6 FSI can have problemswith its direct injection and emissionscontrol systems and, on lower-mileagecars, its head gasket. The 89bhp 1.4TDI can suffer expensive dual-massflywheel issues and carbon build-up onthe variable-geometry turbo.

â–  Transmission: A notchy change may be worn selectortower bearings caused by water ingress.

â–  Brakes: More powerful petrol and diesel A2shave discs all round but the rears cancorrode easily since they’re little used.

â–  Suspension: On post-2002 cars, check for failure ofthe pressed-steel wishbones. (Earlierones were cast.) Worn anti-roll barbushes may need replacement of theentire component but you can fit anoversize bush instead. On A2s with 17inwheels and S line suspension, expectthe ride to be uncomfortably firm.

â–  Body: Corrosion is likely to be related to apoor crash repair where non-Audi approved connecting parts have beenused. Check for water in the batterycompartment, caused by tired seals inthe rear bumper. Where fitted, makesure the large glass roof operates asthe mechanism can be temperamental. 

â–  Identification: Confirm the vehicle’s ID on theVIN plate, which, in addition to the usual locations, you may find inthe passenger footwell, under thehandbrake, in the rear centre tunnel orunder the false floor on the driver’s side.

â–  Interior: Expect the driver’s seat side bolster tobe worn and the satin finish on switchesand controls to be wearing off, but noserious rattles. 

Also worth knowing

To check the oil level, lower the front-mounted service flap where a car’sgrille usually is and locate the dipstick.If you want to check more of theengine, open the quick-release locksbehind the flap and raise and lift offthe bonnet.

How much to spend

£300-£999: Range of short-MOT runners andbargains such as a 2001 1.4 SE with fullservice history and 111k miles for £585.

£1000-£1999: Good choice of lower-mileage petrols,including a one-owner 2001 1.4 SE with50k miles for £1795 and a one-owner2002 1.4 TDI SE with 98k miles and fullservice history for same price.

£2000-£2999: This price range includes a 2004 1.4TDI SE with 78k miles for £2750.

£3000-£4500: Late ’n’ low A2s such as an“immaculate” 2003 1.4 Sport with 28kmiles and full service history for £3695. 

One we found

Audi A2 1.4 SE, 2002/02- reg, 140,000 miles, £995: With an interior described as being likenew, this A2 has just had a new timingbelt, battery and brakes, and all theworkshop receipts from the year dotare available for scrutiny.