Is it still reasonable to buy an Audi A2 1.2 TDI as an everyday drive?

Posted by iamra447@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 12 comments

I am looking for with the following key properties:

- not too expensive (max. 9000€, cheaper would be better)

- low maintenance, long-lasting

- Regular maintenance/ Service can be done by a "non-expert" (no super-expensive tools are required)

- low gas usage

- low insurance

- not a big car, but also some space for storage

Currently my choice would be an Audi A2 1.2 TDI. However, I am open to hear opinions for or against it! I would also be great to hear your alternatives, with an estimated price range for said car in a "good" condition. I currently live in Germany, in case this is relevant for the availability/price range of cars.

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Dedward5@reddit

Ignore the Americans, their comments are genuine not relevant.

A2s are cheap to run, parts are still largely available and they are very reliable and don’t rust (but check the rear axle and front wishbones). They are insanely economical and practical and fine in modern traffic urban or beyond. They are a bit more expensive to insure than similar cars due to the aluminium making them harder to repair, they tend to write them off for minor damage.

I love mine.

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Rdub@reddit

Americans think getting 30MPG on a bloody motorcycle is "Good" fuel economy. For the people who complain the most about the cost of fuel, they seem to care the least about fuel economy, which I have always found rather baffling.

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InflatableCatCooper@reddit

1 gallon, 3.75 liters is about 3 USD for a large portion of American and most under 4 USD

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Pahkinat@reddit

Audi A2 with 1.2 tdi is one of the most fuel efficient cars availeable.

That combined with A2's light weight (because of aluminium chassis), makes it easily possible to achieve under 3l/100km consumption (78 mpg), one of the lowest numbers in non-hybrid cars.

And engines also seem to last even when it's small - most models sold here have 300-500k km (200-300k miles), small mileage ones are not really availeable. Rust isn't a problem because of aluminium. Most problematic part seem to be the automatic robotic transmission that's used with every 1.2 or 1.4 model.

Unfortunately they are expensive to buy... Over 20 year old diesel Audi A2 with 350k km costs 2500-4500 euros here. Not sure if it's worth it. I would personally probably get a lower mileage/newer volkswagen with the same 1.2/1.4 tdi or a small Peugeot with their 1.4 hdi. A bit higher consumption, but not much.

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SoundCloud_Ramiz@reddit

Seems okay for a short commuter considering the small tank size but I'd be worried about it's safety considering it's 0-60mph is 15 seconds. Secondly, it's so small and intentionally lightweight that a high speed accident could be catastrophic.

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Rdub@reddit

If you have the option to buy one locally I would absolutely JUMP at the chance to own an A2 1.2 TDI. Just check out the comments of the video linked below, as there's dozens of people sharing stories about how their A2 TDIs have done 300K+ KMs, with one commenter claiming his A2 has done over 1 MILLION KMs problem free.

You're not going to find that kind of reliability in many other cars, and you're not going to get even half of the A2's 100MPG fuel economy in pretty much any other car you can buy, including modern hybrids.

I'm seriously considering importing one to Canada and I would happily pay TWICE what you would pay for an A2 1.2TDI in Germany if I could do so, as it would literally get TWICE the fuel economy of the most fuel efficient hybrid I could buy on sale new.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nOtXbBD9Es

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MintRobber@reddit

I have an obsession for this car due to it's history and engineering feat. I'm a new driver and I'm torn between buying a Toyota Yaris Cross (24k euros) or this Audi relic (2000-3000€).

I'm thinking on the one the hand at the money that I could save by buying the old one and also the opportunity to learn on a cheaper car (don't want to scratch the new one). On the other hand not sure how reliable it can be in the next 5 years.

What do you think about these options?:

Audi A2 1.2 Automatic / 2200€ https://www.olx.ro/d/oferta/vand-audi-a2-1-2-tdi-automat-IDj510q.html
Audi A2 1.4 Manual (option 1) 3100€ https://www.olx.ro/d/oferta/piesa-de-colectie-audi-a2-impecabil-IDihHtR.html
Audi A2 1.4 Manual (option 2) 3000€ https://www.olx.ro/d/oferta/audi-a2-impecabil-IDi6P1r.html

Or just forget about them and go with the newer car 😂

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LEONLED@reddit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nOtXbBD9Es

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Uber1337pyro333@reddit

If you want something llw/cheap maintenance stay away from German cars 😂

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chumlySparkFire@reddit

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Amarathe_@reddit

If youre not turning wrenches professionaly then audi is going to be rough to work on. I dont recommend it unless youre ok with spending a little extra at the shop when something goes wrong. Regular maintenance (fluid changes) are simple enough but if the cel comes on youre in financial trouble

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Swimming_Shock_8796@reddit

I personally would not touch Audi or Volkswagen at your budget point, your better off with a Honda or Toyota.