The Forgotten Audi? | We Bought A Super Car

Maybe not a "Supercar", but definitely a super car! It's our new daily runaround - a well-kept, fully-serviced all-aluminium Audi A2 - a very innovative little car when it was introduced around 20 years ago.
The Audi A2 was produced from 1999 to 2005 and sold in relatively small numbers throughout Europe. Although innovative, it was misunderstood - it was too pricey for such a small car - even if it was up to Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" standards of the time! Audi wanted to build a small Audi, not an inexpensive one!
We've been on the look out for an A2 for quite some time. They remain under the radar - good ones are being snapped up and kept in good condition. Values are increasing - this might even be a sound investment! Who'd have thought buying a 20-year old Audi would be financially secure! Not bad for an almost forgotten model.
Here's an introduction to the world of this forgotten little gem - a future classic!
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#Gartshore #Audi #A2

[@m43_felix]

coolest Audi they ever built!

[@SorenxD123]

Quite nice to see a car channel free of cheap gimmicks - just a gentleman showing his car, all while being in a pleasant mood.

[@GartshoresGarage]

Thanks for that - you’ve spotted the theme of the channel!

[@Getalifeticket]

Lovely comment 👍

[@camil721]

I couldn' t agree more! congratulations from my part, too! Very convincing, and, I think, all which had been said in the video is from the heart. A true admirer of a classic car!

[@zitronenfalte]

There was a 5 seat setting avaliable. Can't believe it was very comfortable, but possible. The diesel version was 3 cylinder only and the 1.2 version was semi-automatic transmission. Having driven that car between 2002 to 2007 for over 120000 km i can tell you those cupholders are great. As long as you don't put anything over the size of a regular 0.333 or 355 soda can into it. When driving alone just use the one for the passenger side and it wouldn't be in your way.

[@richardstamper5630]

Homage to the A2. Back in the day when I travelled the country for a major Japanese manufacturer I had a wonderful 2.5 V6 A4 Avant. The first time I took it in for service the garage offered me a courtesy car, in this case an A2. Well I complained bitterly but with nothing else available I took it. I laughed at the start of that journey but after 50 miles I was totally hooked, in fact I used to time my service intervals with the availability of an A2.... and so the affair began. Since then I have owned maybe 6 or 7 A2's but have finally settled on an 04 90tdi Sport which has been chipped to 120bhp. This was done over 8 years ago and it's given this little car rocket acceleration. It dumps masses amounts of torque in all gears and passes 160km with ease (100mph in English money). It is without doubt the only car I have really enjoyed. It's compact. versatile, well built, frugal and a whole heap of fun. Mine is fitted with the rare Votex / Audi body kit which gives it a better stance. It's been with me 10 years now and I am never going to sell it.... it's that good

[@GartshoresGarage]

They really are good aren’t they?! Who’d have thought!

[@japio8955]

My TDi 90 with 340,000 Km's is sold, after12 years, to a buddy who exported it to Curacao and his family there is mad about it, so nimble and quick. Bought myself a 1.6FSi, but since we now have a bigger caravan we bought a Yeti 4x4 1.8TSi. My wife still has her TDi 75 after 13 years and 350,000Km's I like your stile of presenting very much! Thank you!

[@3wheeler1000]

I've just purchased a 1.4SE from 2001 with 100000km (67000miles) in identical spec to yours here. It was £1000 on Facebook Marketplace, and had been standing in a garden for 3 years. A failed Yaw sensor in the centre console and the threat of £1000 bill meant it was parked up. However, WHEN the Yaw sensor(s) go, reconditioned ones are available. Mine was from Germany for 200Euro for one, and £63 for the UK one. Both reconditioned and guaranteed. It was only the £63 one that went luckily. Then, the sunroof broke while I serviced it... Now I'm up to 4x purchase cost in repairs but its now up to scratch. Absolutely a classic car.

[@hamedoubeid6375]

Bought mine A2 in 2003 in Rome, used in Rome for 9 years and the shipped it in Mauritania. Perfect car and running perfect. Very happy and refused to sell it. My collection car.

[@hamedoubeid6375]

Still running with 3 liter for 100 km. 4 litters for 100 km when traveling from’Nouakchott tonDakar, with air conditioning at maximum. No car like it. Never, ever ...

[@mrbroons]

Great video, love my A2's. Great to see you back and creating video's!

[@user-ui9dd2qi1d]

Thank you for your amazing review!

[@MinjiuDC]

Im getting an A2 soon. It was my grandmas car. Only about 30.000km. But there is still a lot of work to do because she was too old to drive and bumped into something. You are really calm and chilled. Like that. Great content

[@torbenhinkel2122]

Very good and informative video. I am looking for one of those right now and this is a great in depth view! Thanks :)

[@kapion]

Your English is perfect! I'm pleasure listening your speaking and understanding! I'm still learning English and your video is brilliant for me. Thanks for video)

[@GartshoresGarage]

Thanks, it should be, I'm from the UK! I've lived in Germany for 23 years though!

[@karel-de-Grote]

What are the negative points in this 'car to buy in 2023? Which model is best to look for? (diesel or gasoline, 1.2 or 1.4 or 1.6?) What is the main weakness?

[@Wuei108]

It has a lot of pkastic inside.

[@mercedesw211classic]

Great video, lovely car.

[@weightlessliving9856]

Love the Organ channel, love the car channel!! Subscribed!!!

[@piotrnowak6423]

8:57 No! You can still find a 5 seater, but it's a rare one.

[@MoltenJules]

And the 5 seat is much heavier to remove as it is a large bench rather than the 2 separate rear seats in the 4 seater.

[@louisfkoorts5590]

Thank you, I enjoyed this.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

Excelent choice. Even though not my cup of tea, it's a future classic

[@MyBacon92]

This guy deserve so much attention for his content!

[@Charles-Reardon]

What a wacky looking car! Nice job. I like the intro. :)

[@leereiyuu]

Keep up the good work, I like listening to your voice. :)

[@Getalifeticket]

A very well articulated and presented video. I like your style and delivery and I enjoyed it. I’m amazed at the price you paid for the car with that level of history and spec. I have just bought a grey 1.4l A2 with 15000 miles on the clock and i can safely say it was at the top of your valuation estimates. The chap selling it made money in 3yrs of owning it. I will be taking the long game view on it and enjoying the ownership as a Sunday morning run car down in Zurich. Ps mine is a UK RHD. Keep up the great videos and be safe .👍

[@GartshoresGarage]

They’re clever little things, aren’t they! Look after them and they’ll be a little piggie bank for you! Greetings to Zurich!

[@joaomonllor7172]

Muy buen reportage , gracias por un trabajo bien echo , saludos desde Barcelona , good job, how did you clean the interior plastics?

[@jaz4280]

Very interesting and entertaining... Look forward to the service and repairs ... Many people including me have no clue.

[@guidok3762]

Best car ever build in the world!!!!

[@Wuei108]

yesss.... certainly - since i have one of them.

[@rudigerpinkenburg7050]

GOTCHA! I was sure, it could only be an A2.Congrats to your new, old car Good choice. Complete dealer maintenance history, technical and optical top condition, in relations to other 20 year old cars. Looking on the mileage i would expect shock absorbers and brakes as first setup. Maybe front brakepads change one time. Yes, Sir, you did everything right. Have fun with your new daily driver, and always save roads ahead.

[@bernhardbaumann6104]

Hey, ich kann dem nur zustimmen, dass der Audi A2 ein super Auto ist - ich fahre meinen kleinen Audi (1.4 TDI, Baujahr 05/2003) schon seit Januar 2004, habe ihn seinerzeit als Halbjahres-Wagen gekauft. Mittlerweile hat er schon fast 240.000 km auf dem Tacho - und das ohne irgendwelche Probleme. Er fristet nun aber ein Leben als Pensionär, wird nur noch wenig gefahren, aber immer noch mit großer Freude :-) Fraser, ihr habt eine gute Wahl getroffen ;-)

[@guidok3762]

Subscribed ✌️👍greetings from The Netherlands

[@simonlangner]

Great Video!💪😊 The 3L version is something special, but similarly a little diva...mine had an oil sensor issue, and the official audi auto repair shop in my area was not able to fix it. So I had to drive to an independent shop in a bavarian village who specialises in the A2 1.2 ... So I guess owning one in the UK wouldn't be worth all the hustle..

[@MoltenJules]

I think the white spots on the rear spoiler weren’t caused by reversing into sobering but rather hitting the garage crying when the tailgate swing up. It goes rather high and quite sharply.

[@philipbrown4602]

The main issue Audi had with the pricing was the option list. If you wanted a reasonable spec it cost a ridiculous amount. Had Audi done a Mercedes on it and priced it competitively it may have sold more. I bought the A Class instead, and loved it.

[@itstheengineersdaughter1296]

AND it's ULEZ compliant ! I 😍 my Audi A2 SE Sport 1.4 💞

[@George-Edwards]

Hi Fraser. It sort of reminds me of my Focus ST, I sure wish mine was that low in weight, if it was the 252 HP would really make it fly, (smile). George

[@teresabgonzalez5358]

Love this car. So so special. Best car I have.

[@MrVic2491]

What a great choice for you Fraser. I had an Audi and I was fairly pleased with it. It was an R reg diesel fairly economical. I thought I'd miss it, but moving to the RAV4 has been a complete eye opener for me. I started with a 1964 mini lucky to get 30 mpg. I now get 55 mpg on 2.5 litre engine. How do they do it??

[@hansnordgren5319]

You do not understand why the backspoiler has Marks ??? It is because the big hatchback ,when opened in a normal garage, hit the roof...

[@5ebra1]

I have had a 1.4 petrol A2 for almost 20 years. It’s Jaipur Orange which was the colour used on the motor show launch car. I have never seen another one the same colour.I bought it new in Denmark and imported it to UK. (It’s RHD). It’s now done almost 80,000 miles. Car serviced by independent garages after 3 years. New alternator, tyres, battery, front springs and front discs. Everything else is original. Never broke down. 50mpg always. Downside - terrible ride. Last MOT advised corrosion or grease on rear brake pipes. The car is so light that when stationary with the windscreen wiper on it seems to rock! Insurance is less than £100 fully comp for 3,000 miles.

[@lactobacillusprime]

Enjoyed this a lot. And I get absolutely get why you decided on this car. Curious if it would fit me - being 6'5" aka 1.97m

[@OleMartinRypest]

Yupp - will fit you fine. I am 1,98m and there is still 10cm space left above and behind

[@SGDYT]

very good video

[@mastered38]

Where is the 5 manual organ ? Beacuse you have promise a tour of a 5 manuals organ 😏 and also, good video 😊 sorry for my badlest english

[@128tube]

WOW, very cool and detail video. We can see the datailing car video? I'm buyng one grey a2 and you coud be my restoration master--- ;)

[@tonyestvik7969]

Gratulations, i saw that your Audi A2 had one more extra option..... turn signals.... and it was usebale.... and what must coast a fortune 😉

[@Wuei108]

What the hell are turn signals?

[@caseylwr]

That's a nice little car for 2000 Euro. Enjoy driving it. Take care on the road, and stay safe.

[@jackhone8702]

can you do video of getting plastics like new if you haven't already done it

[@dantheman1337]

just changed a control arm, tie rod end and both drop links on my 170k 2004 to be advisory free for a second year. the parts cost under £100... was amazed how good condition the car is in for example the brake lines looked like they'd just rolled out the factory, bushings look new, original exhaust. just some rust on the drive axles and strut bearings. very well made compared to say a ford focus from same time which would hace rotten brake lines and rotten exhaust by now.

[@fvingerhoed]

best car audi ever made

[@guidok3762]

The spoiler of the A2 1.2 TDI and 1.6 FSI are bigger then the spoilers of the 1.4 versions

[@tanie3803]

I love Audi A 2

[@adrianpocock3040]

I love these cars. I have 18 of them at the moment. Bought over the last five years, including two A2 3Ls which I have imported. They are simply amazing little cars. I regard them as a rising investment and have given five away so far. To relatives, girlfriends etcetera. Great currency!

[@GartshoresGarage]

18?!? That's bordering on obsession!

[@johncoady144]

I thought I was bad with 3 of them in my driveway. 2 petrols and a diesel, or one daily and two donors to be exact. Way ahead of their time. Love them. Great work Gartshore's Garage. Subscribed! :)

[@evanleebodies]

Please give me one Adrian

[@simonboyes2550]

1:30 to 1:37 my favourite bit

[@guidok3762]

In the Audi A2 you could order a small tank (18 liter) of bigger tank (34 liter). You could order a 5-seater with a 3-person rear seat.

[@Wuei108]

20 l for 3 Liter engine, 34 l until 2005 42 after 2005. No ability of choice.

[@MoltenJules]

And the larger tank after 2004/2005, although nominally a 42 litre tank, I have filled to just under 50 litres from empty.

[@3030hp]

I want one.

[@davidedwards4125]

I bought one a couple of weeks ago for £250. Clever little things.

[@simonboyes2550]

I'll be honest I thought this was going to be a bit rubbish but I enjoyed the information and analysis

[@GartshoresGarage]

Glad to hear it! More coming soon!

[@simonboyes2550]

@@GartshoresGarage Fantastic. Would love to see a gearbox oil change as I intend to attempt that soon

[@imonlytellingthetruth6562]

A superb car, honestly one of the best I’ve driven , like a tardis,

[@GartshoresGarage]

Aren't they brilliant!?!

[@imonlytellingthetruth6562]

@@GartshoresGarage I drive one now, absolutely love it

[@sachsengamer186]

wann kommt denn mal wieder was zum a2?

[@robt2151]

11:23 "Let's have an ad break whilst I rehearse this bit"

[@xgrunewald8142]

Ich kann die Begeisterung für den A2 sehr gut nachvollziehen. Ich werde mir am Wochenende ebenfalls einen A2 kaufen, allerdings mit dem 1.6 FSI-Motor. Dieser Motor gilt als reparaturanfällig. Ich hoffe, dass ich davon verschont bleibe.

[@sachsengamer186]

und? schon probleme mit dem 1.6? ich besorge mir am mo auch einen

[@xgrunewald8142]

@@sachsengamer186 Noch nicht, bedarf aber Benzin-Zusätze.

[@xgrunewald8142]

@@sachsengamer186 Immer schön 98 Oktan tanken. Die Fahrleistung ist klasse.

[@sachsengamer186]

@@xgrunewald8142 Cool werd ich mir merken

[@federicotorresbordils7624]

What about engines GDI for gasolin in1.6 ????

[@haraldfriedl3766]

Es gab ihn auch als 5 Sitzer und mit doppelten Kofferraumboden und Gepäckabdeckung.

[@autojogi]

ein schönes auto schöne grüße aus deutschland

[@themagicboy6548]

So are you able to add coolant with the little flap? Or do you need to remove the hood

[@techtogether508]

No for coolant you need to remove the hood

[@GartshoresGarage]

Yep - bonnet off for that job!

[@user-oj4xh8cg2l]

well, mine is a 5 seater car (3 headrests at the rear, 3 rear seatbelts)... a 2002 FSI fwiw

[@RhysHoneMusic]

Would E10 work with these? It says online that 2003 to 2005 but theirs models made before 2003

[@jensneumann8318]

It works. I 'feed' my car (1.4, 2001) with E10 for years. (Offical Audi-OK)

[@Stratos666]

Do you have any recommondation for taking care of the open sky?

[@GartshoresGarage]

Disconnect the fuse and leave well alone! Joking aside, there are techniques for keeping the mechanism lubricated and moving, but with age, these will deteriorate and require further maintenance.

[@cooolbreeeze]

Congrats. I like it, but not many people I know. 🤣

[@Wuei108]

Who cares what other people like?

[@RareOrf]

Can someone tell me what that black box next to the gear level is (see minute 13:02). Thanks.

[@dieterschulte809]

Hallo, das ist eine Ladestation für ein Nokia Handy,glaube Modell 6110😊 Deckel ab Handy rein😂 Hat unser aus 2001 auch,Handy hab ich noch😅 LG T-Dieter

[@user-jo8kq5ed4j]

What!?! 160k on a 20 years old car? Just how.

[@nils3923]

My brother's car had 50k at 22 years

[@sachsengamer186]

mine has 101k on the clock btw the car is from 2002 what do you say about this?😂

[@guidok3762]

You could drive the Audi A2 1.2 TDI with service intervals of 50.000 kilometers

[@extremosud]

I'm searching for a A2 to be used regularly for domestic movements. The question is: which is better option, the 1.4 petrol or 1.6 FSI?

[@GartshoresGarage]

The 1.6 requires super-plus premium fuel to run cleanly like all VW/Audi FSI engines. It certainly has a bit more oomph, but is generally regarded as less robust. The 1.4 is the more economical little car and as they aren't exactly road rockets, that'll do you fine. If you want to do astronomical mileages, look for a well-kept, low-mileage 1.4 diesel, but you may run into environmental eco-area problems... Get one soon whatever you do - prices will be on the rise!

[@extremosud]

@@GartshoresGarage many thanks for the advice! I enjoy your channel!

[@huwnicholson5765]

Hello I'm wondering if you can help. I also have an Audi A2 1.4 diesel 2004. I'm unable to lower the back seat as one of the release mechanism I think has broken and I don't know how to access it to be able to repair it. Are you able to help please? Thank you Nick

[@GartshoresGarage]

I had the same problem when I first picked up the car. The mechanism is VERY stiff and needed (in my case - I'm not saying you should try this!) brute force to release. Try shaking the seat around as you pull the release handle. That worked for me.

[@huwnicholson5765]

@@GartshoresGarage Hello Thank you for your reply and suggestion. Unfortunately the mechanism is broken as I can lift the handle, but it doesn't release the seat. Sadly not the best design, but the car has served me well for many years, amazing car, and I have a feeling it's not going to pass its MOT without little expense, so sadly might need to scrap it..

[@martinmuldoon603]

@@huwnicholson5765 very special car, don't scrap it, it is a classic and will go up in value

[@pierredelhasse3477]

you say: under the floor there is a little hatch, to hide things... could you tell us if all A2 had it? and what's the use of it (was it an option?)

[@abbersj2935]

As far as I'm aware they did, lift the front carpet and sound insulation. (Either side). There is an aluminium panel fixed with three quarter turn fasteners. Then the cover can be removed. Take care though because there is a lot of electrical equipment in there. It's not really a "use all the time" type space, just a void.

[@MoltenJules]

The ECU and CCM comfort module and some fuses are in there. The raised floor in the front allows these electronics to be stored safe and dry. The rear passenger has no raised floor and hence allow the lower leg to have a more comfortable near vertical position, with feet under the front seats.

[@Wuei108]

14:00 if i accelerate my car with foot down the 0,33 lieter cola cans fall out of the cup holder.

[@MoltenJules]

One of the reasons for its short life was that Audi were rumoured to lose around £4000 per car they sold,

[@charlescockburn6269]

My roof has only been opened 6 times in it's life. My grandparents where paranoid about it getting stuck.

[@leereiyuu]

That is by the way how you get it stuck. It needs to be lubed and used regularly to be reliable.

[@charlescockburn6269]

@@leereiyuu it has by Audi when it gets serviced, just not used when in use

[@patmeaden]

kind of reminds me of the Toyota Prius from 10 years ago

[@MicroageHD]

Much better than a prius

[@NoExpert]

i have one of them SUPER CAR's 😂😂😂 and made a few videos on how to fix it 👍👍 my fastest car so far 🚀

[@vapoureyes]

I’m selling my wife’s 1.4 diesel , mot’d for about 11 months , new timing belt just fitted and now the negative side, exhaust blowing out on the manifold side of converter and the odd time warning lights come on and disappear again , car drives real well and in good condition for year 2001 . Live in n. Ireland so any offers .

[@dreww3810]

Still available?

[@guidok3762]

I owned 7 Audi A2, the 1.4 petrol is the worst of the 4 motors which are available.....🤪 it likes to drink oil a lot......👎drove in total more than 600.000 kilometers with them, at this moment I have a 1.6 FSI!

[@guidok3762]

@@NoExpert The 1.6 FSI is a 4 cilinder, it is the fastest Audi A2 with front and rear disc brakes and 105 HP

[@NoExpert]

@@guidok3762 👍👍

[@lukaskedel2310]

What are your thoughts on the 1.4 TDI? Thanks!

[@guidok3762]

@@lukaskedel2310 sorry for the late response, the 1.4 TDI 90 Hp is the best!!!!

[@lukaskedel2310]

@@guidok3762 Got an Opel Astra 1.7DTI in the end, must say... Its a piece of shit. Its losing oil, brakes failed, had to get a new exhaust pipe, handbrake is shit, and the cabin heater is leaking so yeah... Im selling it as soon as i fix the brakes and the cabin heater and the handbreak. Hope then to find a good A2.

[@whoahdudeman]

I understand where you're coming from in thinking that these wonderful little cars could be a good investment, however there is some risk in seeing it that way. "Exit values" may be adversely impacted by increasing restrictions on cars with internal combustion engines in a growing number of cities. Also, as these cars go from 20 years old to 30 years old, there's a an added level of complexity to the repairs that need to be done. More major components will need replacement. Although I'm tempted to buy one of these, I've been stung before by old cars and am skeptical whether the numbers will add up over time.

[@user-uy1lj8kk6v]

Audi A2 1.4 petrol the best model Audi....

[@charlescockburn6269]

Yep the engine is so reliable and cheap to fix

[@HWJJSCHUMACHER]

WAS IST EIGENTLICH AUS DEM GUTEN ALTEN "CW WERT" GEWORDEN ???

[@Wuei108]

Warum brüllst du?

[@richardharrold9736]

Uh oh... these have a reputation for being *ruinously* expensive to fix when they go wrong (which they will). I know I can't talk, but...

[@GartshoresGarage]

That’s what I was talking about towards the end of the film - Audi prices for all servicing costs. I’ll be doing all that myself thankfully. Body panels can get expensive as they’re few and far between, but as they won’t/can’t rust, breaker’s parts are fine - if you can find them! Otherwise, it’s just a standard little VW/Audi car with no complicated bits and bobs! New brakes all round (OEM) - under €150 - new shocks all round - under €200... gearbox rebuild (which it will need one day down the road) €350. Exhaust front to back - €120. Cam Belt / water pump replacement set - €120. Nothing stupidly expensive if you can do the work yourself...

[@richardharrold9736]

@@GartshoresGarage I'm one of those irritating people who sees what the video is about, pauses it and comments immediately ;-) Personally, I think the A2 needs a more interesting engine than anything VAG has ever made (other than the Audi V8/V10)... Honda K24 swap it? Bike engine? ;-)

[@robt2151]

@@GartshoresGarage How do you maintain the 'full service history' if you do the work yourself? Won't that compromise the potential resale value?

[@richardharrold9736]

@@robt2151 it's an A2, it has no resale value... you can pick them up for three-figure sums these days.

[@GartshoresGarage]

I will be documenting all work done on the car, saving all parts bills and updating the service manual accordingly. I have the VAG software myself to diagnose/code everything ever made by VW/Audi/Porsche/Lamborghini/Bentley etc, so I’m confident my servicing will be up to the correct standards!👍 just because there won’t be an Audi stamp in the book doesn’t mean it wasn’t done properly!

[@Wuei108]

11:30 ist weights next to nothing. Hahaha. It weihgts 3 kilogramm. Later i see it is no diesel. I have a Diesel engine. I never want any petrol engines in my cars.

[@sachsengamer186]

moin moin ich werde mir übermorgen auch ein a2 zulegen aber n 1.6 liter ein schönes gefärt

[@GartshoresGarage]

Cooles Auto, ABER, aufgrund FSI Motors musst du SuperPlus tanken!

[@sachsengamer186]

@@GartshoresGarage naja was heisst muss... ich fahre ihn nun schon ne ganze weile mit normalem 95 bleifrei ohne probleme... aber mit 98er zieht er warscheindlich besser durch

[@Wuei108]

Only a petrol car...

[@GartshoresGarage]

There were 2 diesel options - a 1.4 and a 1.2 3-cylinder.

[@Wuei108]

@@GartshoresGarage There are 3 Diesel options: 45 kw, 55kw, 66kw. I have the one with 55 KW from 2001.

[@martinbohm9450]

No -not to expensive for US The A2 was and is far to intelligent for US😆😆😆 IQ less than 70 needs hummer

[@hori8000]

😂👍🏻

[@JacobPOoms]

Looks like an ugly french car design mistake.

[@paulbizacki2608]

Totally uneducated comment.