What Car? Q&A - Is a used Audi A2 a wise buy?

Q: I'm thinking of buying a used Audi A2 1.4-litre TDI as a long-term investment, because it is reported to have excellent fuel economy and low running costs. Is it a wise buy?
Luke Burdon, via e-mail

A: The A2 TDI's trump card is that it should return around 64mpg on the combined cycle; while 70mpg is not impossible.

The fuel tank holds only 34 litres which limits the range between refills, however the excellent fuel economy prevents this becoming too much of a problem.

By monitoring the engine's condition and how it is driven, the A2 TDI calculates when the next service is due. The engines are designed for a maximum service interval of 20,000 miles or two years. However, if the car is driven enthusiastically, or is used for lots of short trips, servicing may be required sooner. While this type of 'variable' servicing has advantages, expect service costs to vary, and also to appear expensive, because the long-life oil required is not cheap.

With a low emissions figure of 119g/km, road tax costs just £50 per year for A2 TDIs registered after March 1 2001.

Some optional alloy wheels are large and require expensive, low-profile tyres, so check this out before you buy.

So, yes, we would recommend the A2 as a used buy.