Audi S2 - just how reliable are they?

[rynaqui]

I'm sure he's lurking round here somewhere

[Error404]

I thought he said he wanted one that was tuned, reliable and ready to go?

[Rusty]

Wanted:- Hen's teeth

There are tuned cars that come up every now and again, usually unfinished projects, as well as decent condition stock ones. Depends on what power you're after as to how likely you are to find something. A basic power upgrade doesn't cost too much, it's when you want to head towards 500 that the choice will reduce.

Why not buy Jamo's avant? Now that's got POWER!!!

[Buzz]

Thanks for the replies folks. I'm near Watford. I love the look of the car, the fact that it is an Audi, the 4wd and the power these things can run. Also the bonus that they are quite unique and you don't see many!

I'm wondering if its perhaps worth buying an already tuned S2 from Sweden / Norway, I have had cars myself which I have spent time on modifying, I just don't have that time any more, I'd like something tuned and well maintained and ready to go (not asking much am I! )

[simons2]

I run a 3b coupe which I love , it just seems a bit more old school than a aby but in a good way , plus its got the closest blood line to the ur Quattro , its slightly quicker to 60 but loses out a bit in in gear acceleration , at the end of the day which ever one you pick you will have a highly sort after quick piece of Audi history

[kulster]

She best not phone me while at work and now tell me she thinks something's wrong with it

[kulster]

Oh crap, but luckily my wife's s2 avant I bought with 96k on the clock and almost 3 years later its only had one fault which was the auxiliary water pump and she uses it daily for the school runs etc, but its not very economical for these traffic runs

[rj scotty]

I'm going to curse my self now:

Mine has never let me down in the sense I have been stranded. The only time it's been off the road for longer than planned is when maintenance/upgrade work has over ran or uncovered other problems. But there lies the key to owning this sort of vehicle, you have to enjoy spanner time or have very deep pockets! a passion/way of life so to speak.

[Donnie]

Coils will eventually fail on an aby, they seem to destroy strut top mounts and are a bit hard on bushes. Coils are an easy upgrade, strut tops well...... easy to fix but no real solution in as much as upgrades etc. Change the oil regularly, keep on top of the suspension and nip oil/ coolant/ boost/ electricity leaks in the bud then you will have a reliable wagon. Don't expect to sail through mot after mot like a honda though.
Excellent machines, surprisingly fast, bit numb handling wise in my opinion.

[Acidburn]

less to go wrong on a 3b, lighter so the engine ain't pulling as much stuff around as well.

[Error404]

All the 20vt engines are belt driven. Most stuff can be a PITA to access
There are a lot of very helpful folk on the forum who will go out of their way to help you out if ever you need it
Don't write off a 3B they are still great. Paulgo's pearl white one for sale at the moment is a really well maintained car and you will struggle to get as much value for money IMHO.
Where abouts are you located?

[Buzz]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys

In terms of doing stuff myself, I have only ever done oil and filter changes (air, fuel, oil filters) and the occasional break discs and pad change. I don't really have the knowledge to do much more than that myself.

I have done some basic research and understadn thet the ABY is the one to go for, thanks for the confirmation.

In terms of maintenance, what serviceable items are a pain in the butt to access? And is the ABY chain or cambelt driven?

[Error404]

Preventative maintenance is the key to a reliable S2 keep a keen eye & ear out - These are very strong cars but if things go wrong there is plenty of help & advice to be found on here
P.s ABY is the way to go

A well looked after car is very reliable - one that has been messed about with by someone who doesn't understand them will be a PITA.
Remember that they are mostly about 20 years old now and being far more complicated than what you are used to, in terms of engine electronics they make most jap stuff seem like tonka toys - some sensors are expensive to replace and getting on now and can cause gremlins i.e. MAF etc.
The build quality means they can be hard to work on and if you're not going to get your hands dirty you will be in for some big bills sooner or later, as most parts take a long time to get at. All of these things should not put your off though. Buy as good as you can afford and you will love it

[Smiley]

Read this very good Post from UrS4:

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60547&highlight=things+fail

and you will know what you have to do in your preventative maintenance

[rynaqui]

P.s ABY is the way to go

This