Bought my Ming Blue ABY S2 coupe in mid 2002 and have done nearly 100,000 miles, now at 160,000 + . I have (had ?) a leaking rear diff seal, and the car was up on the ramp when initial socket wrenching started dislodging bits of subframe ( all carefully Waxoiled about 3 years ago ). It will not pass its next MOT and is beyond (my) economic reality to keep on the road; but still road legal for all that, for many months to come.
Along the years it has had 2 cambelt changes ( and all the other bits necessary to make this a proper investment ), Mark Halligan IC mod ( look it up ) silicone hoses, rear callipers, coil pack and POS replacements, new U/Js and seals, after-run pump, N75s, 710Ns and is running as well as ever on NGK Iridiums ( I documented running copper plugs ). Remote central locking will not work on drivers door and aux instrument lights keep going out. I have imported parts from the US ( at some expense ) to keep it on the road, but more and more bits are becoming NLA, ( again sadly ). But I still love driving it.
What to replace it with?
Since the bad news Ive had some "interesting" (read cr*p service) from dealers on a famous web-site doing New and used cars. Pre-phoning to book agreed road tests has had the car in the body shop or "its in the showroom - you can have a drive if you are happy with the price and paperwork".......Perhaps I was lucky with the last one (for the wife ) where I was allowed, solo, to have it for the afternoon - "bring it back when you are ready sir".
Am under domestic pressure to go 4 (5) door.
Have shortlisted :- A3 3.2, Subaru Legacy 3.0, Imprezza Estate, EVO 8, A4 + big engine etc etc.
Any recommendations out there please ? I want to stay 4 wheel drive, but not Chelsea Tractor. Thanks, James.
Along the years it has had 2 cambelt changes ( and all the other bits necessary to make this a proper investment ), Mark Halligan IC mod ( look it up ) silicone hoses, rear callipers, coil pack and POS replacements, new U/Js and seals, after-run pump, N75s, 710Ns and is running as well as ever on NGK Iridiums ( I documented running copper plugs ). Remote central locking will not work on drivers door and aux instrument lights keep going out. I have imported parts from the US ( at some expense ) to keep it on the road, but more and more bits are becoming NLA, ( again sadly ). But I still love driving it.
What to replace it with?
Since the bad news Ive had some "interesting" (read cr*p service) from dealers on a famous web-site doing New and used cars. Pre-phoning to book agreed road tests has had the car in the body shop or "its in the showroom - you can have a drive if you are happy with the price and paperwork".......Perhaps I was lucky with the last one (for the wife ) where I was allowed, solo, to have it for the afternoon - "bring it back when you are ready sir".
Am under domestic pressure to go 4 (5) door.
Have shortlisted :- A3 3.2, Subaru Legacy 3.0, Imprezza Estate, EVO 8, A4 + big engine etc etc.
Any recommendations out there please ? I want to stay 4 wheel drive, but not Chelsea Tractor. Thanks, James.
but then, the subframe is shot anyway. Trouble is little things like the rear bumper are different, not much of the interior (from the B pillar back) is any good 
for about £50 a month more than the RS6. Its shocking what the fuel cost saving is over the old cars. Looking to replace the '6 in April now 
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