Even a cult car like the Audi A2!
Almost unnoticed, the EU decided last year that the legal warranty period on used cars has been increased to one year. De Bovag has responded by also extending its warranty period from six to twelve months. However, the minimum used car price of €4,500 has been abolished: there are cheaper cars with a Bovag warranty and more expensive ones without, because the providers can now decide that themselves. Our search this week is simple: a cheap used car with a warranty.
This quest is actually not that strange: everything is becoming more expensive, especially driving. It is therefore easy to understand that many consumers use search criteria such as price and warranty – and therefore do not primarily look at brand or model. We will do the same this time, ignoring occasions that have already appeared in these columns. Moreover, we choose from our database for different segments and from different providers.
Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic – 2004 – 251,611 kilometers – €1,299
We are somewhat surprised when this Fiat Panda is the first to emerge. Because with an asking price of only 1,299 euros, it is only slightly above the thousand euro limit that the four-wheelers from our Barrel Brigade cost. Those were indeed barrels, but see the images of this blue Smurf: a neat-looking cart, both on the outside and on the inside.
With Bovag guarantee, according to the advertisement. We say: an ideal starter car! It is lightweight, so economical on fuel and road tax. That low weight also ensures that the 60 hp 1.2 can keep up with other traffic. You probably shouldn’t want to go much faster, because this likeable Italian already scored well in the field of safety features about 20 years ago. Fortunately, the first owner (of a total of three – not too bad considering his age) opted for ESP as an option. Nevertheless, the 82-NZ-ZG does not invite you to drive too smoothly. The fairly high and angular carriage tends to lean on one ear in faster bends. Why Fiat stuck ‘Dynamic’ on this version at the time is a mystery to us. No, the Panda mainly scores points with its easy entry, relatively much space in the front and back (the seat is a bit high on the fairly flat seats), simple operation (five-speed gearbox on a peninsula, power steering with special City button for ultra-light acceleration). and parking), cheerful looks and functionality.
Not only can the luggage space be increased to 860 liters, but it can also tow 800 kilos when braked, while you can put 50 kilos on the existing roof rails. You still see this Panda II driving a lot, so parts shouldn’t be a problem. All in all, a used car blessed with a Bovag guarantee that does not cost much and does not seem to be a difficult car in practice.
Signaling
Brand Fiat
Type Panda 1.2 Dynamic
Construction year April 2004
Mileage 251,611
Asking price €1,299
Where to buy? LD-Low budget cars, Heesch
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,242 cc
Max. assets 44 kW/60 hp at 5,000 rpm
Max. couple 102 Nm at 2,500 rpm
Luggage compartment 206 l/860 l
Max. trailer braked 800 kilos
Avg. consumption 1:20.0
0-100 km/h 14.0 sec
Top speed 155 km/h
Audi A2 1.4 – 2000 – 232,578 kilometers – €1,648
Once again we were surprised: we did not immediately expect to find an Audi A2 in the used car cellar. This German is liked by enthusiasts as a cult, but apparently not every A2 has been granted that fate. Like this Audi A2; the entry-level model from the first year of construction. Low air resistance and low weight – to reduce emissions and fuel consumption – was the story behind the most compact Audi at the time. A flowing design with a truncated rear and an aluminum body indeed resulted in good consumption figures, but the public did not like the model. At least as expensive as the conventional and larger A3 in terms of dimensions, see if you can buy it or sell it. After six years and more than 175,000 units, it was over for the A2. So it’s quite rare to drive one! And relatively spacious, because in terms of interior space it was in no way inferior to its slightly larger brother. In addition, the seat is a bit higher – very popular these days. In addition, it is an Audi, so the build quality is beyond dispute.
Over the past 23 years, five owners have driven more than 230,000 kilometers with the red 81-GH-PV – a lower annual mileage than the Panda. The car is also more spacious, more comfortable, stronger, more luxurious (including air conditioning), safer (more airbags, traction control) and less economical than the Italian. Logical, because the A2 operates at least one class higher. And it is also an Audi when it comes to maintenance: very expensive. Moreover, with its aluminum body, you better not get into a collision. Finally, you shouldn’t be afraid of stares, because the A2 still looks as if it is ahead of its time. Also notable: the advertisement mentions both the Bovag and AutoTrust guarantees. A visit to the port city should provide clarity on this.
Signaling
Brand Audi
Type A2 1.4
Construction year November 2000
Mileage 232,578
Asking price €1,648
Where to buy? Blokland garage, Rotterdam
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,390 cc
Max. assets 55 kW/75 hp at 5,000 rpm
Max. couple 126 Nm at 3,800 rpm
Luggage compartment 390 l/1,140 l
Max. trailer braked 1,000 kilos
Avg. consumption 1:16.9
0-100 km/h 12.3 sec
Top speed 173 km/h
Peugeot 207 1.4-16V Cool ‘n Blue – 2008 – 139,572 kilometers – €1,885
Then it gets a bit difficult. We see plenty of advertisements, but many of them are from the Panda provider, they concern cars from the same segments as those above, they are used cars intended for trade/export or they are trade-ins with defects. Scrolling down we finally arrive at this Peugeot 207. At first glance an attractive option: clearly younger than the other two and with much fewer kilometers, driven together by three owners. But the Frenchman is also not armpit fresh, although this is not a technical/mechanical defect, but an optical shortcoming. The blue paint is coming off, and not just a little. Look at that roof!
The tailgate is also affected. Anyone who doesn’t care about that should get their hands on a good cart. No VTI engine in the front yet, but the proven TU machine that received a fresh timing belt 31,000 kilometers ago. So it will continue to strum for a while, but you shouldn’t be in a hurry. Completely empty, this 207 already weighs 1,123 kilos and 73 hp is really on the meager side – especially when the cabin and trunk are filled with four or five people plus luggage. The engine always has to work, with the greatest thirst of our trio as a ‘reward’. Then the positives. The nice thing about a more modern used car is the more extensive safety and luxury equipment. From cruise control to curtain airbags, the 18-GRF-9 has it all on board.
Apart from the peeling, even absent paint, the photos show a neat exterior and interior. The multi-colored seats look sporty and are French-comfortable, as do the white clocks with chrome rims and red needles. The designers designed the interior with care, because the materials used are also absolutely fine. This used car also comes with a Bovag warranty.
Signaling
Brand Peugeot
Type 207 1.4-16V Cool ‘n Blue
Construction year August 2008
Mileage 139,572
Asking price €1,885
Where to buy? Autobedrijf Zieleman, Nieuwleusen
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,360 cc
Max. assets 53 kW/73 hp at 5,400 rpm
Max. couple 118 Nm at 3,300 rpm
Luggage compartment 270 l/1,195 l
Max. trailer braked 950 kilos
Avg. consumption 1:15.9
0-100 km/h 14.5 sec
Top speed 170 km/h
Which of these cheap, but guaranteed used cars suits you?
In summary: of these three, the Fiat Panda is the cheapest to run, but outdated in terms of safety. With the Audi A2 you get a driving statement, but at the highest operating costs. And for reasons other than the Panda, you shouldn’t want to curl it around a tree. The 207 is the most modern on several fronts, but the engine is poor and the paint is even absent here and there. However, this trio sells for rock-bottom prices – with a guarantee. What would you choose?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl