Rs2 as a daily drive

[tom1]

Do any of you use them as your daily? How do you find them?

[alastairg]

Yes, great but what do you really want to know ?

[tom1]

Sorry, bit of a naff question! Just things like reliability, things to watch out for, what good proventitive maintainance is required, i intend to use mine daliy but would like to keep on top of it and keep it a good example.

[alastairg]

Reliable yes

You need to look at all the threads re common issues which are worth sorting and/or checking done by previous owner. Best advice is to keep an eye for a forum members car to come up here and over at S2 forum. At the moment good cars are thin on the ground.

Only additional advice is to ignore audi oil change interval and go to 6 months/6K.

If you want more detail pm your contact details

[scillyisles]

I have had mine since new and overall it has beena very reliable car.
Things to watch are :
- brakes/discs - they corrode easily and are kept in much better condition if you use the car regularly. So daily use is good for them Replacements are very expensive.
- Handbrake is a weak point and could cause the car to fail MOT. Components can be overhauled/replaced to improve but handbrake is never going to be as good as other cars.
- Air conditioning leaks of refrigerant normally occur at the union of the air con pipe just behind the turbo. Replacement of pipe and regassing are the cure.
- Lower door sill trims corrode internally where the clips attach to the door. Signs are little bulges in the door trim. Replacements can be ontained from VAGparts.
- Napa leather seats need cleaning and conditioning every 6 months. The napa leather used in the RS2 was quite soft and will crack and age badly unless you do this. Replacements are difficult/impossible to find.
- RS2 needs good quality oil - I have used Mobil 1 in mine since new and currently use the 15W-50W Mobil 1. Others use 10W -60W oil from other manufacturers. I have a yearly oil change irrespective of mileage.
- Tyres - make sure if you are on OEM wheels that you are running 225/45ZR17 tyres approved for fitment on 7" rims. Not all are. I have found 225/45ZR17 Pirelli Nero 94Y tyres to be excellent for the car.
- Suspension. If your car has not had the suspension renewed. I did mine a couple of years ago fitting new shocks, higher rated top mounts and new rear suspension. Brought the car bak to original spec and made it handle like new. Top mounts in particular are a common problem on these cars.

[tom1]

Thanks for the replies, My mach friend who looks after my cars (Pete Berry) has made a list and is sorting the car, will let you know how it goes.

Tom