AUDI COUPE 2.0 16V 3dr (1992)

Bit thirsty, otherwise low costs, NO repairs

I think this is a bit of a forgotten classic, maybe cos it's a three door. I know the first generation Audi Coupe is becoming a bit of a hit with boy racers refitting it (or at least it is in our area, I've seen two or three of them). But the second gen one that I've got I don't see much of at all anymore.

I can't imagine that's because they've all fallen to pieces, cos I've had mine for six years and it hasn't so much as need a rust patch sealing. It's got a bit of rust but it's so minor it hardly notices. Always flies through its MoT. I keep it properly maintained and do all the fluids and filters myself more regularly than the service schedule.

One thing I can tell you for nothing - don't go within a mile of an Audi dealer. They're all smiles but they can't even get hold of the parts let alone remember how to repair something as ancient as 15 years ago. It's like car dealers work in some sort of time bubble where only brand new stuff gets any attention.

Anyway I got a tip from a mate about a local specialist who knew all about Audi Coupes, got under the hood and sorted out the only problem it's ever had (little electrical thing with the indicator).

I've been advised to get the cam belt tensioner changed sooner or later, sounds like the kind of early repair that I usually go for, and I want to keep this car running nicely.

In terms of practicality the Audi Coupe is a bit limited on account of the three doors, and it's a bit of a pig sorting out our little girl back there sometimes. The boot is fine though, decent size for the buggy and shopping, that sort of load. We've got a roof box for trips away.

The only other problem is that it's tricky to get into gear sometimes when the temperature drops. It's getting back just this sort of time of year, then eases up around March. That's only when it's first started up mind.