Buying a used car is a very exciting time - it’s an opportunity to try something new and to move on up in car ownership. If you’re looking at buying a used Audi A1, then you’ve made a good choice - this popular little car offers lots of features and specifications to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. The Audi A1 is ideal for those who are looking for an upmarket ride without the new luxury car price tag. If you’re looking for a used car there are a number of things that you need to be on the lookout for to ensure that the car you are buying is worth the price you pay and that you drive away in a vehicle that is fit-for-purpose. Take a look at the checklist of things to look out for when looking at a used Audi.
Why buy an Audi A1?
Audi is known for its luxury, stylish models that offer high-quality design and high performance. Having many models under their belts, they’ve continued to expand their product line with innovative and head-turning cars that have pushed the boundaries of vehicular manufacture. The Audi A1 is a testament to this - arguably one of their most popular models, it boasts a chic design with an upmarket interior, ideal for new drivers or someone looking for a sleek and snazzy vehicle to drive around town.
In a market that was saturated with expensive luxury, you really had to splash the cash in order to own something that was deemed ‘premium’ - but Audi saw an opportunity to plug the gap in the market by manufacturing a car that was smaller in size but didn’t compromise on quality and performance. Since the beginning, the A1 has seen multiple high-quality, reliable generations which is good news for those looking for a second-hand car - you’ll have plenty to choose from and then some!
What should I look for when buying a used Audi A1?
As with any used car, it’s important that you give the car you’re looking to buy a thorough inspection to make sure that everything looks how it should and that everything is in full working order. When buying a used Audi A1, we would recommend taking a look at the following:
Trim levels
For the current version of this vehicle, the Audi A1 comes with three different trim levels and each of which comes with its own specification and features (depending on the age of the vehicle, some of these features may not be available):
Sport: with 16” alloys, side front spoilers in matt black and rear parking sensors, the Sport edition A1 has everything you need for a stylish and comfortable ride. This is the most basic trim level and will cost you less.
S Line: the S Line includes everything on the Sport trim, but also includes privacy glass, an LED interior lighting pack and a Sport suspension. This trim level is ideal for those who are looking for something a little extra on their A1.
Black Edition: the Black Edition is the top-of-the-range trim level and in addition to features included in the Sport and S Line editions, it also includes a contrast roof in Mythos Black, exterior mirrors and side skirts in black and a flat-bottomed 3-spoke leather multifunction plus steering wheel. This edition is ideal for those who want all features of the A1 and are looking to turn heads.
For a used vehicle, you may also find trims such as Technik, SE, Competition and Vorsprung, each of which come with their own set of features. It’s important that you know which trim level the car you are looking at has, as this could be the difference in price and specification.
Alloys
One of the most important things to look out for on a used vehicle is the condition of the alloys. The A1 is typically seen around towns and cities, where streets are narrow and there’s a lot of on-street parking - this opens the doors for scuffed alloys that may need significant repairs. Imperfections like scratches and marks on the wheels should mean the car is a lower price, as the likelihood is you’d need to cover the cost of repairing them yourself - and that doesn’t come cheap.
Running costs
For those of you who prioritise fuel economy, looking at the running costs of your next car is vital. The Audi A1 has proven that no matter what engine type you decide on, the fuel efficiency is good and the running costs are low - for example, the petrol transmission allows you up to 50mpg of fuel economy.
When it comes to maintaining the Audi A1, service costs are certainly up there in the ‘premium’ category, but you’ll tend to find that customer service is of a high standard. You may also be able to get a service plan, which allows you to spread the higher costs of servicing over a number of months.
Drive
One of the most important things to test before you buy is how the car drives and handles. Test drives are crucial in the decision to buy a car, as you’re able to see how the car drives, how all of the features work (and if they work) and check and listen out for any issues. It is also wise to check the interior of the vehicle as well, to ensure there’s no damage or strange noises. When you’re out for a test drive, you’re likely to have one of the dealership team members in the car with you - this is the perfect opportunity to ask them any questions you may have. The A1 is said to have the perfect balance between comfort and fun, so it’s ideal for someone who enjoys driving or needs to commute to work often. Check the gearbox works smoothly and feels right, no matter the transmission.
Service history
Naturally over time, your car will be prone to wear and tear as they are driven and they get older. Whilst Audi has a reputation for being fairly reliable, the same can’t be said for all previous owners of the car. All cars need services to ensure that the car is in good working order and that any faults can be found and fixed to keep you safe on the road. Servicing is different from an MOT - MOTs are a legal requirement to ensure your car is roadworthy.
Whilst servicing your car isn’t a legal requirement, they prove that the car has been looked after and maintained - there are less likely to be issues with a car that has been serviced regularly than one that hasn’t. Yearly servicing also improves the longevity of the vehicle, by replacing oils and fluids and ensuring the condition of certain components, like the brake discs.
Look to Swansway Motor Group for a used Audi A1
The Audi A1 proves to be a good car, whether it’s new or used. If you do the thorough checks when you go to view the car and test drive it, you’ll rest assured that the car you have chosen was worth the money you paid for it. At Swansway, we have a range of new and used Audi vehicles available today to suit a wide range of requirements. Browse through our used Audi A1 vehicles or if you fancy treating yourself, take a look at the range of new Audi A1 vehicles we have available. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.