Audi Cabriolet Convertible (1997 - 1999) 1.8 2d Owner Review

We'd decided we were going to swap our A6 Allroad for an A5 convertible but was going to cost a fortune to swap even though going for the same year as the Allroad so decided on another strategy. After 6 months of looking at ones for sale "Alice" popped up for sale. 1998 1.8 in cactus green pearl with 70,000 miles. A straight original car in excellent condition; dealer demonstrator, first private owner then to his daughter. then us.All the original paperwork and keys etc with a folder of dealer then non dealer history and a catalogue of MOTs going back a decade. We wanted a completely standard car for the drier months and that is what is what we got. Cosmetically excellent save for the inevitable flaking alloys, the power hood was in excellent working order. No rips or tears in the cabin. If going to be picky there was and remains 2 pixels on the original radio display that have failed but since only listen to 2 channels it makes no difference. We wanted the 1.8 as didn't want the bigger fuel thirsty engines nor an auto box. This car makes us smile every time we drive her; yes there's a bit of scuttle shake but nothing like my late father's MK5 Crayford and I'm sure if we could be bothered, a crossbar across the bay may help. To be honest at 600 miles or so a year we don't think it's worth it. Alice has never failed to start or broken down ( touch wood); in an era of cosseted driving it's lovely to experience what it was like 2 decades ago; no air con etc, no remote locking and yes the little light in the key fob still works. To put it into context we subsequently swapped the Allroad for an A7 and whilst that is a superb piece of machinery it's Alice that makes us smile and really enjoy. Maintenance costs to date: changed the cam belt and water pump when got it to be completely safe; £225 A beautiful classic lined soft top.