Advice on Buying an A3 TFSI S-line DSG

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KPH

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Hey all

Just joined here as I'm in the market for an Audi A3. I've never own an Audi but I know I want one for my next car!


With my budget I can get a fairly high mileage (115k) 2005 55 Plate that I've seen in a gorgeous (i think) Lava Grey. It has FSH up to 97k and the last service was done by an independant. Cambelt was changed at 75K and it looks to be in great shape in all other aspects.

I'm going to give it a test drive on Saturday but was wondering if any of you expert owners out there could give any advice on what to check, look or listen for when I view it?

thanks
Kev
 
The worry with a high mileage one is you have two very expensive components to go pop, the turbo and the DSG box.

In terms of the turbo you want to see regular oil changes, most will be on AVS servicing so will have oil changes every 15k or so, if you find one with oil changes every 10k all the better. It could pop anytime though and throw up a bill nearing the best part of a grand.

The DSG box should have oil changes every 45k, so check that too. Again if the mechatronic goes you're looking at a big bill.

What is your budget out of interest? If you're really stretching to get a high mileage 2.0TFSI make sure you've got enough held back to cover repairs.

Don't discount the A4 too, you seem to get a better example with more kit for the same money compared with the A3, no idea why.
 
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If it's on 115k and had a cambelt done at 75k then its due again in less than 10k which if done by audi is a nice £400+ after vat and labour. As N8 said, save your pennies and get a lower mileage one. It's not worth spending your money on any car just to have one (Audi/A3).

Save your money, get a better example and let your Audi ownership experience be a good one, and not full of nightmare's from the start.
 
Thanks for your replies guys all very interesting to read.

@N8 - So basically spend ishloads more (as always)

@Minstadave - I think it's a worry buying any car full stop regardless of high mileage most of the time lol!. But the points you raise are good to know - So you think even if the car has evidence of the DSG oil being replaced every 40k and the engine oil being replaced every 10k benefitting the Turbo it would not be worth a punt? Just seems a shame that a car that a beautiful car should be avoided for the numbers on the clock alone. Kinda like sending a horse to the glue factory :huh:

BTW my budget has a bit extra in it but was hoping to get RNSe and a couple other little bits.

@JoeD - that doesnt worry me so much, it'll take me well over a year to clock up 10K so I could allow for that :cool:

@Ads - Yep thats the one mate. (BTW your full postcode in on that link...) your not far from me at all :thumbsup:
 
(Odd I replied to this already but it seems to have got lost in the depths of cyberspace!)
Thanks for the replies and info guys! plenty to think about then!

That is the one Ads - btw your full addy is on that link, you might want to revise letting everyone know where you live.

I do wonder though - if all the servicing, oil changes and DSG oil have been done on time - each time is this still not worth a punt at all?

Thanks again :thumbsup:
 
KPH said:
I do wonder though - if all the servicing, oil changes and DSG oil have been done on time - each time is this still not worth a punt at all?

Thanks again :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't go for one with such high mileage. Even if all the servicing etc has been carried out there will still be parts which are worn.
Also, selling it on is going to be a nightmare.
I'd wait for a bit until you have the extra cash to get something with about half that mileage to be honest.
 
Ads (formerly aythree) said:
I wouldn't go for one with such high mileage. Even if all the servicing etc has been carried out there will still be parts which are worn.
Also, selling it on is going to be a nightmare.
I'd wait for a bit until you have the extra cash to get something with about half that mileage to be honest.
Click to expand...

Ok mate fair enough. My last car only had 30k on it so was a bit worried about the high number, but I was always under the impression these VAG engines could go to the moon and back before failing. Ahh well, back to the drawing board.

I have 6.5k top end right now, would another grand get me better results?

Cheers!
 
KPH said:
Ok mate fair enough. My last car only had 30k on it so was a bit worried about the high number, but I was always under the impression these VAG engines could go to the moon and back before failing. Ahh well, back to the drawing board.

I have 6.5k top end right now, would another grand get me better results?

Cheers!
Click to expand...

As jonny says really, the rest of the car would have also done all those miles.

To be honest, I reckon you'll be hard pushed to find a low to medium mileage, good condition 2.0T for £6.5k.
You'll need to add another £1.5-£2k to that to get a nice clean one IMO.
 
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