Tips and hints wanted on possible purchase.

[npgfunky]

I am currently thinking of buying an 06 plate A3, 2.0 TDI sport (170bhp) or an 06 plate A3 3.2 Quattro. I have just had my current car written off by my insurance company because of storm damage (flood) and am swaying towards an Audi.

Any tips or hints on what too look or possible known problems would be gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mjr901]

3.2 = camchain stretch

2.0 TDI = turbo whine, injector problems and starter motor when hot problems.

 

[npgfunky]

3.2 = camchain stretch

2.0 TDI = turbo whine, injector problems and starter motor when hot problems.

Is the injector problem an expensive fix? Sorry I am totally non mechanical. Just like to drive the car.

 

[grr666]

Spec is everything on used Audis in my opinion.
Look for one with as many factory options as possible.

 

[mjr901]

Is the injector problem an expensive fix? Sorry I am totally non mechanical. Just like to drive the car.

Injectors can be yes, there was a recall out, not sure if it was just the 140TDI's or if it affected the 170's too.

You'll know if one is ******** as it will run really rough on idle.

The A3 3.2 is a nice car, but if I'm completely honest, the VW R32 is the better option here (same engine, same chassis - different body), often spec'd better and it looks better with the bodykit etc and can be cheaper.

Early ones have the cheaper tax bracket, later ones, you'll be paying £400 odd quid.

 

[npgfunky]

Injectors can be yes, there was a recall out, not sure if it was just the 140TDI's or if it affected the 170's too.

You'll know if one is ******** as it will run really rough on idle.

The A3 3.2 is a nice car, but if I'm completely honest, the VW R32 is the better option here (same engine, same chassis - different body), often spec'd better and it looks better with the bodykit etc and can be cheaper.

Early ones have the cheaper tax bracket, later ones, you'll be paying £400 odd quid.

I hate VW's, yeah I know they are an Audi in disguise but I just can't bring myself to have one.
The tax will be the same as what I have paid on the write off £475, so that won't be a shock. Is there a way of checking if the 2.0tdi has been recalled? Service book, as it has full Audi service history.

 

[mjr901]

I hate VW's, yeah I know they are an Audi in disguise but I just can't bring myself to have one.
The tax will be the same as what I have paid on the write off £475, so that won't be a shock. Is there a way of checking if the 2.0tdi has been recalled? Service book, as it has full Audi service history.

Easiest way i should think is to ring the dealer and see if there are any outstanding recalls. If not, They've been done.

 

[npgfunky]

Easiest way i should think is to ring the dealer and see if there are any outstanding recalls. If not, They've been done.

I'll give Audi a call tomorrow morning to check before I make any decision, although I would assume they would have to change them if it hadn't been done under a recall anyway.

 

[mjr901]

I'll give Audi a call tomorrow morning to check before I make any decision, although I would assume they would have to change them if it hadn't been done under a recall anyway.

Yes, although change isn't always good, there have been quite a few people who undertook this recall work and resulted in rough idle.

Example : http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...ngine-sounding-rough-after-injector-swap.html

And it was the 170's with the injector problems!

 

[max69vk]

Yep 170's have the injector recall, it's fully covered by Audi UK, you can also call them to check whether its already been done or not.

That's my experience above on the link, I should really update it a bit more as the original dealer were cowboys & the 2nd dealer have been nothing short of ****** fantastic.