Potential V6 Owner

[SMD91]

Hey guys.
The name's Sean, and I'm from the West Midlands.
I'm looking to take a massive step up from my current car (A Ford Fiesta Mk7 1.25)


I'm looking at getting a 3.2 V6 Quattro, preferably a manual as I have never used an auto before, and don't know if I'd like it.
Is there any advice you can give me in regards to common faults and things to be wary of when going to look at one please?
I have read bits about the timing chain becoming stretched, how do I check for that, or is it simply ask and hope they are telling the truth? Also, is it better to buy from a dealer than a private sales?
Thank you.
Sean.

 

[chris.vincent3]

Hi Sean, I don't own a 3.2 V6 but I've come across the timing chain being stretched, basically, the chain will sound pretty chatty as if the chain is loose and moving about, if you're looking at mileage over 70-80k I'd ask if it has been replaced before however some people haven't had a problem with them. It's the same engine as the VW R32 incase you didn't know, which you probably did.

As for better private or dealer, it isn't an easy question as a dealer will be more expensive however will offer a warranty but private will be cheaper but nothing to fall back on. If you can find a respectable dealer then I personally would go dealer.

 

[Chillout]

Fuel cost will pizz you off by comparison to your current car I expected it when I bought mine as I had an r32 but I under estimated it as I owned the r32 8 years ago when fuel was cheaper

timing chains can be an issue and its engine out to do it ,radiators can leak at the ends ,gearbox whine also the Haldex should be serviced at 40000 also check if the coil packs have been replaced under a recall if affected I would go to a dealer or get a local member to check and scan your purchase.

 

[SMD91]

Hi Sean, I don't own a 3.2 V6 but I've come across the timing chain being stretched, basically, the chain will sound pretty chatty as if the chain is loose and moving about, if you're looking at mileage over 70-80k I'd ask if it has been replaced before however some people haven't had a problem with them. It's the same engine as the VW R32 incase you didn't know, which you probably did.

As for better private or dealer, it isn't an easy question as a dealer will be more expensive however will offer a warranty but private will be cheaper but nothing to fall back on. If you can find a respectable dealer then I personally would go dealer.

Hi Chris, thank you for the reply.
I will keep an ear out for the loud chain, thanks.
Yes I did (not trying to sound like a smart *** I promise!), however, I prefer the looks, equipments and cheaper price of the a3 over the r32.
I'm stuck between getting a higher mileage car that has had the chain replaced already and then have other potential problems due to the car being used more, but save some money, or get a much lower mileage car and hope for the best regarding the timing chain.

 

[SMD91]

Fuel cost will pizz you off by comparison to your current car I expected it when I bought mine as I had an r32 but I under estimated it as I owned the r32 8 years ago when fuel was cheaper

timing chains can be an issue and its engine out to do it ,radiators can leak at the ends ,gearbox whine also the Haldex should be serviced at 40000 also check if the coil packs have been replaced under a recall if affected I would go to a dealer or get a local member to check and scan your purchase.

Thanks for the reply chillout.
Yeah it will, I can get 60+ mpg currently if I do a long motorway journey at 55-60mph. But I'm young, mpg isn't a worry to me just yet
Sorry for the newbness, but what is the Haldex? And what sort of price is it to be serviced?

 

[chris.vincent3]

Thanks for the reply chillout.
Yeah it will, I can get 60+ mpg currently if I do a long motorway journey at 55-60mph. But I'm young, mpg isn't a worry to me just yet
Sorry for the newbness, but what is the Haldex? And what sort of price is it to be serviced?

Haldex is the Quattro system, Audi Quattro is a part time four wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels when the Haldex scenes excessive acceleration or slip in a wheel, kicks in within 1/8th of a wheel turn.

Haldex in its most simplest form. Its just an oil and filter change, thinks its about £100ish? I could be wrong.

 

[SMD91]

Haldex is the Quattro system, Audi Quattro is a part time four wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels when the Haldex scenes excessive acceleration or slip in a wheel, kicks in within 1/8th of a wheel turn.

Haldex in its most simplest form. Its just an oil and filter change, thinks its about £100ish? I could be wrong.

Sounds good, thank you. Sorry, I meant how much was it to service the Haldex system?

 

[BradV6]

I got my 54 reg v6 checked at audi for the coils and they were fine but, i have the manual too and despite what people say about the DSG going wrong being common, mine had a brand new gearbox at 40k due to large metal parts found, nearly £3k replacement and just outside of warranty. Its nearly done 70k now and the clutch\gear change isn't great in lower gears but it works! They are thirsty but i can get 32mpg with careful driving!

Mines also had rear diff seals replaced in the past and rear shocks so those are taken care of. I bought it private and have not had any trouble to be honest as it seems to have been looked after. The chain on mine seems fine too can't hear any rattles.

If you get 06 or earlier its cheaper to tax too!

 

[SMD91]

I got my 54 reg v6 checked at audi for the coils and they were fine but, i have the manual too and despite what people say about the DSG going wrong being common, mine had a brand new gearbox at 40k due to large metal parts found, nearly £3k replacement and just outside of warranty. Its nearly done 70k now and the clutch\gear change isn't great in lower gears but it works! They are thirsty but i can get 32mpg with careful driving!

Mines also had rear diff seals replaced in the past and rear shocks so those are taken care of. I bought it private and have not had any trouble to be honest as it seems to have been looked after. The chain on mine seems fine too can't hear any rattles.

If you get 06 or earlier its cheaper to tax too!

Thanks for responding Brad.
Would you say the parts you've had replaced just a bit of bad luck or common occurences?
Yeah I've seen the price for tax, quite a big step up from £120 for the year!

 

[Chillout]

Thanks for responding Brad.
Would you say the parts you've had replaced just a bit of bad luck or common occurences?
Yeah I've seen the price for tax, quite a big step up from £120 for the year!

Mine is also manual and the gear changes in low gears can be a bit clunky and it has 38000 on it going to do an oil change and see how much metal is in it.

 

[screechmr2]

I've got the 3.2 with the dsg box and before you write it off you should try one out. You can have the box remapped to increase the launch control rpm and to remove the cars ability to change up a gear when in flappy paddle mode for extra control.

As you know with it being the same engine as the r32 some parts are interchangeable this includes the induction kits and manifolds/decats/sports cats.

Pre march 2006 is £270 a year tax.

 

[BradV6]

Thanks for responding Brad.
Would you say the parts you've had replaced just a bit of bad luck or common occurences?
Yeah I've seen the price for tax, quite a big step up from £120 for the year!

Well they were already done when I got it but appears to just be maintenance, back end is solid though and I do put the quattro through its paces a bit! Only thing I have now shelled out for in a year is front brake pads and A/C re-gas on top of normal servicing.

Mine is also manual and the gear changes in low gears can be a bit clunky and it has 38000 on it going to do an oil change and see how much metal is in it.

Its my biggest annoyance with the car if i'm honest but having owned VAG before they are all the same so I live with it.

I've got the 3.2 with the dsg box and before you write it off you should try one out. You can have the box remapped to increase the launch control rpm and to remove the cars ability to change up a gear when in flappy paddle mode for extra control.

As you know with it being the same engine as the r32 some parts are interchangeable this includes the induction kits and manifolds/decats/sports cats.

Pre march 2006 is £270 a year tax.

I do agree the DSG is good I've driven a 2013 Touareg 3.0 TDI and it really does make good use of the 8 gears without you noticing any changes.

6 months tax on my a3 is now £154.


Did I mention i love the sound of the V6? :thumbsup:

 

[SMD91]

Mine is also manual and the gear changes in low gears can be a bit clunky and it has 38000 on it going to do an oil change and see how much metal is in it.

How do you know when the gearbox needs replacing before it actually goes bang?

 

[SMD91]

I've got the 3.2 with the dsg box and before you write it off you should try one out. You can have the box remapped to increase the launch control rpm and to remove the cars ability to change up a gear when in flappy paddle mode for extra control.

As you know with it being the same engine as the r32 some parts are interchangeable this includes the induction kits and manifolds/decats/sports cats.

Pre march 2006 is £270 a year tax.

I will be test driving one as soon as possible, I just don't know if autos seem a bit stupid in town traffic and reverse parking, so any comments on that please?
Is it worth modifying the v6 though? Alot of threads I have read say don't bother, it's a waste of money unless going down the FI route?
£270 for the year I could live with year in year out

 

[SMD91]

Did I mention i love the sound of the V6? :thumbsup:

I have heard a few videos of them, I like how it sounds more refined than the r32, but definitely I'd be changing the exhaust.
Unfortunately I can no longer find the video on youtube of the exhaust system that I loved

 

[M12RJX]

Hi Chris, thank you for the reply.
I will keep an ear out for the loud chain, thanks.
Yes I did (not trying to sound like a smart *** I promise!), however, I prefer the looks, equipments and cheaper price of the a3 over the r32.
I'm stuck between getting a higher mileage car that has had the chain replaced already and then have other potential problems due to the car being used more, but save some money, or get a much lower mileage car and hope for the best regarding the timing chain.

sent u a pm mate about my 3.2 for sale think you may be intrested ! great spec for a car of its value

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