HELP! Buying Advice

[jonwilliams84]

Hi all,

First of all this is my first post, but I promise I have searched for the question I am about to ask before I write this!

I am about to buy a 2000 plate S3, on the face of it absolutely mint. Its in Black with 96,000 on the clock but serviced every 7000 - 10000 miles by an Audi Dealer (all but the last one @ 89,000). It has the Black Leather \ White Alcantara Upholstry, BOSE Stereo. It has had the Cam belt done.

By mint on the face of it, I mean there is not a scratch, and the alcantara looks like it has only covered 30,000 miles not 100,000! The 2 owners have really looked after it.

However, there are a couple of things I wanted to check with you guys before I went and handed over my hard-earned cash.

Firstly, On the straight if you plant it, the car accelerates smoothly and quickly with no dramas. I planted it on a corner of an island and the power cut out completely. It only happened once on the test drive, and we were out a good 30mins or so.

The guy said it only does it when there is under 1/4 tank of fuel in it, but have not had this on any others I have driven.

The only other minor faults / niggles I found were:

- Passenger window switch did not work. - thinking same as Golf Mk4 relay problem, few quid to fix?

- There was a light on the VDU displaying what looked like a brake sensor fault (Circle with 3 dashes around left and right)

I have made the guy an offer of £5750.

I have owned a Mk4 Golf GT TDi for the past three years and know my way around VAG Com. Is it the same procedure checking all electric systems for the S3?

What do you guys think? Am I doing the right thing?..bearing in mind, the bodywork on the car is better than my mates 07 A3, and it is the best I have seen and driven? (also it the most expensive one)

Any advice greatfully received!

Thanks,

Jon

 

[jojo]

The power cutting out sounds like the ESP kicking in mid corner, was anything flashing on the dash when it happened? My car doesn't have ESP, so it never cuts out, whatever the petrol level lol

Low brakes will be this symbol (O) on the DIS.

The price sounds high for a 2000 plate(guessing it's a feacelift model), but if you are willing to pay it, then it's a good deal either way.

Vagcom will be very similar, if not the same from your Golf to S3.

 

[jonwilliams84]

Didn't notice any lights on dash when it happened. Its not the facelift model either.

If it EPC, how much is that to sort?

I spoke to the guy again last night and he says he has only just had the brakes done and mentioned he has just had the wheels refurbed and the brake sensor was knocked at the time and the low brake symbol has been lit ever since.

Also it has 12 months TAX and MOT. But hasn't been serviced since May 07. (Only covererd 7000 since May 07)

Still an ok deal?

 

[Essflee]

How long did the car lose power for, don't think it'll have ESP, could be wrong though. If it was the ESP cutting the power then the owner should know that, telling you it's fuel tank related sounds dodgy... You could get a face lift for that price with that mileage, even if you have to push to 6k...depends what your situation is, if your in any doubt about the car then don't have it...another will come along...

 

[Autograph Baz]

It sounds like a fuel starvation problem, I have known the intank fuel pump's to go and it will cause the problem that you have stated. They are not to expensive to replace

 

[jonwilliams84]

Ok...Update:

The car lost power until I completely took my right foot off pedal. Planted it straight away again and it accellerated smoothly.

I have spoken to the seller again and have agreed that he will sort out the brakes warning problem. He is also going to get it Serviced before I pick it up (if I decide to go for it). However with this the price will be £6k.

Here's the ad

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/910547.htm

 

[ash_pearce]

just read the ad mate, I'd be put off by the fact he says 'I decided to have a total body overhall' and the 'with a brand new windscreen' could this be accident damage thats not being explained?

Be care full as its not the cheapest out there.

 

[Leon]

I've not heard of fuel starvation on modern fuel injection engines but I'm no expert tbh. All I can say is in 5 years ownership of my S3 I've never lost power, even with the fuel gauge hovering above the red. I would take it for an extended test drive to see if it re-occurs (with extra fuel if need be) and see if it re-occurs.

 

[jojo]

Well jon, I personally think you are paying TOP money for a non facelift car, but I've not personally seen the car, so can't comment on condition.
Your power problem could be related to the brake switch, did you left foot brake or heel toe into the corner by any chance? S3's have a habit of cutting power when both the brakes and accellerator are pressed at the same time... this is just a thought.
I would personally try and find a facelift car in your budget, infact, I would probably bite your arm off if you offered £5750 for my 56k mile pre facelift S3 lol, but it's not for sale.

 

[Westy]

Power loss sounds like ESP, mine does it all the time giving it beans into corners so I turn it off as soon as I get in the car. ESP is only cutting the power because it feels the wheels spinning abnormally. Not sure if ESP was on the 2000 model though so check if there is an ESP button on the dash board. I've not heard of fuel starvation on a standard fuel injected car either.

 

[jonwilliams84]

Guys, thats great! Thank you all for all your help!

I am going to have a serious think tonight. Gutted as the guy wont budge on price! and other than that it is mint. I think i agree though too much!

Out of interest - would you say £5k would be more of a better offer?

jojo - are you sure I cant twist that arm of yours! Ill give you 6k if it ticks the right boxes!!

Any way back on my quest - only looked at 8 so far!

Where art tho S3!?

 

[Leon]

Out of interest - would you say £5k would be more of a better offer?

In todays market its only worth £5k. However, its just been serviced, got new tyres, 12 months tax so that's a saving of a good £600. I like the black combo with alcantara and if its the one you really want go for it, but it is overpriced. £5,500 tops. But this power loss issue would concern me.

 

[S3-Oski]

Looks a nice car clean nice interior combo, alot of money spent on it, its worth what you are willing to pay for it, within reason,

As long as you are 110% on it, but you could wait 4 months looking at dozens more buy one and there will always be one more better cheaper cleaner one for sale, so you could wait for ever, but like said you have to make sure it everthing is good to go, as things can get expensive, a nice car though mate,

 

[jojo]

jojo - are you sure I cant twist that arm of yours! Ill give you 6k if it ticks the right boxes!!

I've thought about selling mine in the last 12 months due to lack of use if I'm being honest with you, I've only done 2500 miles in the last 12 months so it's officially a weekend car. Problem is, I've spent a small fortune on it, and there's nothing out there I fancy to replace it, so it's staying put, even for £6k.
Here's a pic for you to drool over though...

 

[S3-Oski]

I've thought about selling mine in the last 12 months due to lack of use if I'm being honest with you, I've only done 2500 miles in the last 12 months so it's officially a weekend car. Problem is, I've spent a small fortune on it, and there's nothing out there I fancy to replace it, so it's staying put, even for £6k.
Here's a pic for you to drool over though...

That looks very very nice, if you ever want to sell them wheels? i called first Oski

 

[jonwilliams84]

jojo - Nice car mate! Very nice indeed!

Are you sure you don't want a VW Golf GT TDi in Black, which has also had a small fortune spent on it!?

I am definately going to hold out for a face-lift model, with all the options I am after, otherwise I just know I wont be happy in the long run. I am planning to keep this car and know what a fussy ****** I am!

Thanks again for all your help! Will definately stay an active member even if I don't get an S3 for a while!

Take it easy

 

[Nilz]

Jojo = attention seeker...lol!!!

Jon, dont rush it mate, believe me, when it comes to cars, alot of people end up going with their heart rather than their head, so choose carefully, there are plenty of decent S3's to be had at a good price too.

Keep looking and good luck