Newbie would like to opinions on a A3 3.2

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doctorvaltar

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Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site, just found it on the interent earlier. I'll be a brief as I can and would appreciate anyone's input.

My wife has a '99 A3 1.6 and is looking to upgrade to the new shape, we've looked at a few 2.0 and a 3.2 over the weekend. I have a few questions about the 3.2, the car is beautiful but it has a few problems.

1) When I drove it, it had the traction control warning light on, pressing the dash button made no difference, the air bag light was on and it had a misfire that happened from about 3000rpm upwards and was accompanied by a EPC light on the dash. The dealer said this was all down to a engine steam clean and he would sort it out, does this sound feasible

2) Also, the front bumper was sitting a bit proud either side of the front wings, I had a good look around and couldn't see any damage underneath but it looks like somthing has caused a bad fit on the front bumper, is this likely to be a big problem? Apart from this, body is in very good condition, just the front bumper gaps are a bit wrong.

3) It has some sort of body kit which I have seen on some other 3.2 s line cars but not all of them, this includes front splitter, side skirts and rear skirts, looks really good and not like a boy racer add on, anyone know if this was a factory option or not.

I really want to know if I should buy it or not (obviously after the misfire and air bag have been fixed) mileage is just over 100k but price is good.

Thanks

James


What do you think?
 
Sounds like it's been in a crash or been wrote off, have done a HPI check on it ?
 
it seems like there is history in this car .... please check everything and make sure the car is HPI clear othewise you may be bitten on the **** . if you do buy it make sure the light are not on when you complete the deal and any other descrecpancies you may have with it. but IMO it looks like it may of have a accident of some sort with a bad body repair and lights being on
 
The dealer did an HPI check whilst I was in his office, everything came up completely clear, and I certainly wouldn't hand over any money unless all the lights were off.

Am I right in thinking all the lights come on when you first turn the ignition on, just want to make sure dealer doesn't "fix" the fault by taking the warning bulbs out?

Is it worth getting a professional inspection done?
 
It'll be the votex kit that's fitted to the car, these were optional up to around 55 plate when the s-line exterior styling came out.
As for the other problems I doubt the steam clean caused the problems so it needs a little bit more diagnosis and definately needs a full scan IMO. The main thing to look out for is the dreaded timing chain stretching, listen out for a rattle down the gearbox side of the engine, this can also be checked with a scan but tbh you'd have to be a brave man to take on a 3.2 with that sort of mileage and the potential expenditure!
 
Mine used to get the traction control light coming on and it wouldnt go off. Car would also idle badly when this did happen. After a while turned off it would go away.

Weirdly it only ever did it engine braking in traffic..........

Never did sort that issue!
 
Panel gaps would bother me, may just be a case of someone has removed the bumper. Kit would be the Votex, not bad but some may be put off. Mileage is a personal thing, I bought a 75k mile 3.2 in November as long as it has a full service history it should be ok, yes there is a possibility of chain issues but I've heard of it on 50k cars too. AA or RAC inspection will cost loads, maybe try for 12 months warranty instead?! How much is it on for?
 
To be honest my chain went at 40k miles. If this one has got to 100k then its probably alright. do keep in mind that if it has a chain problem it will write it off effectively.
 
Remember not all accidents are recorded if they are privately repaired so wouldn't always show on a HPI. Mileage wouldnt bother me, as Paddy shows, chains can go at any. Just make sure you do thorough checks, these cars can be expensive when things go wrong! But on the flip side, brilliant too!
 
firstly the 3.2 is a peach of an engine i would love to own one ive driven a good few of them and was impressed with the smoothness of the power delivery that you would only get with a v6 not a turbo car and as said panel gaps could be down to something very simple or something much worse try and say to the dealer to get that sorted as well as the lights i know dealers are doing anything to make a sale at the mo i should know i work for one lol 100k on a petrol car isnt that bad as long as its all good service wise and the dreaded chain problem has been done
 
I'd not buy it if it had any of those issues or if i thought it was damaged as said. If the car had a bump and they have not claimined it wont bring anything up on the HPI. Go have a look at another 3.2 with less or none issues at all.
Doesnt sound like your too confident about it anyway. As Ju said its a votex body kit and you mostly seem them on the 3.2 and optional extra from factory :)
 
i have the votex rear on my car is this the bodykit you are on about
12122010051.jpg
 
Yes, it looks like that at the rear without the black inserts. It also has matching sideskirts and lower front spoiler. I really like them.

The price is 6k and I can get a 12 month AA warranty for £130.

Fact, I won't buy it if the warning lights are still on, but the dealer has said he will put it through the garage, service and MOT it and fix any faults if I want it. He'll give me my depoist back if he doens't fix the faults and will give me a good price for my wife's car.

Engine problems aside, the car is in mint condition apart from the front bumper, has full main dealer history and looks the part.
 
Here's a link so you can look for yourself.

You can't see the bumper gaps in the pictures, but I've just noticed there are no stickers on the front/slam panel under the bonnet. I presume there are supposed to be some and this means it may have been replaced and it isn's just a car park bump that has caused the bumper gaps.

2004 AUDI A3 3.2 V6 Quattro Sport
 
I would take your post code off that add if it is yours.
Other than that it looks very nice. Not particularly cheap.
 
it does look a nice car but they say its got 17" wheels when they are s-line 18's lol sorry had to point that out
 
Does look a nice car and spookily another member was looking at it last month as discussed HERE
 
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