A3 3.2 Buy/not buy?

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Hi there

I went and checked out a very clean 2004 A3 V6 yesterday after arming myself with some general problems.

I asked the owner about the hesitation issue at 2k rpm, and he showed me that it does have it which begs the question why the software hasn't been updated. My worry is that it could be timing chain stretch and not just software.

Is there anything I could do to ensure I won't be landed with a timing chain replacement bill soon after buying it?
 
Dont buy it, save your money........................ i might know someone who is selling their 3.2 next month, that will of had the chains done and many many other parts replaced.:whistle2:
 
Are there any other symptoms that would indicate the chain could be playing up? It's got 80k or so miles.

If it hasn't been changed is there a good chance it could go in future even if nothing appears wrong now?
 
Were the chains noisy?
Its pot luck really mate, I'm changing my chains as the cars in bits any way.
There a folk on here that have had the software update and still have the hesitation at 2000rpm.
Scan it with VCDS and you can check certain values in certain blocks and it can apparently give an indication.
 
autolatry said:
Were the chains noisy?
Its pot luck really mate, I'm changing my chains as the cars in bits any way.
There a folk on here that have had the software update and still have the hesitation at 2000rpm.
Scan it with VCDS and you can check certain values in certain blocks and it can apparently give an indication.
Click to expand...

I didn't notice anything but then I can't say I would know what sound to listen for.

How much does it cost to get hold of VCDS?
 
If you pm NHN (forum member) he will sort you with a price.
He sells the genuine gear. I got mine off him.

dont be tempted by the knock off ebay ones.
 
I have an OBDII bluetooth adapter... would anything show on that?

I'd rather not spend lots on diagnostic gear for a car I might not buy.
 
I doubt you would be able to access the correct blocks but I'm sure someone with more knowledge will be along to confirm.

End of the day mate if you like the car, spend a couple of quid on an rac inspection.
Believe me they arnt cheap to repair and most mechanics sh•t themselves when you try book it in for any major repair.
Having said that chances are you won't have any problems with it. If it does knacker, buy mine for spare parts :)
 
I think it's measuring blocks 208 & 209 for the chains if I remember correctly ,autolatry will do your chains he loves it and has spent many hours on it lol.
 
Chillout said:
I think it's measuring blocks 208 & 209 for the chains if I remember correctly ,autolatry will do your chains he loves it and has spent many hours on it lol.
Click to expand...

Lmao. I don't ever want to see one of my cars in this condition again. I hate it .
What sort of idiot would make working on it so difficult. Crap engine design, crap timing chain design, crap car. Crap ****** crap.

Having said that you should still buy one lol.
 
I'm willing to spend money on RAC inspection or even Just Mots (they recently started doing it) but at the same time that doesn't seem to be any guarantee that the timing chains won't cause problems.

Also I'm a little concerned that the seller knew about the issue but hasn't got the software update done.
 
He may not know there is an update. I only know due to that wonderful font of knowledge on audisport.net
and if you ask most audi dealers they will deny there is an update
 
I asked him about the issue and he showed me it mentioning it was only a software update (as I found out by research) and that he hadn't bothered as it doesn't cause him much of an issue.

I just thought surely if there's an issue with your car you'd attempt to get it fixed :/

So how does one actually get the update done? Do only Audi have access to the software?
 
Sounds like your instinct is telling you to leave this one.

Only Audi have the software to update.

It will cost you around £1500 upwards to have the chains replaced, factor that into any offer you mite make him. Keep in mind they arnt the easiest car to sell returning 15-20mpg and what not. Make a tounge in cheek offer and see where it goes.
 
Yeah. Hmm - resell is a good point... I'm not sure if I'll even be in the same country come the middle of next year so ease of resale is an important point.

It did seem like a great car other than this potential worry though :/
 
Resale value? Are you buying it to sell on or enjoy? Never quite understood this logic of resale, I was refused a mortgage once on a flat near enough above a pub, the reason was because nobody would want to buy it, errr Hello, I want to buy it.
There's a risk in buying any car, checked our not.
That said, I hope you find yourself a good one
 
Expand2 said:
I asked him about the issue and he showed me it mentioning it was only a software update (as I found out by research) and that he hadn't bothered as it doesn't cause him much of an issue.

I just thought surely if there's an issue with your car you'd attempt to get it fixed :/

So how does one actually get the update done? Do only Audi have access to the software?
Click to expand...

If the sellar is confident it's only an update get them to have it done mine only cost £90
 
Kaibo said:
Resale value? Are you buying it to sell on or enjoy? Never quite understood this logic of resale, I was refused a mortgage once on a flat near enough above a pub, the reason was because nobody would want to buy it, errr Hello, I want to buy it.
There's a risk in buying any car, checked our not.
That said, I hope you find yourself a good one
Click to expand...
No, not value... time. I just had the experience of needing to sell a rather unique car in a short space of time and ended up letting it go for a lot less than I'd hoped but I'm sure if I had the time to wait the right buyer would have come along.
 
Kaibo said:
Ok so you're after a car you can sell quickly? Don't buy a 3.2 : )
Click to expand...
How long does it normally take to sell? :p

Thing is... a lot of performance cars take some time to sell :-/
 
How long is a piece of string? It's supply and demand, the supply is there, we just need more demand, I don't think it's a whim buy, like me, I went looking for one. If it's really what you want then take your time and be happy with your purchase.
 
i get 22 to 33 mpg in mine

as for selling depends on the spec of your car i sold mine in a week and was getting calls ever day, i ended up buying it back so the you could say the guy sold it in a day ha ha

great cars but if he has hesitation make a cheeky offer and if he sells it get the chains done with your change i just love the v6
 
We nearly bought a TT 3.2 on Wednesday until my local Audi garage told me about the timing chains. 20 hours labour means we look at a TT 225 instead!!

Peter
 
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