A4 1.8T

Hi Pwald,

Turbos is a very hit and miss. Generally speaking the turbo on the 1.8T is a ko3 turbo which on that particular car is not under a lot of stress. The key factor is to start the car and listen out for any whistle noises. If all is clear take the vehicle for a ride and go onto boost which should be building anywhere from 2000 - 2500 rpm. Generally I try and get up to 3rd gear and just put my foot down and let the turbo spool up and see if there is any hesitation, noises, if the power delivery is smooth etc. If the car has been serviced correctly. And the previous owners have taking it easy when the turbo is cold and when driving the car for long periods of time let it idle for a min or 2. Having said that no owner will really own up to that. They will probably BS you and say "ye ye I always done that" blabla but the reality is you can generally tell if the guy is pulling your bluff or not as if you start asking questions about stuff that a sort of enthusiast should know you will easily know the wiser.

Otherwise turbos can go on for years and years with out any hassle. Again like most things proper maintenance then most of the time things will last.

Am I right in thinking the oil pick-up is a problem, and if it goes, the turbo will go with it?

Plus one with oil pick up....I would be more concerned about that as the 1.8t's have quite a reputation with that issue.

Cheers
A

The petrol 2.0 turbos also have oil pickup problems it seems. Most tdi turbos fall victim to the oil pump drive issue.

Ditto was has been suggested above......get one with bullet proof service history and, if possible, a previous owner that's looked after it.

Although the 1.8t is the base engine, with frequent oil changes and cool down periods the turbo should be ok. Just take your time finding one and make the most of the test drive too. Don't be rushed into buying.
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I have just bought an a3 with the 1.8T engine on a 59 plate after buying golf 2.0tdi and having nothing but issues with DPF and EM lights coming on. It's a cracker of an engine and I love it. Not that economical but then again it ain't a diesel.
Serviced every 6000 miles from new which I think is the key to these cars. Forget the audi long life crap and dump the oil every year regardless of mileage. That's what I'd did with my old golf mk4 GTis and they were bombproof

Mine was goosed on a car which was 4 years old and looking at a 2k bill for a new one. Subframe had to be dropped, exhaust off and on later cars the DPF is integral with manifold and egr valve assembly. Toss that, I got rid and bought a petrol. Never getting another diesel with my money. Lots of places that will do DPF delete but then puts MOT in question.