Buying an RS3 privately

[Djl]

I was recently in the process of buying an Audi approved used PFL RS3. The car went through Audi’s million point check and came out fine. Called up this weekend to arrange collection but they told me that once they’d got it into the body shop, they found that the paint was full of filler, implying it had been in an accident. They therefore couldn’t continue with the sale and I’m now left searching again!

I’ve found a car with the spec I’m looking for being sold by a private seller on eBay. The car was bought at auction (black horse finance repossession) with the intention to sell on for profit. How risky is it to buy a car like the RS3 from a private seller? Obviously if it turns out something was wrong with the car I’d have nobody to go back to. Is there any way to get the car looked over by a knowledgable mechanic before purchase? I assume RAC/AA pre purchase inspections may not be suitable for performance cars? What things in particular would you check for before buying?

 

[wab172uk]

HPI Check is the first thing to do.

If the seller is genuine, then he won't mind if you arrange for the car to be inspected by Audi (at your cost). That way they can fully check the car out on the ramps, and also plug it into the ECU.

 

[Paulbean]

A company called DEKRA (who AA/RAC use) can do an inspection report on a performance car. I used them a while back on an imported Impreza STi and they were very thorough. Cost about £250.

 

[Gnasher]

Never had one myself but there's always the option of an aftermarket warranty (assuming the car's old enough to be out of manufacturers warranty).

Also, I don't know whether some of the places that offer a used car inspection also offer a warranty (on the car, not their inspection, although there would no doubt be some crossover).

 

[AudiNutta]

Never had one myself but there's always the option of an aftermarket warranty (assuming the car's old enough to be out of manufacturers warranty).

Also, I don't know whether some of the places that offer a used car inspection also offer a warranty (on the car, not their inspection, although there would no doubt be some crossover).

You can buy an Audi Extended warranty, whether it’s expired or not! Well over a grand for a 12 month, but worth it if it went bang.

 

[Terminator x]

Audi cover may not have run out, worth a check with seller via a phone call.

TX.

 

[Toshers]

As above. You used to be able to transfer it from owner to owner.

 

[AudiNutta]

As above. You used to be able to transfer it from owner to owner.

You can, it stays with the car for its first 3 years regardless of owners. Any approved car regardless of age gets 1 year warranty from date of purchase, if you have 6 months of the factory warranty left when purchased, you’d get 6 months additional from the car being approved.

But we have a 2010 A4 on the Audi Extended warranty scheme, it’s cheaper if you keep it going I think from the factory 3 year but you can buy one at any time.

 

[nathanhenry]

I was recently in the process of buying an Audi approved used PFL RS3. The car went through Audi’s million point check and came out fine. Called up this weekend to arrange collection but they told me that once they’d got it into the body shop, they found that the paint was full of filler, implying it had been in an accident. They therefore couldn’t continue with the sale and I’m now left searching again!

I’ve found a car with the spec I’m looking for being sold by a private seller on eBay. The car was bought at auction (black horse finance repossession) with the intention to sell on for profit. How risky is it to buy a car like the RS3 from a private seller? Obviously if it turns out something was wrong with the car I’d have nobody to go back to. Is there any way to get the car looked over by a knowledgable mechanic before purchase? I assume RAC/AA pre purchase inspections may not be suitable for performance cars? What things in particular would you check for before buying?
You can, it stays with the car for its first 3 years regardless of owners. Any approved car regardless of age gets 1 year warranty from date of purchase, if you have 6 months of the factory warranty left when purchased, you’d get 6 months additional from the car being approved.
https://alzaabiautocare.com/blogs/the-ultimate-pre-purchase-inspection-checklist-for-usedcars/
But we have a 2010 A4 on the Audi Extended warranty scheme, it’s cheaper if you keep it going I think from the factory 3 year but you can buy one at any time.

I was entertaining the idea of trading in my B9 A4 and getting a used 2017-2018 RS3 for daily purposes. My intent was not to go higher than stage 1 91 with midpipes since it'll be for daily driving. Assuming the car was in great condition, never abused, and had a clean carfax report, do you think it would still be risky to get an rs3 with 40k+ miles? Are there any major repairs to consider on higher mileaged RS3s (40k-100k miles)? I'm aware of the water pump issue, but wasn't sure if there were anything else to pay attention to (front struts, etc.)? How expensive is maintenance (changing brakes, tires, etc.?) I know prices are still inflated for used cars especially RS3s, but I'm also getting more of a positive return on my B9 A4 so I'm thinking about making the move. Any insights or opinions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[8YARWY]

I was entertaining the idea of trading in my B9 A4 and getting a used 2017-2018 RS3 for daily purposes. My intent was not to go higher than stage 1 91 with midpipes since it'll be for daily driving. Assuming the car was in great condition, never abused, and had a clean carfax report, do you think it would still be risky to get an rs3 with 40k+ miles? Are there any major repairs to consider on higher mileaged RS3s (40k-100k miles)? I'm aware of the water pump issue, but wasn't sure if there were anything else to pay attention to (front struts, etc.)? How expensive is maintenance (changing brakes, tires, etc.?) I know prices are still inflated for used cars especially RS3s, but I'm also getting more of a positive return on my B9 A4 so I'm thinking about making the move. Any insights or opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Would not touch a 17-18 RS3 now with a barge pole. You’ll be hard pressed to find an abused example.
Too many ran on shoe string budgets by ten bob millionaires I’m afraid.

 

[flybynite]

You’ll be hard pressed to find an abused example.

You mean UN-abused example

Quite agree, I think if you bought one now you would have to figure in significant engine and transmission work at some point. Even if you went over it with a fine tooth comb I can still think of a few ways it could still catch you out.

Trouble is I think there is already enough damage done even with a full Audi service history given long life engine oil and forever gear oils.

 

[8YARWY]

You mean UN-abused example

Quite agree, I think if you bought one now you would have to figure in significant engine and transmission work at some point. Even if you went over it with a fine tooth comb I can still think of a few ways it could still catch you out.

Trouble is I think there is already enough damage done even with a full Audi service history given long life engine oil and forever gear oils.

Yup and that nightmare I reckon.
See them all the time up for sale on FUD Book, you just know it’s a time bomb.