Old Man Car is Sold! Collecting S3 Tomorrow

[MikhailCompo]

I've been looking to replace my dull, disappointing Mercedes C250 D for a while. Checked out a lovely A6 Avant with 280 PS, very well specked, but its on such an old frame it looks a bit dated inside. I used to do long drives to South but i dont expect any more of those, so........

I tested a lovely 'S3, Navara Blue, Tech pack +cockpit, with the aluminium instead of black pack (looks less thuggish). 67 plate 28k mileage, immaculate inside but i was totally sold on the performance. Every bit quick enough for me and UK roads i think. My C250 was powerful, but this S3 is a different planet.

I have some questions for you experts:

1) Is there anything i need to ensure i walk away with tomorrow? Obviously the books/service history, how many different books/docs should i expect for a 67 plate?
2) Satnav card (are these easy/cheap to upgrade?).
3) Spare wheel? Wheel nut tool? What other bits in the boot that I don't know about that I should ask for?

I am getting the car from a indy garage, not a dealer. The car is sold as 1 owner, but its been reg'd to the garage company own since March it seems, and has done a few hundred miles compared to the Autotrader mileage on advert.

4) Is there anything i can check to see it hasn't been totally ragged? I am not knowledgeable under the car/bonnet.

5) MOST IMPORTANT?? Which website should I use to check the car out, finance, What should I check to confirm i leaving with a legal/non-CAT S/C/D/N vehicle?

Any advice or guidance very much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[CanadaA3wales]

If its a Cat S it will be on the V5, it will show as previous damage or total loss

Its probably got higher miles as the owner or staff have been driving it.

Audi do not do physical service history, its online so you will need proof from the seller, if they say its got a dealer service, they need to provide evidence like a print out to show this is the case

Make sure you have smooth gear shifts

Make sure the turbo kicks in, you want to spread its legs a bit LOL

Make sure the AC works and no damage on the MMI and all the elects work fine.

There are lots of sites that show previous total losses, and they are usually 10.00 per search for TL and finance. The car may have finance on it from the dealer, mine did but thats normal,I would just make sure the finance is with the dealer and not a private person.

Check the crossmember to ensure its straight with no buckling as this will show the car has been in a accident.

Check the panels all line up and are straight as again this will show poor fitting if the car has been repaired. Previous accidents will never show up on any database unless the car was a TL.

check the boot floor and spare tyre area, make sure there are no creases as again will show the car has been hit in the rear.

Make sure there are no water leaks in the boot and check the back/bottom of the seats to ensure water has not gotten into the vehicle.

Go around the paint and make sure there are not tons of rock chips, and key marks around the handles.

If you have a reader you can check to see if anyone has attempted to clear any warnings that may come back after a while.

Make sure the fluids are clean and clear.

Any white/Blue or black smoke which looks unusal when you put the gas on, I would walk away. A little smoke is normal, you will know its not right if there is lots, especially when startiing.

Check the tyres are all matching and in good condition. Some of these guys put on very cheap tyres if one has worn out and they dont want to spend the money on good quality tyres.

Do not rush, if you need a hour or 2 with the car, make sure you take your time, if you feel rushed or pressured then they may have something to hide or dont care about you as a customer. You need to think of aftersales as well.

 

[A3_For_Me]

Check if its had the haldex serviced, should have been done around 20k . if it's not been done don't get it done through Audi as they just change the oil but don't clean the filter and they are prone to clogging up, get it done else where.

Also mind and get the gear box serviced at 38000 if its automatic and not manual

 

[CanadaA3wales]

Someone who loves there car will even keep receipts for tyres and oil, so see if there is any paper work at all.
If its an auto make sure it switches gears smoothly on drive and sport
Its its a manual try start off on 3rd and see if it wants to stall, if so its ok, if it pulls off on 3rd like its on 1st, not all is ok.

 

[MikhailCompo]

[Lots of stuff...]

Thanks, some very useful info here.

 

[MikhailCompo]

Check if its had the haldex serviced, should have been done around 20k
...
also gear box serviced at 38000 if its auto

Thanks. I asked about Haldex service, the sales guy told me only needed at 40k....

So for Haldex service its:
oil change @ 20k
oil and filter @40k
Is that right?

The car has done 28k, so it should have had it's 10k, 20k, and Haldex oil change is what I believe?

I will ask about service history and specifically the Haldex when i see them tomorrow.

 

[A3_For_Me]

He might mean it will need another at 40k as its had one done around 20k. check if there is any record of this.
if not id get it done straight away regardless.
I got mine done at an Audi specialist which was £99 for oil change and filter clean.
I'd always make sure filter was cleaned just to be on the safe side because if the pump goes then its quite expensive for a new one.

 

[rafletcher]

Audi don’t clean the Haldex filter when doing a service. Get it done by a good indie ASAP.

 

[S32B]

I've been looking to replace my dull, disappointing Mercedes C250 D for a while. Checked out a lovely A6 Avant with 280 PS, very well specked, but its on such an old frame it looks a bit dated inside. I used to do long drives to South but i dont expect any more of those, so........

I tested a lovely 'S3, Navara Blue, Tech pack +cockpit, with the aluminium instead of black pack (looks less thuggish). 67 plate 28k mileage, immaculate inside but i was totally sold on the performance. Every bit quick enough for me and UK roads i think. My C250 was powerful, but this S3 is a different planet.

I have some questions for you experts:

1) Is there anything i need to ensure i walk away with tomorrow? Obviously the books/service history, how many different books/docs should i expect for a 67 plate?
2) Satnav card (are these easy/cheap to upgrade?).
3) Spare wheel? Wheel nut tool? What other bits in the boot that I don't know about that I should ask for?

I am getting the car from a indy garage, not a dealer. The car is sold as 1 owner, but its been reg'd to the garage company own since March it seems, and has done a few hundred miles compared to the Autotrader mileage on advert.

4) Is there anything i can check to see it hasn't been totally ragged? I am not knowledgeable under the car/bonnet.

5) MOST IMPORTANT?? Which website should I use to check the car out, finance, What should I check to confirm i leaving with a legal/non-CAT S/C/D/N vehicle?

Any advice or guidance very much appreciated.

Thanks.

You can check here to see how many owners it's had and other basic things for free https://www.webuyanycar.com/free-car-check/

 

[Jcbmally]

Thanks. I asked about Haldex service, the sales guy told me only needed at 40k....

So for Haldex service its:
oil change @ 20k
oil and filter @40k
Is that right?

The car has done 28k, so it should have had it's 10k, 20k, and Haldex oil change is what I believe?

I will ask about service history and specifically the Haldex when i see them tomorrow.

All sellers will quote "it doesn't need done until......." but simple solution to that is: get proof it has been completed. If it hasn't get it done at an indie garage as others have said.

 

[Mr Freeze]

What company is selling the car someone off here might know the car and have some info .

 

[PaulWhitt82]

Vcheck.uk

check out this thread if you are unsure why

https://babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=128839

 

[PaulWhitt82]

Was originally on auto trader as non damaged until someone challenged them

now the advert changed and dropped in price

 

[PaulWhitt82]

https://babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=116085&hilit=Vcheck

Makes some very interesting reading

 

[Peter Peter]

He might mean it will need another at 40k as its had one done around 20k. check if there is any record of this.
if not id get it done straight away regardless.
I got mine done at an Audi specialist which was £99 for oil change and filter clean.
I'd always make sure filter was cleaned just to be on the safe side because if the pump goes then its quite expensive for a new one.

Expensive would never leave car at audis .. £100 for oil change ...jesus .. I buy oil for £20 filter £5 and will change my self or local garage for £30 but that is still total £60 So I decided to change oil regularly my self .. dirty job but easy..

 

[CanadaA3wales]

Expensive would never leave car at audis .. £100 for oil change ...jesus .. I buy oil for £20 filter £5 and will change my self or local garage for £30 but that is still total £60 So I decided to change oil regularly my self .. dirty job but easy..

I would always take a car to the main dealer for the first 5 years as if anything goes wrong they have no excuse to not pay out or repair any problems.

After 5 years I would take it to my mate or a trusted garage

This car is a 2017 S3, I would want detailed records if anything goes wrong.

 

[Peter Peter]

I would always take a car to the main dealer for the first 5 years as if anything goes wrong they have no excuse to not pay out or repair any problems.

After 5 years I would take it to my mate or a trusted garage

This car is a 2017 S3, I would want detailed records if anything goes wrong.

Is it in warranty still then?
Even local garage will give you invoice of all parts and work done for half price just need to ask for it.

 

[Harvey]

1) Is there anything i need to ensure i walk away with tomorrow? Obviously the books/service history, how many different books/docs should i expect for a 67 plate? - The black Audi wallet will contain just and owners manual and may also have the Service Schedule booklet which just details what is done, no service stamps as Audi only do electronic service history.

2) Satnav card (are these easy/cheap to upgrade?). - There is no separate satnav SD card in your S3, it's stored internally on a hard drive within the MMI and updated via 4G. Speak to your local dealer as you'll need to get an online account setup at https://my.audi.com (more details at https://www.audi.co.uk/owners-area/my-audi.html) and the car registered to the account, this will give access to any electronic service history and allow for over the air map updates should you wish to purchase them as an add-on. I believe cost wise it's around £250 to have the maps updated. Audi should be able to offer a 12 month free access to the Google Maps overlay for the Virtual Cockpit + MMI nav maps so if your local Audi dealers aren't friendly try Audi Customer Service https://www.audi.co.uk/contact-us.html.

3) Spare wheel? Wheel nut tool? What other bits in the boot that I don't know about that I should ask for? - Being a 2017 S3 you should have a space saver and jack under the boot floor. To the right side trim twist the plastic lock and remove the panel, behind here you'll find the tool pack and possibly the locking wheel nut and jack (based on a Sportback) unless they have placed it elsewhere.

4) Is there anything i can check to see it hasn't been totally ragged? I am not knowledgeable under the car/bonnet. - See the very good comments offered above.

5) MOST IMPORTANT?? Which website should I use to check the car out, finance, What should I check to confirm i leaving with a legal/non-CAT S/C/D/N vehicle? - I would request that the sales company supply a full comprehensive HPI report with the car at the time of the sale before you hand over your money, if they are reluctant to do so and you feel they are trying to rush you simply walk away. Most importantly take your time, be thorough, make a list of things to check/discuss prior to getting there and best of all enjoy the new car as you'll love it.

 

[Peter Peter]

@MikhailCompo
Make sure u will go on motorway and have short spin ... When I bought car we drove only in town slow and once I collected car and went home car was like aeroplane on motorway. But thought it was discs or pads so replaced crazy sound was still there... Mechanics at audi garages told me u have sht tyres and I said absolutely no they are brand new.. And after while another local garage told me try replace bearings.. And yes it was that. First I replaced on drivers side. I heard sound and vibrations on mine side which is always opposite, you hear it on your side and it is always on passengers .. sound didn't go away after some time, I decided to replace on passengers and problem was solved. Mechanic told me always replace everything in pair that's the rule of car repair..

 

[S32B]

Is it in warranty still then?
Even local garage will give you invoice of all parts and work done for half price just need to ask for it.

And update the online service record! My 2nd service on the A5 Audi wanted £452 my local Indy charged me £198 using all original Audi parts, when i come to sell it and they look on the service record they will see

 

[S32B]

Was originally on auto trader as non damaged until someone challenged them

now the advert changed and dropped in price

That's shocking!

 

[MikhailCompo]

So..... 24 hours later, one proud new owner. Yesterday collected from SAM Performance in Rochdale, drove in the dry from Rochdale - Bradford - Settle - Lancaster so a wide range of roads types, surfaces, traffic etc. I was working hard listen/hear/feel for anything to concern me - seems totally sound, although i admit i have nothing as a reference so i am also going to contact the pro's this week.

My local Audi specialist is ADS in Preston, anyone have any comments about them? Are they on ASN?

After dropping the missus off and whilst it was warmed up took it out for a bit of a rag also. My first launch control was absolutely extraordinary, not experienced anything like that in a car before. The traction/acceleration benefit from four wheel drive is absolutely astonishing. The second time i launched I actually lost my nerve and upshifted! I can't see how launching won't break something, it's still too precious!

As a software engineer by trade, I would rate the in car entertainment/MMI (what ever the generic name is these days) as at least 5 years more advanced than my 2016 Merc, I think it is awesome. LOVE the VC display, love having two maps, (one for zoomed out, one for zoomed in). Is it missing lane guidance though? Thats a shame.

The sound from the non-B&O speakers is fantastic. The improvement in sound quality over the 2017 A6 I test drove the day before is very marked.

The ride is obviously considerably firmer than the Arimatic of my Merc, but its not uncomfortable. I would really like to try the Mag ride to see the difference. Maybe I could retro-fit that myself? (roflolollol!!!)

Another quick question:

Car appears to have come with:
"Service plan" valid until 03/07/2022, provider VWFS. See that doc below.
"12 month Approved Used Warranty/Key Cover/Roadside Assistance/MOT cover until 13/03/2021 [another doc separate from the above which I can share if helpful?]

I was assured both are transferable, is that correct?

Check if its had the haldex serviced, should have been done around 20k.

He might mean it will need another at 40k as its had one done around 20k. check if there is any record of this. if not id get it done straight away regardless. I got mine done at an Audi specialist which was £99 for oil change and filter clean.

Here is the full service history, does not look like anything Haldex related on here to me, correct me if I am wrong?

What company is selling the car someone off here might know the car and have some info .

SAM Performance in Rochdale. Car appears to have been purchased privately by the owner of the company, so he is listed as an owner from March - yesterday.

https://babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=116085&hilit=Vcheck Makes some very interesting reading

Thanks, fascinating reading!

It beggers belief there is not an enforced national record of these salvage auctions to prevent fraud. Perhaps the ASN community can start a campaign for the law to be changed for this, great publicity. Surely it would benefit car manufacturers if the market has none of these cars in it?

 

[MikhailCompo]

PS Definitely warrants a big thanks to all those spending their free time to offer advice, guidance and support to a total stranger.

Seems like a really great community here!

More than enough hate and fukced up sh1t going on globally right now, we don't need that in our homes.

 

[S32B]

View attachment 205962

So..... 24 hours later, one proud new owner. Yesterday collected from SAM Performance in Rochdale, drove in the dry from Rochdale - Bradford - Settle - Lancaster so a wide range of roads types, surfaces, traffic etc. I was working hard listen/hear/feel for anything to concern me - seems totally sound, although i admit i have nothing as a reference so i am also going to contact the pro's this week.

My local Audi specialist is ADS in Preston, anyone have any comments about them? Are they on ASN?

After dropping the missus off and whilst it was warmed up took it out for a bit of a rag also. My first launch control was absolutely extraordinary, not experienced anything like that in a car before. The traction/acceleration benefit from four wheel drive is absolutely astonishing. The second time i launched I actually lost my nerve and upshifted! I can't see how launching won't break something, it's still too precious!

As a software engineer by trade, I would rate the in car entertainment/MMI (what ever the generic name is these days) as at least 5 years more advanced than my 2016 Merc, I think it is awesome. LOVE the VC display, love having two maps, (one for zoomed out, one for zoomed in). Is it missing lane guidance though? Thats a shame.

The sound from the non-B&O speakers is fantastic. The improvement in sound quality over the 2017 A6 I test drove the day before is very marked.

The ride is obviously considerably firmer than the Arimatic of my Merc, but its not uncomfortable. I would really like to try the Mag ride to see the difference. Maybe I could retro-fit that myself? (roflolollol!!!)

Another quick question:

Car appears to have come with:
"Service plan" valid until 03/07/2022, provider VWFS. See that doc below.
"12 month Approved Used Warranty/Key Cover/Roadside Assistance/MOT cover until 13/03/2021 [another doc separate from the above which I can share if helpful?]

I was assured both are transferable, is that correct?





Here is the full service history, does not look like anything Haldex related on here to me, correct me if I am wrong?

View attachment 205964




SAM Performance in Rochdale. Car appears to have been purchased privately by the owner of the company, so he is listed as an owner from March - yesterday.



Thanks, fascinating reading!

It beggers belief there is not an enforced national record of these salvage auctions to prevent fraud. Perhaps the ASN community can start a campaign for the law to be changed for this, great publicity. Surely it would benefit car manufacturers if the market has none of these cars in it?

Glad that you are happy with the car mate, it looks nice. As it's still under warranty I'd be tempted to get it fully checked over by an indy to make sure everything is OK, I use unit20 in neston on the Wirral, Martin is a great guy and people travel from all over to use him.

Yes the plan is transferable, you can read about it here https://www.audi.co.uk/owners-area/...8hq_eZmA15KkQh-RdqSrr_VkVJPITz-kaAqa6EALw_wcB

Try signing up here https://login.audi.com/registration you will then be able to see the history online if it has been added. Think you can still do it as the 2nd owner.

 

[A3_For_Me]

Expensive would never leave car at audis .. £100 for oil change ...jesus .. I buy oil for £20 filter £5 and will change my self or local garage for £30 but that is still total £60 So I decided to change oil regularly my self .. dirty job but easy..

Wasn't Audi though

 

[A3_For_Me]

Doesn't look like there is any record on service history sheet to me .
I'd get it done just to be on the safe side.

Lovely motor mate navarra blue is classy looking and I actually prefer it with silver mirrors
Totally agree with the virtual cockpit I have it in mine and its awesome

 

[MikhailCompo]

Try signing up here https://login.audi.com/registration you will then be able to see the history online if it has been added. Think you can still do it as the 2nd owner.

Already signed up and connected car to Audi Connect with code etc.

When I login to MyAudi i can see my car, but a banner says

When I click it, it just seems to refresh the page with the same message.

1) Is there a benefit to doing this (currently I cannot see my service history, unless I am looking in wrong place?
2) Do I need to contact an official Audi dealer to do this, or Audi CS?
3) Can an indy (local Audi specialist) do this?

Thanks.

 

[alpesh26]

My local Audi specialist is ADS in Preston, anyone have any comments about them? Are they on ASN?

ADS are good, I've used them before. There is also Thornleys in Preston who are a German car specialist

Official Audi dealer will need to do the Audi partner app thing, I've asked them twice and it's not worked both times. Can't say I miss it and I think it only shows the service history anyway.

 

[S32B]

Already signed up and connected car to Audi Connect with code etc.

When I login to MyAudi i can see my car, but a banner says

View attachment 205975
When I click it, it just seems to refresh the page with the same message.

1) Is there a benefit to doing this (currently I cannot see my service history, unless I am looking in wrong place?
2) Do I need to contact an official Audi dealer to do this, or Audi CS?
3) Can an indy (local Audi specialist) do this?

Thanks.

As above. But not a great deal to see apart from service history, when the next service is due etc. Overview-Feature-Service - Digital Service Schedule and then click the show service schedule.

 

[Jcbmally]

View attachment 205962

Nice car fella, but your photoshop skills are tat (but still better than mine)

 

[wlk]

Nice car, I guessed it was this one from SAM when you started the thread. I’m collecting the thuggish black pack one tomorrow

 

[MikhailCompo]

As above. But not a great deal to see apart from service history, when the next service is due etc. Overview-Feature-Service - Digital Service Schedule and then click the show service schedule.

Spoke with Lake District Audi earlier today to change ownership etc. on Audi systems.

Firstly, he confirmed that the Audi complete service plan is definitely transferable and so it's valid until July 2022. He said these are very rare and a big plus to receive with the vehicle.

The 12 month warranty is also transferable, but i need to contact VWFS after receiving the V5 to transfer that (it includes key cover, breakdown breakdown).

He told me that apparently VAG changed the oil used in Haldex systems in 2015 and examples since then need less maintenance previous versions.

He also advised that as well as the MOT the Haldex service is due Oct this year - As it's free I will be taking to a dealer for service obviously, but I am also keen to take to local indy specialist this week also for an inspection. £75 for a hour-ish inspection apparently, seems reasonable and i get to meet them and can any advice/tips/tips on what to look out for.

 

[MikhailCompo]

Nice car fella, but your photoshop skills are tat (but still better than mine)

Don't know what you mean?? The grill came like that, dealer said it was legit!

 

[MikhailCompo]

Nice car, I guessed it was this one from SAM when you started the thread. I’m collecting the thuggish black pack one tomorrow

Is that the white or blue one? Hope you love it! The navara blue + black pack car he has comes with B&O + adaptive cruise control which are nice extras.

I prefer the sleeper car aspect of the blue + silver than the black pack. Very happy with the look of my motor. Worried I wont be able to keep it shiny though....

 

[wlk]

Is that the white or blue one? Hope you love it! The navara blue + black pack car he has comes with B&O + adaptive cruise control which are nice extras.

I prefer the sleeper car aspect of the blue + silver than the black pack. Very happy with the look of my motor. Worried I wont be able to keep it shiny though....

The blue with black pack. I thought the white one was a little garish, but apparently high spec. They have a lovely black S5 in today but no chance the mrs would entertain another bigger car!

 

[MikhailCompo]

They have a lovely black S5 in today

I saw them taking pics of that when i was leaving, shame it started to rain on it/them.

That purple RS6 is a bit crazy!

 

[gimk]

Already signed up and connected car to Audi Connect with code etc.

When I login to MyAudi i can see my car, but a banner says

View attachment 205975
When I click it, it just seems to refresh the page with the same message.

1) Is there a benefit to doing this (currently I cannot see my service history, unless I am looking in wrong place?
2) Do I need to contact an official Audi dealer to do this, or Audi CS?
3) Can an indy (local Audi specialist) do this?

Thanks.

Contact Your Audi partner you've selected and ask them to enable you on the My Audi Go system. If you don't get any joy contact Audi digital. It can be done over the phone depending on the dealer

 

[S32B]

I prefer the sleeper car aspect of the blue + silver than the black pack. Very happy with the look of my motor. Worried I wont be able to keep it shiny though....

Yeah I like the subtle look myself, all go and no show works better for me rather than all show and no go!

As for keeping your car clean, use the detailing forum on here https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/forums/detailing.116/

Trust your indy to find any problem (if any) they know a lot more than us

 

[Peter Peter]

Why everyone buying blue audi lately it is pain to clean ...

 

[Peter Peter]

photoshop skills are tat (but still better than mine)