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J4G3D
15-01-2007, 01:59 AM
So if im going to buy a new car

Audi a3 '97 1.9TDI sport...

what do i look out for incase im buying a dog? what gives up on a certain mileage?...ect?

answers below pls

RickT
15-01-2007, 03:35 PM
BuyYourCar Buying Advice

Inspecting a Used CarMuch of the test drive should happen before you actually put your foot down. It's tempting to hop in the car and take it for a spin, but it's wise to inspect the car carefully before — and after — the drive, to determine its condition and attempt to confirm the information the seller gave you.

Remember that a used car's current condition and the way it’s been cared for are at least as important as the style, features and fit when it was new. When you've finished with the test drive, you may not know for sure if the car is mechanically sound without the help of a mechanic, but you may know if it's definitely not — and be able to rule it out without paying a professional up to £100 to tell you so. You're also looking for smaller problems that may help you knock down the asking price.

Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty, bring a flashlight, a flat refrigerator magnet and always — always — evaluate cars in daylight.

Rust Can't Hide

http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/images/Rust.jpg

Always inspect used cars in daylight. "Rust bubbles" (A), which progress to full-scale rust spots and holes (B), are difficult to see at night.

Despite advances in manufacturing, rust remains one of a vehicle's greatest enemies — one you should be able to detect on your own. Rust is generally more damaging to a car's appearance and value than to its ability to get you where you need to go. It's expensive to repair well, however, and nearly impossible to reverse.

Start at the Bottom

Start by looking at the car's undercarriage (underside). Use your flashlight to inspect the floor pans (the metal that forms the floors) and frame rails (the structural members that run around the perimeter of the car's underbelly) for rust. Also look for marked differences in the condition of different sections. One pristine or freshly painted section in an otherwise moderately rusty car is a reliable indication that part of the vehicle was repaired. Has the seller disclosed any accidents in the car's history?

While you're down there, look up into the wheel wells for rust. Take note if the car seems to be dripping anything (check out the driveway and/or the garage floor if you can) and look for rust and signs of wear on the muffler and exhaust pipes.

http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/images/Bottom.jpg

The bottom of this door has rusted away, but the damage is barely visible from the outside or as viewed from the seat or standing.

The Tyres

Don't get up yet. The tyres tell a lot about a car and how it's been driven. You're looking for several signs:

Overall wear: Do the tyres have enough tread on them to be safe, or are they bald - or close enough to it that you'll have to replace them soon? Look for tread-wear indicators, which emerge when the tread has worn down too far. The indicators are ridges that run across the surface of the tires, perpendicular to the sidewall. Each tyre has six of these indicators, evenly spaced around its circumference. The location of each is marked by an arrowhead found on the sidewall, typically at the base of the tread.

http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/images/Tyres.jpg

Viewed from the side, the top of the Queen’s head disappears into the tread, indicating that this tyre still has some life left.

If you're not sure about the wear indicators, try the penny test: hold a penny with the head side towards you, and insert the top of the Queen’s head into the tire tread until the coin's edge rests in the groove. If you can see the top of Her Majesty’s head from the side of the tyre, the tread is probably worn too far. If the top of the Queen’s head disappears into the groove, your tire has some life left. It's simple: If you see the Queen’s head, there's not enough tread. Repeat with all the tyres.

Uneven wear: Have all the tyres worn evenly from one side-wall to the other? Try the penny test to verify a difference. Tyres should wear evenly - if they don't, it's likely the car has been in an accident and/or is out of alignment.

This does not compute: Does the car have low mileage but worn-out tyres? Why the contrast? Maybe the odometer is not accurate. It's not a crime to put used tyres on a car, but you should try and find out what's behind the disparity. The same is true if the car has low mileage yet brand-new tyres. Perhaps the owner decided to upgrade, had a blowout or simply replaced all four tyres. It can't hurt to ask about anything that just doesn't make sense.

The Walkaround

Stroll around the car looking for rust, dents and dings. Check how well the boot, doors and bonnet lid meet the body. All should close and seal snugly and rest on the same plane. Try all the doors and their windows and locks. (With a convertible, try the doors and windows with the roof up and down.) Some of these tests may seem unnecessary, but every little problem could become your problem, and every shortcoming can be used to drive the price down.

Whip out that refrigerator magnet (the flexible kind that looks like a business card is best). Place it on at least one point of every major exterior panel: it should stick. If it doesn't, it means one of three things:

1. The panel has been repaired with Bondo, fiberglass or some other nonmetallic dent filler.
2. The car is made of fiberglass - the Chevy Corvette is one example.
3. That particular panel is nonmetallic or nonmagnetic (aluminum).


In the case of 2 or 3, chances are that the whole car, or like panels, will also not support the magnet. Whole panels — and especially whole cars — are seldom rebuilt with body filler, so you'll know you're on to something if the magnet doesn't stick to part of a panel, or one of four doors. Be aware that bumpers and grilles tend to be moulded from plastic nowadays. WARNING: Be sure only to use a pliable magnet, or place a piece of paper or cloth between a metal or ceramic magnet and the car; you don't want to scratch the paint!

The Boot or Hatch

Check out the boot (or "hatch," if the car is a hatchback, sports utility vehicle or minivan). If possible, lift the carpet and check for rust. Will the cargo capacity meet your needs? Is the spare tyre in its proper location, full of air and in good condition? Pay attention to how simple or difficult it is to lift the boot or hatch lid. Does it stay up or fall on your head? Will you be likely to hit your head on it even if it stays up?

The Engine Compartment

You don't have to be a mechanic to learn something about a car — and its owner — by inspecting the engine compartment. Open the bonnet and perform these basic checks:

• Take a good look at the overall condition. Is the engine clean, or are there signs of leaking oil or other fluids? Take a mental picture, because you'll want to look again after you drive it.
• Check for rust, particularly on the shock or strut towers. These are the points at the corners near the windshield, to which the front suspension is anchored.
• Do you see any sign of fresh paint (or paint that is clearly newer than elsewhere) on the car? Have any of the rubber bumpers been painted over? These can be signs of an accident or simply a re-paint job.
• With the engine turned off, check the underside of the fan belt (the surface that comes into contact with the pulleys) for cracks and obvious wear.
• Pull the oil dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert and remove it. Is the level correct? Is the oil dark and dirty? Both are signs that the car isn't getting the care it deserves. You can also look for beads of water on the oil clinging to the dipstick, which could reflect a costly head gasket problem.
• If the engine hasn't run for hours and the radiator is cool to the touch, remove the radiator cap carefully and slowly using a rag (the car's coolant system is pressurized and can spray, causing injury - open it only if you know it's cool). Is there a layer of oily film floating on the top? Is the coolant clean and green or rust-colored? A layer of film is caused by oil, which reflects a costly head gasket problem. A rusty color is caused by (you guessed it) rust, which reflects that the vehicle has been neglected.

Start It

Finally, go ahead and start the car. Does it start easily? Run smoothly? Don't hesitate to test all the lights and signals, inside the car and out. Same thing for the wipers, heat and air conditioning, and cigarette lighter.

RickT
15-01-2007, 03:38 PM
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/Review.aspx?model=44&page=1

have a read of the above.

RicKT

J4G3D
15-01-2007, 03:44 PM
Thanks for that.

also i was wondering any known faults on the a3.. not just a guide on cars in general. Nice guide though.

RickT
15-01-2007, 04:12 PM
im still looking... came across the above and thought would post anyway...

will keep you posted.

RiCKT

RickT
15-01-2007, 04:14 PM
Audi / VW - 1.8 turbo vehicles - Misfire problems fitted to Audi - A3 1.8T AGU engine from 1996 on, A4 1.8T AEB/AJL engines from 1994 on, A6 1.8T AEB/AJL engines from 1997 on & VW - Golf 1.8T AGU/AGN engines from 1997 on, Passat 1.8T AEB engine from 1996 on

will keep looking

RickT

simonm99
25-05-2007, 04:35 PM
Thanks for that.

also i was wondering any known faults on the a3.. not just a guide on cars in general. Nice guide though.

make sure its had its air mass meter changed. These always go wrong and are expensive, although GSF do good recon ones. .

adeelen
25-05-2007, 09:15 PM
I have had a A3 for two years 2.0 DSportback, till recently it had a perfect history and performance. However, recently it came to my attention that occationaly there would be an ignition fault. After working the ignition for several minutes, the engine will start. The car has now been in the garage for 6 weeks, without any luck.

Through talking to a number of people I have heard that there are a number of similar age cars with the same fault which Audi does not know how to repair. Despite this fault Audi have treated well by providing an A4 Avant 2.6 V6 D.

I still recomend the car although I would see what the dealer tells you if you ask him. Please let me know:1zhelp: