First Time '02 A6 1.9 TDi Owner Questions

[RizlaUK]

Hi,

I recently bought an '02 A6 1.9 TDi Sport and have been reading up and trying to learn a bit about the car that will stand me in good stead with regards to the vehicles up-keep. I thought i would ask a few questions as i figured this forum would contain a wealth of knowledge. Firstly, i am considering getting a full service done as i thought it wouldn't hurt, even though the dash display say's "Next Service Due in 5000 Miles". Would this be a waste of money? If i should get a full service, what would i expect to pay and would anybody recommend a good place to get the work done?

My second question. I was made aware by the dealer that there was a problem with the power steering belt tensioner whereby when on full lock, the steering makes an odd sound. Again, could anybody give me an idea of where best to get it done and a rough cost i would expect to pay.

My third - where would be the best place to get some spare parts that i could replace myself. I noticed that there is an aluminium strip along the bottom edge of the boot and it looks a bit scratched and tatty. I thought buy a new(er) looking replacement to tidy it up a bit.

Finally i thought i would try to find out what common problems occur with this car and maybe an easy way or early warning sign to look out for, when these problems are about to rear their head.

I live in Kent if anybody does suggest places to consider. I've also looked at some online company's who claim to do a decent job as far as the service/repair is concerned. Any input would be appreciated.

Regards

RizlaUK

[yaman]

Hi,
i am considering getting a full service done as i thought it wouldn't hurt, even though the dash display say's "Next Service Due in 5000 Miles". Would this be a waste of money?


Depends on the last time the engine-oil and filter was done? Try to do
it every 10k miles.

You can DIY the oil and filter changes, keep recipes of the parts, and
enter the job into the service book. You can change the dash display
yourself.

The boot plate is an Audi part.

Regards
Jim

[RizlaUK]

Depends on the last time the engine-oil and filter was done? Try to do
it every 10k miles.

You can DIY the oil and filter changes, keep recipes of the parts, and
enter the job into the service book. You can change the dash display
yourself.



In the service book it lists the last service done 03/07/09 @ 65k miles. So it's worth getting it done i suppose. I have been quoted
£150 + VAT by a local garage for the full service. The power steering belt repair was quoted at £190 + VAT, as they have to take the radiator and bumper off to access it, apparently.

I've also had an online quote for the full service of £278.4 inc vat from: http://www.service4service.co.uk/
Nearly £100 difference, is it a case of cheaper isn't always better, or is somebody just taking the p*ss?

Regards

RizlaUK

[Peter D]

How many miles has the car done. As the front has to go into the service position for the power steering issue, then as you are approaching the cam belt change both in years and miles you should consider having it all done at the same time. Search for an Vag independant specialist in your area. Regards Peter

[yaman]

In the service book it lists the last service done 03/07/09 @ 65k miles. I've also had an online quote for the full service of £278.4 inc vat from: http://www.service4service.co.uk/
Nearly £100 difference, is it a case of cheaper isn't always better, or is somebody just taking the p*ss?

What mileage is it on now?

There's a massive difference in the prices charged by various
work-shops for the same jobs, they all have different
over-heads..... and under-hands :D.

Unfortunately price is not an indicator of professionalism. But
personal recommendation is, and some of the members here
will have advice of services in your area.

Regards
Jim

[RizlaUK]

How many miles has the car done. As the front has to go into the service position for the power steering issue, then as you are approaching the cam belt change both in years and miles you should consider having it all done at the same time. Search for an Vag independant specialist in your area. Regards Peter

The car has done 75K and the timing belt was changed at 60k in 2006.

[yaman]

The car has done 75K and the timing belt was changed at 60k in 2006.

That's truly amazing, just 15k in 5years! Must have been owned by
a retiree, who had enough of galloping around the country :D

And yes, time-wise the timing-belt is due for changing.

Regards
Jim

[RizlaUK]

And yes, time-wise the timing-belt is due for changing.


Hmm so it's looking better to get it all done in one hit, cambelt/power steering/service. Is it best to put it in for the service and let them advise me or just state what I want done? That also sounds like it's going to cost a bit, any idea on a worse/best price scenario? I've got a 3 month warranty from the dealer I bought it from so that will give me some time to get the dough. I'm totally green when it comes to cars so forgive me if I'm asking obvious questions and thanks for the input so far.

[Peter D]

Are you sure the car has only doen 15k miles in 5 years.
"The car has done 75K and the timing belt was changed at 60k in 2006."
Regards Peter

[RizlaUK]

Are you sure the car has only doen 15k miles in 5 years.
"The car has done 75K and the timing belt was changed at 60k in 2006."
Regards Peter

It's what it says in the service book, it's a full Audi service history. Is there any other way I could double check aside from the service book. Also I've been quoted £185 Inc Vat from the local Kwik-Fit. What do you think?

As a side note I did do one of them checks to make sure it's hpi clear/ not write off etc etc. It all came back sweet and the milages where listed on there too at different intervals.

[TurnipLicker]

Is there any other way I could double check aside from the service book.

Have a look at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_10020539

As long as you've got a previous MOT or your V5, you can see all you car's previous MOT details. That should tell you the mileage at the last few MOTs.

[allan_audi]

It's what it says in the service book, it's a full Audi service history. Is there any other way I could double check aside from the service book. Also I've been quoted £185 Inc Vat from the local Kwik-Fit. What do you think?

As a side note I did do one of them checks to make sure it's hpi clear/ not write off etc etc. It all came back sweet and the milages where listed on there too at different intervals.

Do not touch Kwik Fit!, especially for a Cambelt change, they can barely change a tyre without damaging something. Last time I used them (about 20 years ago) they dented my sill (on an Astra) jacking the car up.

Plus, they've been investigated by watchdog for doing unecessary work.

Find a good local independent or even get a quote from a couple of VAG dealers, don't dismiss dealers, they'll know lots more about the car. kwik Fit will attack with a couple of spanners and a hammer!!

kwik Fit charged a guy here the other week £1 for air (Nitrogen for tyre change), complete waste, he only commutes a few miles a day.

[RizlaUK]

Have a look at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_10020539

As long as you've got a previous MOT or your V5, you can see all you car's previous MOT details. That should tell you the mileage at the last few MOTs.

I checked the history and the mileages coincide with what i've got paperwork-wise.


Do not touch Kwik Fit!.

Looks like they are out of the equation then!


Would it be worth getting a Vag cable myself? What i don't know about cars, i make up for with computers. Or would this be a waste of my time?

I'm still on the lookout for a decent place to get, at least, the full service done, in Kent.

Thanks

[ssanderson]

Hi,


My second question. I was made aware by the dealer that there was a problem with the power steering belt tensioner whereby when on full lock, the steering makes an odd sound. Again, could anybody give me an idea of where best to get it done and a rough cost i would expect to pay.



If your engine is the AWX:-
A common fault on this engine is the Alternator freewheel pulley which can seize causing the belt to vibrate heavily and the belt to skip on the power steering pump pulley. The pulley is about £60 and can be fitted without removing the radiator (may involve removing the alternator). A local garage swapped my pulley out for £100. If you search the forums youll find quite a lot of discussion on noisey power steering pumps.

Cheers
Steve

[RizlaUK]

OK as i've been told it could be 2 different things that may be wrong. I've done a video and captured the sound. Can anybody give me a definite answer to what this problem is?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dleUCMWflng

Thanks.

[ssanderson]

OK as i've been told it could be 2 different things that may be wrong. I've done a video and captured the sound. Can anybody give me a definite answer to what this problem is?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dleUCMWflng

Thanks.

Its a no brainer really, slip the belt of the pulley and spin it both ways, if the pulley is fixed to the shaft both directions, its faulty. My car did the same as yours until the pulley was replaced.

Cheers
Steve