a3

[gibbi]

hi im looking at buying an a3 2.0tdi 04 plate i just wondered if anyone knew of any common faults with this engine or if anyhting is likely to go at a certain milage and generally if they are solid engines?

thanks :D

[Mike Foster]

Early models were prone to a 'porous head' which caused the coolant to seep into the cylinders and evaporate. This problem could/can manifest itself at any time and mileage. Take the engine cover off and check the serial number under the fuel pipes. Cylinder heads with the suffix 'A' were most commonly at fault. Suffix 'B' heads were mostly ok.

There is no real cure except a replacement head although some have found a bottle of K-Seal in the top up reservoir helps a lot.

[phil miller]

also suffer from turbos sticking valves, DMF, Throttle flap motors, they are the same engines as in the mk5 golf, what model A3 are you thinking about?

[gibbi]

http://www.hillsidecarsales.co.uk/used_car_audi_a3_hatchback_1432.htm that is the link the one i was going to look at see what you think?

Thanks for replying guys

[NHN]

Try & get an 05 or late 04 with the better steering wheel, it will help any modding you may want to do later on.

Those rear lights are terrible.

[Mike Foster]

Don't think those rear lights are OEM and I agree with Nige - they look awful ! However, I think that is an Irish registration and maybe they had different spec.

I would want to drive the car and then have it scanned immediately for any fault codes. This is done using VCDS which is VAG specific so if this garage does not have the equipment I should go with them to one that does. You need to see it being scanned and see the result on screen because all faults can be erased to make it look ok !

Sorry if this sounds a bit devious but it looks a nice tidy car but with high mileage so you need to be sure !

[NHN]

Ditto, those lights are not oem at all even if its Irish lol.

[gibbi]

Its not the one i would definetly get just its close to me so thought id have a look, are there many dealers on here or do many cars get advertised? I also was looking at the a4's 1.9tdi would that be a safer option?

[Mike Foster]

Its not the one i would definetly get just its close to me so thought id have a look, are there many dealers on here or do many cars get advertised? I also was looking at the a4's 1.9tdi would that be a safer option?

If you want to buy an Audi, any Audi, I suggest very strongly that you go to a VAG dealer. Doesn't have to be main dealer but it's an expensive marque and you need to be sure before you buy. Unless of course you can get an extended warranty which covers all eventualities.

It isn't really a question of 'being a safer option' as they all can (and often do) play up at times.

[alankru]

Unless of course you can get an extended warranty which covers all eventualities.


Just check the small print extremely carefully if you get an extended warranty (unless it is a main dealer's extended warranty which I hear is very good). I got a £500 RAC 3 year warranty and although they have stated that they will cover all the items I have so far tried to claim on, they have refused to pay due to the parts being "end of life" or some other reason. Speaking to the garages, this is apparently the norm with these warranties and it is very difficult to get anything back on them. Just a word of warning. :)

[Guest 2]

NI cars are still UK cars with UK spec. It's only different spec when a car originates from the Republic.

Lights are woeful tbh.

Don't trust any aftermarket warranties, they'll try and wriggle out of everything! I have experience of this first hand with my old Megane.

[Mike Foster]

Just check the small print extremely carefully if you get an extended warranty (unless it is a main dealer's extended warranty which I hear is very good). I got a £500 RAC 3 year warranty and although they have stated that they will cover all the items I have so far tried to claim on, they have refused to pay due to the parts being "end of life" or some other reason. Speaking to the garages, this is apparently the norm with these warranties and it is very difficult to get anything back on them. Just a word of warning. :)

Warranty Direct cover for wear and tear after the first 3 months of cover. Replaced my turbo after 76k.

Just renewed cover for £495 for 24 months.

[Mike Foster]

NI cars are still UK cars with UK spec :)

But Eire ones aren't !

[Guest 2]

Just edited my post there before you replied ;)

[alankru]

Warranty Direct cover for wear and tear after the first 3 months of cover. Replaced my turbo after 76k.

Just renewed cover for £495 for 24 months.
After looking over their website, they definitely seem to be the good guys on all the points I have come a cropper on (like the wear and tear). Honest John recommends them, they look good.
They are an insurance based policy too, so there is a cooling off period and FSA backing.:approve: