2003 sport quattro buying advice

[Maxster]

Hi Guys,

I am about to go and look at a 1.9 tdi sport quattro 2003 with 120K. What are the important things to be looking for? Apologies if this has been gone over, if so a link would be great....

Also assuming I go for it, I intend to give it a service.

Thinking of changing, steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, Gear box fluid, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter. Any others worth changing? Anybody used Rock oil?

I have read that the turbo can get clogged up so innotech cleaner can be used, worth a go?

Any fluids to change on the quattro system?

I intend to keep the car for a number of year, is the above being a bit OTT???

Appreciate the advice.

[rowdy-999]

pd 130?
Gearboxes tend to like the genuine fluids. A good rear diff oil.
Rusty front and rear arches. Rear wiper/washer. Damp interior.

[Maxster]

pd 130?
Gearboxes tend to like the genuine fluids. A good rear diff oil.
Rusty front and rear arches. Rear wiper/washer. Damp interior.


What is the common cause of damp interior?

[rowdy-999]

What is the common cause of damp interior?

Old, and incontinent drivers.

[spartacus 68]

2003 will be B6 model, not B5. No great shakes, it's personal preference, as they're cosmetic changes.

As mentioned 120k miles is hardly run-in for a diesel, so as long as it's been well-cared for and serviced.

At this mileage, then full suspension overhaul could be in the mix. Sure you can replace the arms as they fail, but a front-end refresh works wonders if you plan to keep it. Meyle HD or Lemforder, fit and forget. ARB bushes front and rear (if Avant) is inexpensive.

Timing belt and auxilliary belts, then 75k miles or 5 years for 4-cylinder diesels. New water pump and thermostat at the same time.

Turbos can fail, but unless you notice power slump, leave for the moment. EGR blank is advisable.

Quattro drive is pretty robust. By all means replace rear diff gear oil. Allow 2 litres and use genuine VAG oil. Always release fill plug before releasing drain plug, just in case.

Damp interiors, then if Avant check rear washer jet on wiper works. It can break at motor and water drains into rear tailgate, or breaks along flexible pipe. Another tell-tale is blocked drains in bulkhead (where battery sits).

Service items, don't forget pollen filter (next to battery), new glow plugs (only remove if confident they won't break), otherwise it's head off time.