Buying a S3

[kpn]

Coming back to the Audi fold after a spell with another German marque. I have been offered a 2002 s3 with 96k on the clock. Been told its very good, so going to have a look at the weekend. Any tips on what to check, I have heard some about the Haldex 4 wheel drive giving problems. Anything else to give concern. Thanks in advance

[Crasher]

The overriding point with an eleven year old S3 is go into ownership with both eyes wide open and a well filled wallet. The biggest money burner will be the sump building up with sludge which kills the turbo and then the engine. The turbo on an S3 is complete git to change and often the manifold is cracked which adds another large bill on top. Remember that the vast majority of old S3's will have been ragged to within an inch of their lives.

[kpn]

The overriding point with an eleven year old S3 is go into ownership with both eyes wide open and a well filled wallet. The biggest money burner will be the sump building up with sludge which kills the turbo and then the engine. The turbo on an S3 is complete git to change and often the manifold is cracked which adds another large bill on top. Remember that the vast majority of old S3's will have been ragged to within an inch of their lives.

Thanks for the quick reply. The present owner says he has had the manifold off and fitted a new gasket last week. Worth a visit to see. He is asking for 4k

[Crasher]

That means the manifold is cracked, when they crack they blow the gasket out sideways, sometimes part lands in the turbo and ***** the blades, I have a BAM from a Cupra R (same unit) being rebuilt at the moment that died the same way.

[kpn]

Thanks again, will check with owner whether the manifold was changed as well and what else was done