Anybody know this car

[DSDetails]

Hello


I am a new member here and looking for some advice on a car i have seen at a local used car dealer, my first post is in the welcome section saying hi.

So after my Focus RS being sold i want something that is reasonably nippy and handles well. Many hours have gone past over the last few days looking for a car when up pops this S3 http://www.morrisonmotors.co.uk/used-cars/7537995-aberdeenshire-audi-a3/

Does anybody know this car that can give me some idea of how its been cared for etc?

I have done an MOT check and notice some advisories and on fail in 2015 due to tyre valves being perished which i think is nothing to worry about. The one thing i noticed was that an advisory mentioned some under trays obscuring some components, this was on its first MOT and the second, not sure what that is about?
The latest is showing an advisory on front pads wearing this.
This i would obviously want replaced before i decided to buy the car and i think asking for a 4 wheel alignment check would be advantageous.

From what i can see in the photos the sound system is a basic set up with no sat-nav, which is no big deal for me really as i would use my phone for sat-nav(not while driving).
My partner is going to get an extended test drive of this car tomorrow on her own as i work away from home and wont be back for another 2 weeks.

Other than the obvious things to check like accident damage service history and documentation of previous work. As well as the other known issues, sub frame knocking, strut tops, window issues, coil packs, is there anything else i could ask my partner to check for?

Having had a few VW's in the past with the TFSI engine, a Mk6 Golf GTI 2009 and a 2010 2.0TFSI GT Scirroco the later having had the start of a timing chain tensioner failing.
I have tried many searches but cant get the right answer, so can anybody tell me if this model S3 is bothered with the chain tensioner problem?

A friend i know said this car has a CDL engine which has a better block and is not bothered with the wearing piston rings and chain tensioner failing, can anybody confirm this?

Any help would be appreciated

Dunc

 

[MrSmithr]

I can't say I know this car personally, but from what you've said about it, it doesn't look like there's anything to worry about. If you have or know someone who has VCDS it would be a good idea to run a scan and see what comes up.

 

[DSDetails]

A friend of ours owns a repair and mot garage who is very bias towards Audi might ask him if he can have a look over it

 

[MrSmithr]

Worth a punt I'd say if your friend can give it a good once over

 

[DouggieT]

Hi Dunc,
Are you the same Dunc from Aberdeenshire that owned a red Accord Type R many years ago?
I bought an 2012 S3 last year from a main dealer and got "done". In my experience I would check that the Haldex unit has had an oil change at @4 years or 38,000 miles. The timing belt also should be changed at 5 years . I see the car has only done 37,000.
If you are local to the Aberdeenshire area and you do the deal I would recommend North East Motors in Newmachar they are Audi specialists. They changed my timing belt along with water pump etc, changed the oil and filter in DSG gearbox and retro fitted cruise. Very reasonably priced and cheaper with better customer care than the Audi main dealer.
DouggieT

 

[DSDetails]

No Douggie, the only Honda i have ever owned was a CRV a few years ago.

To my understanding the engine in this car is chain driven and this is one of the things i am trying to get a definitive answer on as to whether they are prone to problems.
I will be asking all the questions about its service history for sure and if all is ok and i go for it i think i will try and negotiate an extended warranty as well.
Cheers for the heads up on North East Motors though, i will be sure to look them up.


Dunc

 

[samuelh_888]

Hi @DSDetails - these engines have a cambelt on the left (when looking at the engine) and a cam chain on the right - odd set up. If they were to do the cam belt and water pump for you that would be a bonus but you have some time for the cam chain and tensioner (unless the engine is rattley at 2k rpm). Check for a consistent service history with stamps etc. Re the advisory of under trays, it's pretty common on these as the testers can't remove parts to check, mine came up with it too as did my old A3.

 

[Gazwould]

It's a bright noticeable S3 , not always a good thing .

 

[DSDetails]

Hi @DSDetails - these engines have a cambelt on the left (when looking at the engine) and a cam chain on the right - odd set up. If they were to do the cam belt and water pump for you that would be a bonus but you have some time for the cam chain and tensioner (unless the engine is rattley at 2k rpm). Check for a consistent service history with stamps etc. Re the advisory of under trays, it's pretty common on these as the testers can't remove parts to check, mine came up with it too as did my old A3.

Ok so this makes sence why i have been struggling to find timing chain problems related to the S3, Thanks for that info you have given samuelh.

 

[DSDetails]

It's a bright noticeable S3 , not always a good thing .

My Focus was green and very loud, so being bright red will be ok i think, kind of been wanting a red car for a while now because for a while most of our cars have been silver, grey and black, with the exception of the Focus lol

 

[DSDetails]

My partner went to view and test drive the red S3 today.......well it was a bit of a let down.
1st We need to find a 5 door model, we have 2 boys and even they said it was hard to get into.
2nd The sales man said the car was in really good condition no scratches, dings or big stone chips.....wrong! wheels were kurbed badly, the rear left pillar had a big dent next to the boot glass, and the roof was etched lots with bird poo, to add to that the car was covered in contamination making it rougher than a sheet of P60 grit sandpaper.
3rd The service history had 3 stamps, 1. Audi, 2. a garage i will leave nameless and dont trust, 3. Audi. Last service was 30k miles, car is at 37k. my partner got the long life oil story and it wont be due a service for a while.....
4th When asked if the timing belt and water pump could be changed..........its only done 37k.............its 7 years old and no evidance of it changed..........oh well we could do the belt for you.
5th Haldex oil change as its near 40k..........oh well we could do that.
6th Front pads were advisory in last mot, can they be replaced.........we will have a look to see if they have life left in them.

My partner said ok, let me talk to my man and he will contact you later as i think he will want to talk to you, but he is keen on the car can you keep it until he calls later today?

After my chat with her about it i decided no its got to many things that might get corners cut with so i mailed them to say no.....the reply was i sold it this afternoon....
Cheeky B****** i thought, didnt even give us the chance. THE END
Back to looking again lol