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[Audi A3/S3] Newbie A3 questions


nozzer
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As title really, I'm viewing a 1.8 T Sport tomorrow, 1998 with a shade over 100k on the clock. What should I look out for with regards weak spots/possible problems? It's supposedly got a full Audi service history, but we'll see. The last one I looked at supposedly did too although I was met with the old 'we've lost the book' line.

I come from a long line of "over 100k it's going to fall apart any day" thinking, which I'm assured doesn't apply to modern German cars. I'm only planning to keep the A3 for a year, in which time I'll do between 10 and 12k in it.

Is the turbo a weak spot on these? I don't fancy having it explode on me in a year's time. A mate (whose father owned an older, 1.6SE) mentioned that there should have been some recall work done by Audi on the brakes, does anyone have more information on this?

How about the belts/service intervals etc? Am I going to have to shell out for a major service any time soon?

From what I understand they're pretty solid cars, but if anyone has real world experience with problems, I'd be glad to hear it. This example does look very nice so I'd like to be armed with as much knowledge as one can glean in 24 hours smile.gif.

Thanks guys.

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1.8T is a pretty solid engine - turbo should last well past 100k. If its the 150 then boost should be fairly low.

Things to look out for would be the usual wear and tear stuff (brakes, suspension etc). Cam belt needs changing around that point as well I think (anyone??)and could be costly if not already done.

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Depends when the cam belt was replaced first time. Audi reccomentations are 80k, but a lot of people like it to be done before (around 60-70k). This is a good £400 job, so would be worth finding this out. New brakes & pads can touch £300 too.

As for everything else, never heard of a turbo failiure on a none modded 1.8T, like Gren says its pretty damn solid.

Listen out for knocks from the suspension when going over speed bumps, that'll be your bushes. Not too expensive, but worht a mention to look clever.

Also talk about the MAF sensor. They're weak. Don't need replacing periodically with services, but it would be nice to know if you're running a new one as its one less £70 worry.

Doubt you'll be disappointed. Let us know how things go!

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I bought my 98 1.8T sport about 6 months ago with just over 100k on the clock. Has had a few niggly problems like the starter motor squealing when you start it. I also have a problem with a knocking when i steer left which I've had 2 people look at who both say there's no problem. Car drives lovely and this doesn't affect the handling. But for all the niggles, I love the car too much to let them bother me. The engine runs fine and starts 1st time everytime and is a joy to drive. I think you'll enjoy it. Good choice. 169144-ok.gif

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Went to see it tonight. Couldn't really fault it. All the issues highlighted here and elsewhere were taken care of in the very comprehensive Audi SH. Couple of cosmetic issues are being taken care of before I collect it.

Enjoyed the test drive, reasonably fast for a seven year old, 'sensible' car smile.gif.

Paid 4.5k which I think is very reasonable for the spec. I'm pleased with it.

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