Alright chaps, seeing as my much loved MkI is dead im off to look at a Mk2 TFSI vRS tomorrow. Was just wondering what I need to keep my open for? I know the breather hoses are always worth checking over from my MkI as well as oil service history. Head about the ABS Sensor issues - is there anything to check on that front?

 

Thanks guys

Edited 26 January, 201511 yr by BigJakk

Wait a few weeks and buy mine instead     

What age? Pre facelift or post (08 ish)

Check that the rear wiper / washer works - seals can degrade, water ingress in the motor from the washer hose causes it to fail = new motor required (which I had to do on mine).

 

Check that the heated mirrors work - if not then replacement glass with attached heating elements and mounting are about £15 each off eBay (at least pre-fl since they're the same units as on a VW Polo).

 

Check that the coil-pack recall has been carried out.

 

Check that moving the front seats doesn't put an airbag warning light on (dodgy connectors under the seats which I've fixed by cable tying them tight together).

 

Make sure that the coolant temperature gets up to 90 relatively quickly and stays there even when driving at speed (above 45 mph or so) - if temp drops then thermostat is failed open which mine has done and will be circa £200 to replace.

 

Make sure boost feels consistent - DV's can split resulting in boost leaks.

 

Make sure the idle is smooth - if not then could need PCV replacing (check by pulling out dipstick while idling; if the idle goes lumpy after a second or two then the PCV is fine. If the idle doesn't change then it needs replacing).

 

Check that the air-con works properly - see whether the bolt on the air-con compressor spins. Replacement compressors are extremely expensive!

 

Hope this helps,

Alexander

TFSI so probably pre facelift.

 

Check the car has had the required cam-belt services. 06 and 07 cars will be due their second change.

Check the sills just above the stone chip paint below the doors, many starting to rust there even with mudflaps. Look behind the wheel arch liner on the front wheels, they fill up with leaves and mud.

 

Check the CC works and climate as said above.

Check the 3rd brake light.

Check rear tyres for sawtoothing or excessive wear in the inner shoulders. Get right down and look hard to see from standing.

 

TBH I sold my 07 with 83k on the clock and it was still going strong. Needed a lot of work this year and I'd had it 7yr so it was time to move on.

Edited 27 January, 201511 yr by Aspman

Also check for rusty sills by front wheels they are bad for the stone chip protectant coming off and rusting

Been and had a look, immaculate regardless of its age (2006). Mechanically it looks good, ABS sensor replaced by current owner, Aircon working, all breather pipes look in good Nick. Cambelt needs doing but that's factored into price.

Only thing it's missing g really are some of the interior options that have become commonplace on the newer cars. No jumbobox or dual zone climate, but then i never had those on old car so won't miss them.

Only real grumble is that the stereo is OEM with the 6-CD Changer in the boot which is a pain. Is there a direct OEM replacement with intergrated CD changer and mp3 support I could just replace it with?

The Bolero should do it, providing the cangateway is up to date. Loads of threads on this and you'll lose the parking sensors on the display and heating info if you have it now.

Look for a Bolero - this is an OEM touch screen unit with integrated CD changer, mp3 support and SD card slot. It is pretty much a straight fit (just needs a single to double fakra adapter and an aux input lead adding to the plug if you want). On a 2006 car you will need to replace the CAN gateway with a newer version to avoid battery drain.