Looking to buy a 2012 2.0 tdi a3, been reading about alot of problems with these engines, are the stories true?

What stories have you been reading?

Engine failures, dpf problems, sprocket on oil pump, heard they were voted the least reliable engine. Really like the the thought of owning one though, would have to be diesel for the mileage.

All engines fail eventually, particularly if poorly maintained.

All diesels have DPF problems unless maintained.

I've never heard of such oil pump problems.

Who specifically has voted that engine the least reliable?

In short I don't believe the Audi 2 litre diesel is any worse than other brands. Mine has done nearly 100000 miles and is still in fine condition.

Ah, didn't mean to offend, I am aware every car can have problems, it's only what I have read via Internet about them, hence why I am asking. I have never owned a diesel so am a bit cautious.

Hello Paul, 

I would be asking - are you buying this 9 year old car in your own locality? 
If you are hopefully buying locally, and you have very little mechanical knowledge, then I would be arranging to have the car inspected by a recommended local diesel specialist - rather than an ‘ordinary’ garage. 
I think it’s great that you are doing all your research on the model before purchase. All you now need to do is to get your chosen car inspected before putting your name to a sheet of paper.

Good to read, but bad news travels fast. 

If not buying locally:- Um! You can probably kiss good bye to any warranty, due to potential impractical distances and hassle factor. 
Good luck and kind regards,

Gareth. 

Cheers Gareth, the car is local but being sold privately, full service history etc. I'm tyring not to buy on impuse so your advice is very welcome, thanks. Hope to be driving one soon, they look amazing.

Thanks Paul,

Sounds good. I would be asking them to obtain a service print out for you to study before you buy it, since it’s unlikely the servicing dealership will give it to you if you are not the registered owner. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

22 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

All engines fail eventually, particularly if poorly maintained.

All diesels have DPF problems unless maintained.

I've never heard of such oil pump problems.

Who specifically has voted that engine the least reliable?

In short I don't believe the Audi 2 litre diesel is any worse than other brands. Mine has done nearly 100000 miles and is still in fine condition.

I have a 2.0 diesel on 136'000 miles and still going, never had any issues but mine came with a full dealership history from a previous owner and a fully stamped book. Had the water pump and belt replaced and needs new injectors (it's got the original recalled Bosch injectors) but still pulls like a train and never had any dpf issues. It's a 2006 pd170.

i recently bought a A3 2L TDI 2007 with 14700MILES on the clock.

first time i bought a diesal ,it came with 'full service history'.

on careful inspection this 'full service history' became very suspect.

several entrys were the same stamp with items ticked with the same colour ink and in such a way as to my opinion by the same person in one sitting ,  if you get my drift.

anyway the engine sounded ,good, to my ear and ran ok.

it smoked a bit on start up , blue smoke.

to be sure of the timing belt i had it replaced along with the other belt and had an oil change.

half shaft gaitors were shot, not picked up on the recent MOT provided by the seller, not sure as to the quality of the MOT,

changing the oil did make a difference to the sound of the engine.

i also did a fuel additive, after the first 400 miles it had made an overall difference , now on the third full tank with the additive and on a run i have had 50mpg.

i still have a whistle on low revs up to 30 mph but is livable , would appear to have been a lack of maintenance or running the oil to a low level resulting in bearing deterioration on the turbo charger.

had my last Audi for 19 years 1.8 petrol A4 Avent