Hi guys

 

Thinking of buying an Audi A3 20 TDI 2006, it need cambelt and water pump done, i know the owner

However i checked the MOT Check website and some monitor and repair if necessary advisories are evident, namely:- 

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

• Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))
• Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

What would you guys do? Would you buy or not?

The car is over 150,000 miles but is in excellent condition above ground, just the advisories are of concern to me as could indicate rotten body underneath

Hello Paul,

When was the last MOT carried out? 
I don’t see much mileage in trying to see what anyone on the forum would do Paul, since no one has access to inspecting the severity of the issue. 
If I were in your situation, I would be asking the owner ( how long have they owned it by the way?) if they would run it down to your local trusted garage - by prior arrangement - and ask the garage if they would allow them to show you the extent of the issue and to advise you accordingly. That small expenditure should stand you in good stead.

Perhaps you could let us know how you get on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 
 

3 hours ago, Lewy said:

What would you guys do?

I would either inspect it myself or get it professionally inspected. I would certainly not rely on MOT notes alone to make a buying decision.

Bear in mind that the belt and pump will cost about £700.

Magnet - MOT was last done October 2022, owner is second owner and has had the car since 2009

 

I am in the NW of the country and the car is in London, so i cant inspect it myself

 

Cliff - Audi specialist by me said £550 for belt and pump and £150 for ABS sensor issue

Edited April 10, 20233 yr by Lewy

Why travel all the way from Liverpool to London to buy a car? A3s are common so surely there must be something suitable closer to home.

Thanks Paul,

As Cliff says - if you can’t inspect it, then at least arrange with the seller to get it inspected at a London independent, and send you photos of the issue/s and a brief report of their recommendation.

Other than that, you are effectively buying blind.

Have you actually seen the car of late? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

sounds trivial to me....probably a bit of surface rust and a over zealous inspector

 

31 minutes ago, hellsfire said:

sounds trivial to me....probably a bit of surface rust and a over zealous inspector

 

So you would buy the car on that assumption, would you?

Probably all rather fruitless now since Liverpool Paul hasn’t been back to the forum since April.

2 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

So you would buy the car on that assumption, would you?

all depends on the cost really,i'm sure the tester gave it a good whack with a screwdriver and decided to put an advisory.....if it was any near that bad he wouldve failed it i assume.