Hi all,

Just thought I would let you know that I am currently seeking to buy my first ever Audi.

Having paid my deposit,  am looking to pick it up end of this week.

I have, rightly/wrongly thrown all my Audi wants into this one car, well nearly all, anyway.

So the car in question is, 2016/17 2.0L Audi A3 petrol Automatic quattro sportback. 40,000mls. 

All warnings helpful. It’s not too late!

Joking aside, any tips you can give that I can look for on the day would be very helpful, indeed encouraged.

Thanks for any help.

Edited October 6, 20241 yr by Telsown
Typo

Welcome to the forum you'll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch 🙂 check service history for proof of cambelt and water pump change, gearbox oil services and quattro services. Make sure all electrical items work. Oh and check out buyers guides on YouTube 

Thank you Steve.

And if they haven’t been done??? Do I walk or ask them to do these things before paying.

On that note (paying) that is. I have paid deposit £250 and it was mentioned that after some minor body/wheel scuffs they will ring to tell me it is ready and that I will be required to send the full amount prior to picking the car up!!! I haven’t even driven it yet. On top of this they are trying to get me to buy in to bodywork and interior warranty £498 plus another £498 for mechanical warranty of which they have not given me any booklet to read over the terms and conditions. Am I right in that I am feeling like I’m looking into a black hole here?

Just one more thing, MOT is due January ‘25 but they are not going to put a fresh one on. Just writing all this I am feeling nervous. Am I being too paranoid?

Thanks again for getting in touch.

 

Terry

Wow I wouldn't pay anymore money untill.id driven it. Putting a full MOT on it isn't unreasonable in my opinion, I wonder if there's a reason why they won't? 🤔 

If there's no proof of these servicing items then you'll need money off to get these jobs done. Baring in mind you'll be looking £400 minimum for a Cambelt and water pump change. 

Most of these warranties aren't often worth the paper they're written on. Unless it's a genuine Audi one by the main dealer. 

Thank you Steve,

It’s good to share. I will not make waves just yet but go quietly about my business in the knowledge that I am more confident to challenge them. 

On the question of warranties, it is not a genuine Audi one, just the secondhand dealership, Car care was what I think he said. You have just confirmed what I’d half decided upon. So thanks again. Regarding MOT I’m ok with that, paranoia syndrome I think.

No probs at all glad I could help. Please keep us posted on how you get on 

Do I understand correctly that the dealer: wants full payment despite you not having driven it yet, can not supply a full service history, is trying to sell you worthless dealer warranties? If so, you should cancel the deal, walk away and do not look back.

Hi Clifford,

Up to earlier this morning that was the case.

I too can be difficult if I’m put out. The bottom line is that until the deal is done to my satisfaction, ie history checks & test drive, I will not be paying a penny until those criteria are met, I will indeed be walking away.

So for me I am gently pushing back on almost everything they are suggesting, which I hope, infuriates them!

They may think they are holding all the ‘Aces’ but I too have an agenda.

Just so that you know, it is people on here, such as yourself that have given me the confidence to exercise this ‘Bullish’ attitude. I thank you all.

When and if the deal is done/undone I will let you all know.

 

Glad we could help. Always bare in mind there's always other similar a3s out there. If this one is ceap, it might be cheap for a reason. Please do keep us posted on how you get on