Audi A3 2000 model buying tips

[Stevie G]

Hi guys

Just wanted some advice as i am looking to buy an Audi A3 2000 model.
Need to upgrade from my Honda Ballade 160i

Here is my questions.

1)At what mileage is it still ok to buy a 2nd hand model. I can get a non turbo 1 from a dealer with 190 000km on the clock in the R60 000 region. I am soon going to have a look at it and take it for a test drive. Got all necessary papers and service history.

2)Can i still get 2nd hand models with warranty and motor plans or is the model too old. Is it a must to cover myself if anything go wrong or can i trust the dealer and what warranty do you normally get from a dealer should problems arise.

3)Whats the most important thing to look for or check when i view the car.

4)What flaws are there generally with the Audi A3 models.

5)What is the main differences in the older models from 1999-2003.

6)Who and where is the best audi dealers or agents to buy used audi a3 models in cape town.

7)Since its a 2 door car, how you do rate it compare to other 2 door car models in terms of space.

7)Any other tips or opinions are welcome

Hope you expert help can assist me in buying the correct car 1st time.

Much appreciated guys

 

[MFour]

1) 190k is not all that great, but not all that bad either. You need to understand that at that sort of mileage you might be setting yourself up for some hefty service / maintenance bills.
2) Best you can do is to take out an optional warranty, which the dealer might well offer to you. Just make sure of the terms and conditions. Motorplan on a 10 year old vehicle, hmm I doubt it very much.
3) Body work, interior, electrics, tyre wear (very skewed tyre wear could indicate suspension problems - costly), and any obvious fluid leaks (although they normally hide those). Not much you can check with an engine other than have a compression test done, which might give you an idea about potential problems.
4) Cost of repairs - any Audi
5) No idea.
6) No experience with Audi dealers, I guess your best bet is to get one from a VW dealer, rather than a private dealer.
7) Should be same as a 5 door really, only difference is the amount of doors.
8) Buying a second hand vehicle with high mileage is always a gamble. There are no guarantees in that market, each one you buy is a gamble. At the very least make sure that the vehicle has a complete and proper service history. It is always helpful to have an extra R15k or R20k handy for those "surprises" that might pop up. On quality vehicles such as Audi, BMW, Merc, etc you have less of a chance to buy a hole in your pocket than other brands, but should it turn out to be that, it will not be a small hole it makes.