Buying an Audi A4 1.8 Tfsi 120 SE - OPINON?

douglashyde

Looking at an 2008 Audi A4 from a car dealer at the moment. Any help and advice would be hugely appreciated

Some points:

- I've had a full history check done and everything is clean. First reg 26/05/2008 as I know there was problems with early 2008 models.

- Has cracked window which dealer is to replace.

- Has 120m on clock (my big worry).

- It has a decent service history last done at in August 2011. However unsure when timingbelt was last replaced.

- First NCT due on the 5th month. Dealer said if it doesn't pass I can come back and they will fix any problems.

- Exterior in great condition/ interior looked a bit grubby but the car HAD just arrived in and they hadn't cleaned it yet.

- Looking for 10.5k plus my car (passat 1.6 petrol with 108m on clock)
- Offering 3 month warranty.


First - Is this a good deal or what offer should I come in at?
Second- Is it acceptable to buy and then have NCT done? (I'll be doing it straight away)
Third - Should I be asking any other questions?

bazz26

The only way to know if it is a good deal is to got to another garage selling a similar car and see how much they want to trade up.

BTW isn't 120bhp a bit underwhelming for a 1.8 litre petrol car these days especially one with a turbo? Even the 1.8 in the Passat similar to yours had 125bhp or 150bhp in the 1.8t. Just saying...

vectra

I thought the 1.8 tfsi was 160bhp?
Did I also hear they are a thirsty engine?

bazz26

vectra wrote: »

I thought the 1.8 tfsi was 160bhp?
Did I also hear they are a thirsty engine?

They brought out the 120bhp version for lower emissions afaik.

166man

bazz26 wrote: »

They brought out the 120bhp version for lower emissions afaik.

I think I read on this forum that the correct oil is crucial with them too. Mickdw on here has an A5 with the same engine iirc. He might be alone to give some pointers.

R.O.R

We had / have 4 2008 1.8Tfsi 120ps A4's on fleet. Just had a quick look through the history's and the only issue noted between all of them was a problem with the ingnition not holding the key (which is relatively common across the new model A4).

Lowest mileage one has around 94,000km at the moment, highest mileage was 170,000km when it came back in April last year.

Looks like they are pretty damn reliable based on that.

Anan1

douglashyde wrote: »

- First NCT due on the 5th month. Dealer said if it doesn't pass I can come back and they will fix any problems.

A cars first NCT can be done up to six months early, so make sure to have them do it before you pay for the car.

Re the service history, if it has one then you should be able to see exactly what was done and when. At 120k miles it's probably due its second cambelt?

George Dalton

The 1.8TFSI engine has a timing chain.

I agree with the above poster regarding the NCT. Get the dealer to test it before you buy it. Speaking from experience it makes life much easier for both parties IMO.

douglashyde

Thanks for this guys.

I'll defo get garage to do nct before making full payment.

I had a look inside and I'm pretty sure it had a belt. I got the model number from motorcheck.ie - could there be two 1.8 tfsi models?

Another question - is this the lower/middle/ higher end model of a4?

Thanks again,
Dean

R.O.R

Engine is the basic petrol engine, but the SE is the middle of the road specification.

SE gives (in addition to standard spec)
• 7X1 - Acoustic rear park assistance
• 2ZQ - 4 Spoke leather covered multifunction steering wheel
• 8T1 - Cruise control
• PRW - 16" 7 spoke star design alloy wheels
• PV1 - Electric front seat adjustment

According to the 2008 A4 Product guide I have, but that doesn't have the 120ps listed. There were issues with supply on Parking Sensors early in the production run so it may be missing the Park sensors but have the upgraded Concert Radio and Hill Hold.

douglashyde

Your a star. I really appreciate this.

R.O.R wrote: »

Engine is the basic petrol engine, but the SE is the middle of the road specification.

SE gives (in addition to standard spec)
• 7X1 - Acoustic rear park assistance
• 2ZQ - 4 Spoke leather covered multifunction steering wheel
• 8T1 - Cruise control
• PRW - 16" 7 spoke star design alloy wheels
• PV1 - Electric front seat adjustment

According to the 2008 A4 Product guide I have, but that doesn't have the 120ps listed. There were issues with supply on Parking Sensors early in the production run so it may be missing the Park sensors but have the upgraded Concert Radio and Hill Hold.

Nonoperational

R.O.R wrote: »

We had / have 4 2008 1.8Tfsi 120ps A4's on fleet. Just had a quick look through the history's and the only issue noted between all of them was a problem with the ingnition not holding the key (which is relatively common across the new model A4).

Lowest mileage one has around 94,000km at the moment, highest mileage was 170,000km when it came back in April last year.

Looks like they are pretty damn reliable based on that.

Be careful... Calling a VAG reliable around here could have unpleasant consequences for you!