Buying an audi...but trouble.

gutteruu

Found a nice '07 1.9 A4 thats perfect except when I test drove it today the turbo died after about 2 mins. No big smoke out exhaust that I noticed just a lack of power. They reckon its a stuck flap (been sitting up a few months) and will sort it for tomorrow.

Just wondering would you walk away or have any idea what it could be. Drives along at 70mph fine just no power. No lights on dash indicating problem. Thought it sounded a bit loud (blowey noise) from passenger footwell but maybe that was me. Car is mint except for this.

mikeecho

gutteruu wrote: »

.....Car is mint except for this.

run away

Cee-Jay-Cee

Walk away and don't listen to any excuses. There are countless cars on the market, why buy one from a dealer that couldn't even be arsed to ensure the car was running right!

mikeecho

coylemj

Please tell us you haven't paid a deposit. I kinda expect that you have and that's why you're looking for reassurance - because you reckon you're tied in to the deal now.

Otherwise as advised, run away.

gutteruu

Fair enough. I'll leave her. Haven't paid anything, just hard to find ideal car with known history thats not knackered.

coylemj

gutteruu wrote: »

Fair enough. I'll leave her. Haven't paid anything, just hard to find ideal car with known history thats not knackered.

That's a reasonable observation. Are you only looking at cars being sold by independent dealers? That might be the problem - ask yourself a simple question - 'where do these guys source their cars'? The answer typically is that they pick up sh1te at auctions or they buy cars for knockdown prices from people who know that the car has a problem that is going to cost a lot of dosh to fix, an example being the motor you've just tested.

I'd just avoid indie dealers altogether and see if you can find a car on sale by a genuine private seller.

I'm sure that there are honest indie dealers out there, I just had a major problem last time I tried to deal with any of them, I got an evasive answer to every single question I was asking so I just gave up.

tossy

coylemj wrote: »

That's a reasonable observation. Are you only looking at cars being sold by independent dealers? That might be the problem - ask yourself a simple question - 'where do these guys source their cars'? The answer typically is that they pick up sh1te at auctions or they buy cars for knockdown prices from people who know that the car has a problem that is going to cost a lot of dosh to fix, an example being the motor you've just tested.

I'd just avoid indie dealers altogether and see if you can find a car on sale by a genuine private seller.

I'm sure that there are honest indie dealers out there, I just had a major problem last time I tried to deal with any of them, I got an evasive answer to every single question I was asking so I just gave up.

That's not great advice at all.

coylemj

tossy wrote: »

That's not great advice at all.

My advice on avoiding indie dealers is based on the fact that there is zero value-add (most of them sell out of portakabins) and if anything goes wrong, the 'warranty' is worthless. See the countless number of threads on that topic in this forum.

coylemj

LIGHTNING wrote: »

And see the amount of threads where "SIMI" dealers are telling people to get lost. I'd start with the BMW timing chains as a good starting point.

A 'SIMI' sign does not imply main (or trustworthy) dealer, there's loads of indie dealers using the SIMI logo as a badge of respectability but they're no better or worse than the next guy.

the_syco

gutteruu wrote: »

No lights on dash indicating problem.

This just means that they're probably hiding more than what you can actually see....

jca

Sounds like the same problem I had with my 07 Octavia. The guy who does my servicing said it was sticking turbo vanes which can only be properly fixed by replacing the turbo. A pressure over boost code is usually logged in the ecu.

George Dalton

Sounds like limp mode. If they sort it out properly before sale I don't see the issue tbh.

MrFrisp

jca wrote: »

Sounds like the same problem I had with my 07 Octavia. The guy who does my servicing said it was sticking turbo vanes which can only be properly fixed by replacing the turbo. A pressure over boost code is usually logged in the ecu.

Got the same problem with a 02 Octavia.

Can't afford to be replacing the Turbo now though. Have to look for other options.
.

jca

MrFrisp wrote: »

Got the same problem with a 02 Octavia.

Can't afford to be replacing the Turbo now though. Have to look for other options.
.

Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought the 02 model was the older waste gate type turbo it didn't have variable vanes. I thought the vnt type came in in 2004-5 with the MK 2 Octavia.

Interslice

jca wrote: »

Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought the 02 model was the older waste gate type turbo it didn't have variable vanes. I thought the vnt type came in in 2004-5 with the MK 2 Octavia.

I know in VW/audi land around the same time the 90hp had the fixed turbo while the 110hp had the variable.

MrFrisp

I think it has the vanes alright.. It has the ALH engine code, so someone might know from that.

Either way, the Turbo isn't kicking in at all.. It whistles away, but as you approach 2000rpm, it's just like hitting a rev limiter, and there's nothing there.

It'll still do 70-80mph and maybe more on a motorway, but it just takes a while to get there.

As I said, can't afford a new Turbo. Besides, I'm not sure it would be worth putting a new one into it, being with the year that it is, and the high mileage too. (180,000+)
.

Interslice

MrFrisp wrote: »

I think it has the vanes alright.. It has the ALH engine code, so someone might know from that.

Either way, the Turbo isn't kicking in at all.. It whistles away, but as you approach 2000rpm, it's just like hitting a rev limiter, and there's nothing there.

It'll still do 70-80mph and maybe more on a motorway, but it just takes a while to get there.

As I said, can't afford a new Turbo. Besides, I'm not sure it would be worth putting a new one into it, being with the year that it is, and the high mileage too. (180,000+)
.

It's a common enough problem on them. Load of threads on it I remember reading one where a lad used mr muscle oven clearer to clean out his! Maybe worth a shot! A new turbo would be the long term fix though. It'll be storing a fault code if it's in limp mode so get that checked first to make sure it's the turbo causing it.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/130645-oct-1-9-tdi-90bhp-goes-into-limp-mode-at-2200-rpm-65-mph/

Some ALH 90bhp engines ARE fitted with this turbo, despite many people stating that these engines have a traditional wastegate turbo fitted (I know because mine is an ALH and is fitted with a VNT turbo!).

George Dalton

As above, most 90bhp engines after about '00 are fitted with the VNT type turbo.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I personally have owned over 30 cars in my lifetime and have never bought even once from a main or indie dealer. Indie dealers are simply middle men and add their own cut to the price. I have bought all bar two cars privately (I imported 2 from Japan myself also) I kniw my way around an engine and so carry out all my own checks, I have never had s mechanical failure that stranded me somewhere and never had to replace any significant part other than brakes clutch tyres etc etc

goochy

cars at used dealers were privately owned at one stage so no logic to say private sales are better cars many private sale cars are way overpriced. not all used dealers operate from portacabins . if someone trades in an older used audi at a main dealer it will end up at a used dealer

MrFrisp

Interslice wrote: »

It's a common enough problem on them. Load of threads on it I remember reading one where a lad used mr muscle oven clearer to clean out his! Maybe worth a shot! A new turbo would be the long term fix though. It'll be storing a fault code if it's in limp mode so get that checked first to make sure it's the turbo causing it.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/130645-oct-1-9-tdi-90bhp-goes-into-limp-mode-at-2200-rpm-65-mph/

Hi guys..

Just an update on this, before the Thread becomes too old to dig up again.

I brought the car to a different mechanic today, and within 20 minutes he had diagnosed a faulty Air Flow Meter.

Working in the Car Parts trade, I picked up a Bosch replacement part straight away, dropped it to the mechanic, and he fitted it within minutes.

Result = Problem solved!!

Car is a lot lot more responsive, and the turbo is kicking in as it should.

Delighted.
.

jca

MrFrisp wrote: »

Hi guys..

Just an update on this, before the Thread becomes too old to dig up again.

I brought the car to a different mechanic today, and within 20 minutes he had diagnosed a faulty Air Flow Meter.

Working in the Car Parts trade, I picked up a Bosch replacement part straight away, dropped it to the mechanic, and he fitted it within minutes.

Result = Problem solved!!

Car is a lot lot more responsive, and the turbo is kicking in as it should.

Delighted.
.

I'm sure vcds diagnosed the faulty AFM and put your mechanic on the right track. Another lesson from the "always scan for codes first" classroom.:)
Nice result btw. I'd never get a handy fix like that..

Eric Cartman

coylemj wrote: »

That's a reasonable observation. Are you only looking at cars being sold by independent dealers? That might be the problem - ask yourself a simple question - 'where do these guys source their cars'? The answer typically is that they pick up sh1te at auctions or they buy cars for knockdown prices from people who know that the car has a problem that is going to cost a lot of dosh to fix, an example being the motor you've just tested.

I'd just avoid indie dealers altogether and see if you can find a car on sale by a genuine private seller.

I'm sure that there are honest indie dealers out there, I just had a major problem last time I tried to deal with any of them, I got an evasive answer to every single question I was asking so I just gave up.

and do you think that people in the car trade just got brand franchise day 1 that they set up, also we have some seriously high end indy dealers like beshoffs who outdo main dealers in terms of stock and service.

George Dalton

jca wrote: »

I'm sure vcds diagnosed the faulty AFM and put your mechanic on the right track. Another lesson from the "always scan for codes first" classroom.:)
Nice result btw. I'd never get a handy fix like that..

A bad MAF generally doesn't log a fault code on these TDIs.

So the absence of a code combined with a lack of power usually means the next step is to test the MAF

whiterebel

MrFrisp wrote: »

Hi guys..

Just an update on this, before the Thread becomes too old to dig up again.

I brought the car to a different mechanic today, and within 20 minutes he had diagnosed a faulty Air Flow Meter.

Working in the Car Parts trade, I picked up a Bosch replacement part straight away, dropped it to the mechanic, and he fitted it within minutes.

Result = Problem solved!!

Car is a lot lot more responsive, and the turbo is kicking in as it should.

Delighted.
.

I was just reading through it, wondering would I suggest that! I had a Passat that just lost the turbo completely. Well known problem with the VW 1.9TDI, and cost 300 notes until they brought out a spurious €125 one.

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

jca

George Dalton wrote: »

A bad MAF generally doesn't log a fault code on these TDIs.

So the absence of a code combined with a lack of power usually means the next step is to test the MAF

Strange that the power was dropping suddenly, normally a bad MAF would be lacklustre performance over the entire rev range, of course disconnecting the MAF and the improvement in performance afterwards would nail it. It's much easier doing these things with the car in front of you.

Hachiko

gutteruu wrote: »

Found a nice '07 1.9 A4 thats perfect except when I test drove it today the turbo died after about 2 mins. No big smoke out exhaust that I noticed just a lack of power. They reckon its a stuck flap (been sitting up a few months) and will sort it for tomorrow.

Just wondering would you walk away or have any idea what it could be. Drives along at 70mph fine just no power. No lights on dash indicating problem. Thought it sounded a bit loud (blowey noise) from passenger footwell but maybe that was me. Car is mint except for this.

its not perfect if the turbo blew after 2 minutes, cant believe this is a serious question. Good auld 1.9 TDIs. Drives along at 70mph fine but no power... wtf

car mint except this?

MrFrisp

George Dalton wrote: »

A bad MAF generally doesn't log a fault code on these TDIs.

So the absence of a code combined with a lack of power usually means the next step is to test the MAF

Yup, as far as I know, he didn't hook it up at all..

He took it for a test drive, and when it wouldn't rev past 3000 rpm, I presume he had a good idea from that.

He rang me to tell me, and I picked up the part in work, last one on the shelf I may add, and as soon as he had it fitted, he asked to me take a drive..

Problem solved.
.

MrFrisp

jca wrote: »

Strange that the power was dropping suddenly, normally a bad MAF would be lacklustre performance over the entire rev range, of course disconnecting the MAF and the improvement in performance afterwards would nail it. It's much easier doing these things with the car in front of you.

Yes, after a quick test drive, he disconnected the MAF, as said it ran better without it.
.

MrFrisp

whiterebel wrote: »

I was just reading through it, wondering would I suggest that! I had a Passat that just lost the turbo completely. Well known problem with the VW 1.9TDI, and cost 300 notes until they brought out a spurious €125 one.

Jaesus, that's spicy..

Thankfully I didn't pay anything like that.. Even for the Bosch one.
.

jca

Hachiko wrote: »

its not perfect if the turbo blew after 2 minutes, cant believe this is a serious question. Good auld 1.9 TDIs. Drives along at 70mph fine but no power... wtf

car mint except this?

He never said the turbo "blew" after 2 minutes, the car was down on power as the MAF was faulty. Disconnecting the MAF would have restored power as the ecu uses adaptive values as it now knows there's no MAF signal present(will also log a code and the warning light will be on)

jca

MrFrisp wrote: »

Yup, as far as I know, he didn't hook it up at all..

He took it for a test drive, and when it wouldn't rev past 3000 rpm, I presume he had a good idea from that.

He rang me to tell me, and I picked up the part in work, last one on the shelf I may add, and as soon as he had it fitted, he asked to me take a drive..

Problem solved.
.

You never said in the original post it wouldn't rev past 3000 rpm..;) Nice result all the same.

MrFrisp

jca wrote: »

You never said in the original post it wouldn't rev past 3000 rpm..;) Nice result all the same.

Well, it didn't start out that way.

I'd been having trouble with the car for about 2 years now.

It started with it going into Limp Mode at random times. Turn off the ignition, turn it on again fixed it, not for long though.

At that point, it would still go to the Rev limit.

Only over the last few months, it just got worse, and it was just in permanent Limp Mode. Still drive down the road at 70 mph, just took a while to get there, and no real power.
.

jca

MrFrisp wrote: »

Well, it didn't start out that way.

I'd been having trouble with the car for about 2 years now.

It started with it going into Limp Mode at random times. Turn off the ignition, turn it on again fixed it, not for long though.

At that point, it would still go to the Rev limit.

Only over the last few months, it just got worse, and it was just in permanent Limp Mode. Still drive down the road at 70 mph, just took a while to get there, and no real power.
.

This is getting very confusing. I thought you were contemplating buying the car and noticed the fault on a test drive...

power pants

he is not the op,

op was looking at an audi

this guy owns a skoda

millington

The turbo didn't die as such, the car went into limp mode. I highly doubt it's a "stuck flap" but could be any amount of simple problems. MAF sensor, boost sensors etc.

jca

power pants wrote: »

he is not the op,

op was looking at an audi

this guy owns a skoda

In the words of my Grandfather, I'm lost....