Polo TDI - Buying for Daughter want advice?

[jettapilot]

Im going to look at a couple of TDIs 2007 -2008 for my daughter. (she deserves better than the mk3 golf now)
Anyway, just wondering what I should look out for. I especially would like to know what big service items should be done between 70-80k.
Cheers and thanks
Karen

[Greg Roles]

Hi Karen,

The 1.9 TDI in the Polo is a very well known engine, and has been around for some time. The biggest service would be the timing belt / water pump at about 100k's or 4 years. Like all diesels these things tend to slowly choke on their own EGR and oil blowby, so one with a catch can, or some evidence of having been cleaned out by 80k or so would be the ideal.Finding an owner who mentions premium diesel use, or in the least the odd bottle of diesel injector cleaner or similar would tell me they did the right things to keep the car running well.

I've no doubt some of the 1.9 owners can tell you more, but that's what I would look for personally.

[phaeton]

Hi Karen I edited the title so others would be drawn here that could assist.

Obviously look for good service history.
If in any doubt get your local VW service to do a pre-purchase inspection.

[Jmac]

Wise words from the guys already Karen. Good servicing is the key, and as Greg says Cam belt repair, otherwise these cars are bullet proof. the 9N3 platform is a cracker. I look after a computer network company and he owns a few and has a couple up around the 200k mark and they have been well serviced with the right oil and he drums it into the drivers to use premium diesel, all have been without fault apart from one with the notorious EGR cooler cracking and causing a boost leak but was a pretty hassle free fix. His cars are testiment to how tough they are.
Good luck with your searching
Cheers
Jmac

[jettapilot]

Hi Karen I edited the title so others would be drawn here that could assist.

Obviously look for good service history.
If in any doubt get your local VW service to do a pre-purchase inspection.

Thanks for that. I was being a bit lazy and in a hurry to get out to the first test drive.

I currently have in my possession an absolutely spotless, as new, 2008 white Polo which I hope to get inspected today.
It's done 83K so the timing belt will be due soon as I couldn't see it itemised on the service history.
There're asking $12, 900.

[phaeton]

I would call the NRMA Hotline - I believe they have a phoneline section on what cars should be valued at dealer & private pricing or check out redbook on Used Cars - New Cars - Search New & Used Cars For Sale - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au)

So far sounds like good value you may be able to barter abit if the cambelt and water pump etc have not been done.

[jettapilot]

Well ... the deal is done!
Inspection revealed nothing more than brake pads and, maybe, discs before the next service in July, which will be the timing belt one.
$12,500. Redbook value is $11,700 - $13,700 and the insurance market value is $15,000, so I'm happy.

Now .. who wants to buy a mechanically sound 1995 Golf needing attention of cosmetic/comfort nature???

[phaeton]

Congrats Karen & to your Daughter :D