Help buying a TDi FR Mk4 - please :)

[Chris_a_73]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at selling my 1.2, and joining the PD130 FR crew!

Been looking on Autotrader and Pistonheads, but struggling to find many with less than 40k miles. Am I being silly trying to get sub 40k, or can I get away with buying higher and not replacing lots of bits?

I've got a budget of about 6k, and want a facelift (06-07) style. Anything I should be looking out for (good or bad?).


Plus, my daily journey is about 6 miles to college, and 6 miles back (perhaps a one or two 1 mile trips during the day). Will this be okay for a diesel, seeing as they prefer long journeys / take longer to warm up?


I'm only really considering a diesel because of insurance.. Diesel is £1200, Petrol is £1800.

Cheers!!

 

[Jordanwaterhous]

Me too! I'm just getting the wheels in motion of buying one off a member on here.

You like Grey? http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ords/fr tdi/page/1/postcode/ls178uh?logcode=p

Not worth £6.5k but i think they could be haggled down to £6k - £6,250.


Have a little look in the 'For Sale' section here:
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11

Or have a look on Autotrader/eBay/PistonHeads!

Hope this helps!

 

[Chris_a_73]

Cheers for the advice.

Already been over all of Autotrader and Pistonheads; no luck so far.

At £7k, that Ibiza seems quite a lot, however 07 and sub 40k miles... Could perhaps be haggled down to 6.25-6.5k I reckon... Although it's in Leeds!!! That's 200 miles away from me!

 

[Jimski]

Mate, give me a nudge on msn if you want.


Jimski

 

[rf860]

You should be able to get one with less than 40k miles, i just bought one with 24k

 

[mick-fr]

40k miles is nothing, aslong as the cars been looked after it will run forever - The PD130 engines are bullet-proof if looked after.

6k might be a push if your looking for facelift with less than 40k miles - But I've not looked at prices for ages so couldnt tell you for sure.

Usual things to look for: Worn bushes, noises etc. Timing belt due every 4 years/60k (mileage depending who you speak to, but definately 4 years).

The diesels do take longer to warm up, and its best to make sure its fully warmed up before you start giving it some stick. I dont know if you'll save anything on fuel over your 1.2 as its only 6 miles each way to college which isn't much tbh. Still, you'd have more power!

Then need to factor in servicing, tyres etc etc.

 

[John11367]

Cheers for the advice.

Already been over all of Autotrader and Pistonheads; no luck so far.

At £7k, that Ibiza seems quite a lot, however 07 and sub 40k miles... Could perhaps be haggled down to 6.25-6.5k I reckon... Although it's in Leeds!!! That's 200 miles away from me!

Man up lol, getting my car involved a plane journey, 480 mile drive and a ferry trip! For the record that was for an 06 cupra tdi with 10k on it so the low mileage diesels are out there, they just take some searching out

 

[mick-fr]

Have you had a test drive Chris?

 

[Chris_a_73]

Not yet.... However my insurance wouldn't cover it... (I'm 18 )

I'd have to let my dad drive it for me...how pathetic

 

[rf860]

Not yet.... However my insurance wouldn't cover it... (I'm 18 )

I'd have to let my dad drive it for me...how pathetic

If your test driving at a garage, the garages insurance should cover. I've done this a few times and had no bother with the test drive.

 

[Chris_a_73]

Ah good point! I'll head down to my local sometime next week.

Overall, I'm thinking I'll wait till August. If I get into Uni, I won't bother getting a new car, however if I don't get the grades I'll have a year to burn, so I'll buy the FR.

 

[rf860]

Ah good point! I'll head down to my local sometime next week.

Overall, I'm thinking I'll wait till August. If I get into Uni, I won't bother getting a new car, however if I don't get the grades I'll have a year to burn, so I'll buy the FR.

Don't test drive if there is a chance you won't be able to get the car. I knew i wanted mine as soon a i test drove it! But i was always going to need a car so i'm not on the same predicament as you are.

 

[Red Panda]

6 miles each way! crikey it won't even be warmed up

I think that a super well maintained 60-70k+ one is better than a poorly maintained one under 40k. 100k if looked after isn't that bad either! I got one with 60k on it and it drives like new.

I'd say get one with an impeccable full service history, also check suspension bushes which are a problem, errr oh yes get a VagCom printout maybe to check for probs and err take a mechanic with you to check it over. That's what I did as I got all goggle eyed when I saw mine and wasn't the best person to thoroughly check it out I then got it fully serviced for further piece of mind.

Good Luck in your search I'm sure you'll know when you find 'The One'

 

[Jimski]

Il admit I had my 'new car goggles' on when i bought mine, ended up with a lot of stuff luckily being sorted on warranty, and also spent a lot afterwards getting it up to my standard!

Second opinions and independent inspections are always useful.


Jimski

 

[Red Panda]

Second opinions and independent inspections are always useful.


Jimski

Exactly! and I'd add always be strong enough to walk away if something isn't right or it's too much dosh.

 

[benwilliams05]

hi, i own a pd160 cupra. and has 113000k on the clock. i have had my first engine fault, which i have sourced to be the starter motor. apart from that have had zero faults. the performance and reliability is awesome. so 40k havnt even broke it in.

 

[Syy]

Just something to give you an idea, i brought mine from Pioneer Automotive in Cheltenham last week.

-Black Magic,
-56 plate
-Facelift FR PD130
-39500 miles,
-full seat service history
-immaculate inside and out
-6 month warranty

I paid 7k (haggled down from £7500) very happy with the car loving the MPG figures !

Would recomend Pioneer to anyone really good VAG group specialist

 

[Mobo]

everyone says these engines are bulletproof
and if you look at these vag tdi engines they are still going strong at over 150k and still going for a premium.
just make sure its been well looked after and you will be fine

 

[Mattwood]

These cars and the PD130 engines are certainly good for doing the miles!

Mine is sitting on 143k and still runs as tight as it ever has done. Only just approaching needing a new clutch!

Don't be afraid of the higher mileage, just make sure it has been very well looked after and has Full Service History and things like cambelt changes at the right intervals etc

 

[rf860]

Remember also, if your going to trade in your car, to focus more on the cost to change rather than how much the car your looking at is. The car might be slightly overpriced but they might give you a great trade in price for yours.