Buying 2.0 TFSI Sport

[james12]

On the verge of buying a 2006 Leon 2.0 TFSI Sport subject to a test drive, it has a full service history and had the cam belt & water pump changed recently, covered 80k miles.

Is there anything in particular I should be aware of with this engine? Seen a thread about the cam lobe wear and fuel pump failure but I imagine if it's nearly 10 years old that may have happened and been repaired already.

Seen quite a few VAG cars with the 2.0 TFSI fitted and have done 100-150k+ miles so it must be a half decent lump under the bonnet?

Any advice would be appreciated on what I should look for when viewing the car.

Cheers.

 

[mike0105]

I would make sure that the abs and esp work, maybe get it scanned if you can to make sure there are no faults that have not been disclosed by the seller.

Cam lobe needs to be checked fairly regularly, not just once. It is a known weak point.

Find out about modifications that have been done to the car. Many cars have been tweaked as there is so much potential. I would have a remap straight away if it hasn't already and the car is healthy

Car should ideally run on 98ron fuel, especially those earlier engines such as the BWA that is in the Sport and FR. Can run fine on 95, but is missing the potential of the engine.

When test driving, check that it pulls through the rev range. If the power drops off after 3-3.5k revs then the Diverter Valve may need replacing

Check tyres for uneven wear as this would indicate poor alignment. Droning from the rear would indicate alignment issue.

Check that the AC works as it should, compressors can be a weak spot.

Check that the rear wash wipe works as they can work loose and leak screen wash into the boot.

Check all doors open and lock on the key. I've just replaced a door lock unit on mine.

Listen for any clonking, suspension noises etc that indicate wear.

Check service history to make sure oil has been changed regularly. Quality tyres are needed on this car to be able to put the power and torque on the road.

Also check engine bay and boot area for signs of accident damage repair.

If looked after then yes, this is a fundamentally great engine with a massive potential. At big mileage the engine may need the intake cleaning as there is no fuel wash over the valves (direct injection). This leads to a build up of carbon that is not terminal or anything like that, but can reduce airflow and thus power and response. Supposedly much worse in the US where they use lower quality fuel and oils, but will still affect UK cars.

 

[james12]

Cheers

It has been serviced roughly every 10k miles, cambelt & water pump changed on last service.

Running on Good year F1's all round so decent tyres although I never buy Good year rubber myself, happy with Vredestien Sessantas.

Will be going to see the car and drive it this week so will check out the things you have mentioned above.

 

[mike0105]

Goodyear F1s are great tyres, worth the money they cost. I would recommend them only second to the michelin pilot supersports.

Enjoy, great engine and great car. How much are they asking for it? Trade or private sale?

 

[james12]

Trade, asking £3750 for it, they won't go any lower than £3500 cash only deal with 12 month warranty included.

 

[mike0105]

I guess it 06 plate and black? Looks good. Hope it all goes well on the test drive. Be good to know how you get on.

12 month warranty is good, I had a similar warranty that I extended to 2 years for next to nothing.

Just so you know, tax is £265 per year on these and of course now you have to tax it straight away, can't carry any over to new owner.

 

[james12]

Yeah black 06 plate, you've seen it then? Looks tidy in pics but will have a good look over it in the flesh. Will let you know how it goes