Buying tips 07 fr tdi

[jeb]

Looking at buying a 1 owner 74k fr tdi 130.

What should I be looking for in terms of problems?

It drives fine and has a full service history.
Are these cars pretty solid and reliable?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrknox1994]

Yeah they are fairly solid! check to see if it's had a cambelt? They are due every 75k or 5 years, that's main dealer standards!

 

[abbotsmike]

That was the recommendation originally. It has now been revised down as low as 50k, so if it hasn't been done yet, then it's the first thing I would do, possibly even on the way home.

Check it pulls well in all gears, with no hint of clutch slip (high gear, low revs, full throttle. Speed should rise with revs)
Have a look at the console bushes, common problem (search on here, plenty of threads)

 

[Gorbstein]

Check the front arches for signs of rust. Be prepared to remove the foam spacers here to prevent it happening if it hasn't already.

Also check the rear wiper wash, the hose has a habit of popping off.

Also as mentioned, console bushes.

Otherwise solid cars. Mine started asking for money after 7 years old, but nothing major, just niggles and fairly routine wear items.