What should I look out for?

[dannyboi91]

I am thinking about making a 4 hour round trip to go see a 2006 2.0tdi 16v FR as I have actually fallen in love with it. From what I can see the visual mods have been 18'' alloys, painted brake callipers, spoiler, front splitter and a different back box by the looks of things. These are all things I would probably do myself so will save the hassle. The car has done 89000 mile which is ok for a diesel of that age but what I want to know is there any common problems with a car of that age I should be looking out for?

Thanks in advance

Danny

 

[locky]

I am thinking about making a 4 hour round trip to go see a 2006 2.0tdi 16v FR as I have actually fallen in love with it. From what I can see the visual mods have been 18'' alloys, painted brake callipers, spoiler, front splitter and a different back box by the looks of things. These are all things I would probably do myself so will save the hassle. The car has done 89000 mile which is ok for a diesel of that age but what I want to know is there any common problems with a car of that age I should be looking out for?

Thanks in advance

Danny

Common Mk2 issues: http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=333119

PD injector issues: http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=268033

Mk2 FAQ thread: http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=242

Hope these help. Might be worth searching the Mk2 boards as im guessing this would be a PD170 engine on that one you are looking at.

 

[James_R]

Are there any problems with the pd170?

I'd have a look through this section and gauge your own opinion on it buddy

 

[dannyboi91]

Are there any problems with the pd170?

I'd have a look through this section and gauge your own opinion on it buddy

Going to assume there are quite a lot? lol

I was looking at the 1.9 cdti astra but due to all the problems with them decided it was a no go, thought going for a VAG would be better lol.

 

[locky]

Definitely don't buy a Vauxhall disastra!

 

[dannyboi91]

Definitely don't buy a Vauxhall disastra!

Don't worry I will be, think I have got my mind set on a Leon tbh. I have always admired them. Going to test drive this one on Friday, just hope the 4 hour round trip is worth it.

 

[locky]

Well, its always worth the trip for the right car, just establish you actually really do like the Leon by test driving one a bit closer first!

I did a 300 mile trip for my LC.

 

[mike0105]

VAG cars are generally well made and engineered, but still have a variety of issues as most cars do. I would imagine that we are a happier bunch than Astra owners though!

I have a petrol FR so can't really comment on the diesel model, but if it has been well cared for and already lasted 90k, it would seem a good car. Check for usual issues related to wear or possibly accident damage etc. If the car has been modded, make sure you know all of the mods including any remapping that may have been done, but later reversed.

In any event, I would avoid the Astra and consider a FIAT Bravo as a 2nd choice after the Leon. Find one with the same 150bhp (FIAT) engine, much nicer car!

 

[dannyboi91]

Well, its always worth the trip for the right car, just establish you actually really do like the Leon by test driving one a bit closer first!

I did a 300 mile trip for my LC.

Test drove one yesterday and I do like them, love how smooth the power is on them. One thing that worried me is that I drove it like I drive my 1.5 Megane and I was doing 90 before I even realised.

 

[GlanzaV]

There are issues with the PD170 engines... but in general they're mostly known issues. Not all are guaranteed to occur or avoidable however (injectors, DPF) but if you account for them happening at some point then you'll be safe enough.

If you go see any Leon, check the inside edge of the rear tyres for wear (it's a common issue haha!) but you could barter a hundred or so off for new tyres if they look worn. Ask if it's had the recall for the injectors done... if it has then ask if it's had any issues since (some cars which had no issues before, have been reported to have had issues since!). Ask about the DPF, if there's been any lights or regen issues. If you confront them with some knowledge they might offer something up that you can hum/haw over and barter them down with.

 

[dannyboi91]

I have just noticed that the engine cover has been removed from the car I am going to see, could this give me a clue that there has may be been something done/changed under the hood? Is there anyway of knowing if it has been re-mapped?

 

[James_R]

The previous owner probably got fed up of it rattling about because the crappy rubber mounts all failed.

Remap, not really unless you have the ecu read or get it on some rollers.

 

[dannyboi91]

It is just for insurance reasons as it seems to have a lot of visual mods but nothing mentioned about engine mods, would be a plus if it had been re-mapped as it will be something that I will be doing anyway down the line. The garage may have something to read the ECU, or even be able to phone the previous owner hopefully.

 

[James_R]

Phoning the previous owner will be easier buddy

 

[dannyboi91]

Ok test drove the car and will be picking it up next weekend. It is needing serviced, new front discs and pads, wheel bearing and atleast 3 tyres. It is definitely not standard. Thete is a very loud whining sound when the engine is over 1500 rpm. Anyone have any ideas what this could be? I am just hoping it is not too quick for me but when I get it will get it on the rollers straight away.

 

[STU3Y]

Probably too late now but if its whining I would avoid It as it could well be the turbo, £700-£1200. Plus everything you said it has wrong with it shows its probably been used and abused. I wouldnt go near it

 

[Paddy]

Probably too late now but if its whining I would avoid It as it could well be the turbo, £700-£1200. Plus everything you said it has wrong with it shows its probably been used and abused. I wouldnt go near it

I think this is a fair comment... I can't imagine why you'd commit to a car then come on to an OC and ask about strange whines lol...

 

[dannyboi91]

I looked it up and a lot of people were saying that their cars were the same so thought it was ok, by the time I got answers I had already took the plunge :s.

I would not say it was a whine more a whistle that carries of from 1500rpm to the top. Is there may be an air box mod that can be done to achieve this? The fact it is a constant whistle makes me thinks it isn't the turbo.

 

[STU3Y]

whistle is worse. post a vid

 

[dannyboi91]

FFS, will get a video posted tonight, at my work just now. Was just starting to feel happy about the car .