Buying an mk5 r32

[Obi Wan]

I'm looking at buying an mk5 r32. I was wondering what I should look for? I've come across this example which is pretty tempting.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

Any help would be appreciated.

[Obi Wan]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

Looks nice enough. Nothing really to worry about with those at that age. Engine is bomb proof and the rest of the mechanicals is standard Haldex stuff, so look for evidence of regular servicing on that.

Personally I would get the DSG version. The manual isn't a great partner with that engine imo.

Thanks.

I know that the haldex should be serviced every 40k miles. Coilpacks should have the latest recall done. Plugs changed every 40k miles. Is there anything else?

I be looking for a manual as there's less to go wrong.

[Obi Wan]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

The chain gear was upgraded in 2006 on all 3.2s.

Are you referring to r32's here? I'm still doing research and the one thing that bothers me is talk of timing chains failing and lunching engines. As far as I know it can happen at any time which is really off putting.

[Obi Wan]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

All 3.2s, so R32, A3, Cayenne and any VAG that used it.

The chain actually snapping is so rare, it's barely even worth mentioning.

The chain just wears out like all other chain driven engines, and on the 3.2 it can wear to the point where the ECU can no longer correlate the cam / crank position and throw the EML, but that is rare as well.

At least with the R32 you can monitor the chain wear with diagnostic software before it ever gets that bad.

If I were to buy one it would be from third party dealer who I doubt has the required software to detect such an issue. Even if an issue was found I've read anything from £1000 to £4000 for a repair. The whole thing seems to be a time bomb. Did the 2008 model finally fix this?

Edited by Obi Wan on Tuesday 4th October 16:29

[Obi Wan]

SuperchargedVR6 said:

Any post 2006 should be fine, but always worth a check. Do you know anyone with VAG-COM who could go with you?

Afraid not.