2010 A4 S-line, what to look for?
2010 A4 S-line, what to look for?
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Condi

Original Poster:

20,556 posts

202 months

Thursday 25th September 2014
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Off to look round an A4 at the weekend. On paper it looks the dogs bks, but is there anything I should look out for beyond the usual? Its done 70,000 miles in 4 years, so Im not too worried about the DPF being clogged up, its also serviced to schedule and has had the timing belt done, so should be fine there.

170hp 2.0 diesel engine.

Edited by Condi on Thursday 25th September 22:15

Dr G

16,005 posts

273 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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Damn good cars; make sure everything on MMI works as it should do. Over zealous cleaning can get its ECU wet.

If fitted with advanced key make sure all the handle sensors work.

Power steering shouldn't feel muddy, lumpy or excessively heavy.

We don't really see many problems with these, as a package they're pretty well sorted. They seem to chip up very quickly (dark colours particularly so) so ensure any remedial paint work isn't hiding anything nasty.

Condi

Original Poster:

20,556 posts

202 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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The steering on them generally seems quite heavy. What is 'too heavy' and what is the cause?

Thanks for your help.

Dr G

16,005 posts

273 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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Really hard to describe, if you got out of a Lexus or Jag into one you'd probably think it was broken immediately but they are a little more weighty than some.

It should feel lumpy or stodgy, if it's an effort to turn (feels like you're trying to stretch a load of rubber bands at the same time) it can point to a steering rack issue. I've seen a few replaced on B8 A4s, particularly early cars.

I'm going to get killed for saying this but I much prefer the electric PAS on later cars laugh

Condi

Original Poster:

20,556 posts

202 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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Thats great, thanks. The steering was really good, light but seemed to have good feel. Tbh the drive was fantastic, really really pleased with how it was to drive.

However, the only thing which was disappointing was the paintwork. Its red over a white primer and the stone chips are shocking. If it had been silver over white or black on a black primer you wouldnt see it, but the white under red really stands out. It looks as if the paint and lacquer are really thin. Is this is a known issue, or has the previous owner just been very careless and driven far too close to the car in front?

SteBrown91

3,161 posts

160 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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Condi said:
Thats great, thanks. The steering was really good, light but seemed to have good feel. Tbh the drive was fantastic, really really pleased with how it was to drive.

However, the only thing which was disappointing was the paintwork. Its red over a white primer and the stone chips are shocking. If it had been silver over white or black on a black primer you wouldnt see it, but the white under red really stands out. It looks as if the paint and lacquer are really thin. Is this is a known issue, or has the previous owner just been very careless and driven far too close to the car in front?
That's just VAG paint in general, it really is poor. How my candy white golf hasnt suffered more I will never know, mine seems to somehow stay in pretty good nick