2008 A4 1.8 TFSI petrol - things to look out for

[gf15]

HI All,
My sisters car, a 2002 VW Golf has been given the last rites today by her mechanic.

Her requirements are for a car that has / is:
Has heated seats
Is reliable
Has heated seats
Is safe
Has heated seats
Is economical
Has heated seats
Has a petrol engine

In summary, she is keen on heated seats. I am going to look at an A4 1.8 TFSI (with heated seats) tomorrow. It has 80k miles and she will do about 15k miles per year.
Any thing to be look out for specific to this model?
Thank you in advance, GF15.

[Dr G]

I know a lot of people slate it but I really rate that engine in the A4/5. Decent fuel economy, plenty of torque, smooth, quiet.

Some suffered premature piston ring wear (like the 2.0T but much less common) and some have suffered timing chain issues. Feel for a wet/oily/yucky exhaust after driving and ensure there are no unpleasant knocks or rattles from the engine (particularly on cold start).

Some early B8 chassis cars (A4/5/Q5) have suffered steering rack issues so make sure the PAS doesn't feel lumpy, sticky, or overly heavy. The ignition keys sometime stick in the slot a little when turning the engine off and need a jiggle. Have a good feel around the inner left hand trim panel in the boot (particularly foam at the bottom) for any signs of water ingress, the brains for nav/MMI live there and will expensively go bang at the first sign of moisture.

[Belle427]

Check the heated seats work

[Fun Bus]

Budget?

[Deerfoot]

gf15 said:

HI All,


Her requirements are for a car that has / is:
Has heated seats
Is reliable
Has heated seats
Is safe
Has heated seats
Is economical
Has heated seats
Has a petrol engine

Sounds like she needs a Civic 1.8 EX or Accord 2.0 EX.

[gf15]

Hi All,
Thanks for input.
Quick update, all checked out OK. All books present, FSH (5 Audi, 3 specialist), all keys.
It drove lovely, deposit paid, my sister is really pleased and she collects next Friday.