Buying 2003 Audi A3 1.8 sport Seller says gearshift is stiff

[Jaaydee1975]

I’ve been on the hunt for an early cheap a3 to use whilst my M3 comes off the road. I’ve found what looks like a good clean low mileage 2003 1.8 sport I like the look of, when I spoke to the seller about any outstanding issues he said everything is spot on but he thought the gear selector was stiffer than normal. Does anyone know what could be the cause of this? Obviously if it’s an easy fix I’m ok with it but if it’s going to cost lots of £’s im not keen on getting involved. The car is on 60k which is what drew me to it compared to some other super high milers.

Any comments very welcome

[Sa Calobra]

It's a 16yr old car. How sure are you that the mileage is genuine

[Jaaydee1975]

MOT history lines up perfectly when I’ve checked it.

[catso]

Many years ago I had a Vauxhall Astra which on which (taking a shortcut up an unsurfaced road) I managed to ground out the underside at a decent speed, from then on the gearchange was very stiff so it went back to the dealer, only to be told that the rear engine mount had broken off the engine casing due to the impact, meaning the whole powertrain was hanging from the front mounts putting the gear linkage under strain as that was all that was holding the engine up.

It was a company car and only a few weeks old and due to it not being a warranty issue had to claim off the insurance, I think it had to have a new engine.

Probably nothing as bad as that but I'd recommend getting it checked before you buy it...

[Jaaydee1975]

I’ve done a fair bit of googling about. Seems it’s something that happens on these but the cure doesn’t appear to be so clean cut. I’ve seen worn clutches, thrust bearings, knackered synchros and just simple linkage grease mentioned along the way. I’ve got to take a bit of a drive to see it so thought I’d put it out there first

[Warby80]

Is it the 6 speed box? Stiff in all gears?

[Jaaydee1975]

5 speed box, guy says it’s changing fine but selector is stiffer than usual

[rallycross]

Absolutely zero chance of the mileage being genuine at 60k miles on a 15 yr old
A.3.

[Benua]

Great Chooise. If i could i will be buy A3 too

[Sa Calobra]

Jaaydee1975 said:

5 speed box, guy says it’s changing fine but selector is stiffer than usual

Funny man with vested interest in selling it says it changes fine..