What to look for when buying an S3?

[Johnny H]

I'm buying an S3 (facelift 225) soon and i was hoping someone could help me? is there any bad points i should be looking out for when i look at it? does anything need extra looking at? are they proned for something going?

Thanks for your time and help

[mel]

We had this last week

[bazking69]

Check very carefully for knocking suspension components. They usually big big bills are ahead.

[Colonial]

bazking69 said:

Check very carefully for knocking suspension components. They usually big big bills are ahead.

Or it could be the arb bushes which don't cost much at all.

[Greendubber]

Colonial said:

bazking69 said:

Check very carefully for knocking suspension components. They usually big big bills are ahead.

Or it could be the arb bushes which don't cost much at all.

Very true, the ARB bushes are a cheap fix.

Look out for leaks from the haldex system
Make sure its got a good history
Make sure the cambelt and water pumps been changed
Makse sure there's no smoke
Thermostat and or temp sensor are common faults
Avoid anything with an unbranded ebay special re-map. If the owner tells you its been re-mapped then ask who by.

If one looks like its had a hard life then it most likely has. Look at as many as you can and hold out for a tidy low miles one....they are out there.