Well, I took the plunge and sold (privately) a 16-month old from new KIA, to replace it with a 6 year old Audi A3 imported from Japan. Not exactly bangernomics, but an entirely different proposition to running a new motor! I
diosyncracies so far:
- only 1 key on collection grrrr;
- car fitted with very good winter tyres (it's summer here...);
- don't know if the cambelt has been changed (is there an easy way to tell visually?)
Car is spotless - guess they are steam-cleaned when imported to kill any bugs etc, but needed a good coat of Turtle Wax or similar polish, which I've been doing in the evenings.
Only driven 120 miles so far, car will only be used 1-2 days/week on longer runs. We'll see how we get on!
Have joined the AA just in case ;-)
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If you need an UK address for shipping let me know - I'm happy to forward it on for you.
Rob.
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So what A3 version is it?
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>>Car is spotless - guess they are steam-cleaned when imported to kill any bugs etc<<
If it came from N.E. Japan, well then yes - it would have had a wash :(
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- Nice one Dog :-)
I'm working on the assumption that the previous owner had a lot of cash to buy it new in the first place, and has taken very good care of it. On really close inspection there are a few nicks and marks in the paintwork - as to be expected for the age - but many have been fastidiously touched up with the paint pen (white paint).
Pessimistic hat on: the front is so shiny and blemish-free maybe it's been through a paint shop in the not-too-distant past :-/
The NZ authorities are paranoid about bugs and germs getting in to the country, hence the inevitable steam cleaning.
Cheddar - it's an A3 Sportback with the 2-litre non-turbo FSI petrol engine. 45k miles on the clock. Old enough for me not too worry about main dealer servicing. Plenty of indy specialists charging 30 quid/hour labour rates as opposed to the 60 quid charged by the main dealers out here...
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If it were my car Nick, and there was no way of ascertaining if and when the cambelt was replaced properly,
I'd get it done mucho pronto.
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Audi A3 + S3 - The roller coaster of buying a used car! - R.P.
