"JasonStern911" (JasonStern911)
08/16/2014 at 18:42 • Filed to: None
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"JasonStern911" (JasonStern911)
08/16/2014 at 18:42 • Filed to: None | 0
| 5 |
So here's the deal.
The local AUDI dealership got this 2001 AUDI TT in trade. Full documented service history, zero accidents, 82k miles, no MIL/CEL. everything appears to be in great shape and it's being sold at just above trade in cost...
*But* there is an intermittent failure to start. And the salesman hadn't personally experienced it not starting, so he had no helpful information. When I checked it out, it started perfectly every time. Cold, hot, it just ran. One of the mechanics took a look at it, and thought a $250 part was wrong. Unfortunately, he was off on Saturday so I was unable to talk with him and get a better feel for what I might be getting myself into. The salesman said he might even throw that in.
But, they're also not sure they want to even sell this car, as they told me they can sell it at auction for what they got in trade in for it (presuming it is one of the "18 out of 20" times it starts), and then they don't have to deal with any future headaches. If you're selling $50k+ cars, ~$800 profit flipping a traded in vehicle isn't worth having someone post negative reviews and pass bad word of mouth. While I do have to admit that, for the most part, I was told everything that I wanted to hear, respect to the dealership for being honest about that, as everything seemed in perfect shape (given the age and mileage) from the test drive and inspection I took. With the exception of tire depth, everything appeared fine - no unexpected noises, clean fluids, etc.
So I use Google to search for an intermittent start problem as described. No luck. Everything is either it starts or it doesn't. Does anyone have any ideas? The lack of "doesn't start after sitting" or "doesn't start after a long drive" information really makes diagnosis difficult.
And, yes, I know AUDIs are unreliable and expensive. I used to own an RX-8 and drive a 996 currently, so unless there are horrible fundamental design flaws that I am unaware of, I am fully willing to accept $2-3k in maintenance and repairs a year.
I admit - I need an overpriced Volkswagen Beetle "girl car" like I need a hole in my head. But, I really miss having a turbocharged all-wheel drive vehicle. And I miss owning a convertible. This fills both of these needs. And I am far from Walter Rohrl and Marcus Grönholm as far as driving skills go, so the 996 is not an ideal winter car in this area when it snows. Plus for whatever reason, 2002 WRXs go for as much money in private party as this TT.
So, oppo, what do I do? Is this AUDI worth gambling on? Or is there an all-wheel drive kit available for Miatas? I know turbo kits are available... :)
Thank you!
jariten1781
> JasonStern911
08/16/2014 at 19:16 |
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That could be the coolant temperature sensor intermittently pegging high. On these, when that happens, it won't go into the start cycle.
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JasonStern911
> jariten1781
08/16/2014 at 20:57 |
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Good to know. Any other common problems other than "replace the timing belt every 60k or else"? My friend has a fairly neglected A4 with the same 1.8L turbocharged motor, and he swears by it. But then, you look at the internet, and every post is a horror story that makes one question how VAG could still be in business...
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jariten1781
> JasonStern911
08/16/2014 at 21:16 |
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Fuel pump and intake manifold are fairly common failure points.
Also, be prepped to replace coil packs every 20-60k.
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JasonStern911
> jariten1781
08/16/2014 at 22:49 |
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So nothing too extreme (apex seals, intermediate shaft bearing failures)... Good to know. Thanks!
Toby F., Manager
> JasonStern911
08/17/2014 at 00:30 |
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Same exact thing happened to my car about 1.5 years ago; with the exact same conditions, granted mine was a Dodge (typically it happened after the engine got warm enough). Anyways, I spent so much on sensors, a fuel pump, diagnostics, and what not both from my personal mechanics and the dealership. After a month of the car sitting, being diagnosed, and parts/sensors replaced, and still a no go - the problem also got worse... It eventually turned out that I had a faulty PCM that would lose contacts within itself when the engine [bay] became hot enough - as soon as I try to restart, it wouldn't till it cooled down. An additional (after the other things listed prior) $1k later in parts & labor and I haven't had the problem since. Hope this helps.