GTA_Driver

For $4500? That is a very good price for this car. You may have to contend with some wear items by this point, such as control arms, and shocks, but that comes with the mileage.

ashtrom2.7T

Well Im going to take a look at it tomorrow morning for a third time, and if i dont take it then she'll get rid of it. oh well then, im not in a hurry right now anyway. I just really like that particular model, and color combo. we'll see. Thanks For your reply

Ginstervrt

Check for oil leakage at the bottom of the valve cover gaskets, mine did the same thing when I picked it up.

rohit13

If the pump is starting, check the vacuum lines. No sound from pump = new pump.

The smoke is valve cover gaskets and CCT's.

slowguy

I have to say at the beginning of all my posts...I am no expert, but here is my limited experience opinion. If smoke is coming from the tail pipe, then you are either burning excess fuel (which isn't always a deal or wallet breaker), coolant (can be a much larger and expensive problem especially if it's head gaskets), or oil (which also usually a major issue). Blue smoke is usually oil, white is usually coolant, and black is usually too much fuel.

That being said, $4500 seems like a fair price if there is a major problem. If the only problem ends up being the SAI, I think that is an excellent deal and you should go for it. Just get the maintenance history and make sure you fill in the gaps (if there are any).

ashtrom2.7T

Well, the lady wasn't around for me to buy a car. I guess she had a family emergency in LA or something. so she didn't trade it in yet. she is not back till tomorrow. will se what happens, i'm planning to spend a good hour and half, between checking things out on the car and driving it around on various types of roads including unpaved roads

ashtrom2.7T

I counting that in, since I had to do most of that wear and tear/preventive maintenance on my Passat and previously owned Jetta, both wore 1.8T.

slowguy

My car had 68k when I bought it. At the time, I didn't notice any suspension problems. After I got it home, however, things had time to really get warm and I guess this affects how the rubber in the control arm joints performs. The point is, there is a noticable creaking and the occasional light pop or thump. I didn't notice any play on the ball joints but when I got the tires off, I noticed cracking on all the rubber control arm joints...and this is only at 68k. So I would say almost for sure you will need some suspension/steering work done.

Just wanted to add that so you could look at it.

clancy

I am assuming you are aware of the need to replace the timing belt and all the associated parts every 60-80k? When was this last performed?