To buy or not to buy

[Cossor]

I'm with Dopey
For a quality car, not worth the risks.
And do not forget, possible BIG stress on DSG at point of impact
Also 118TSI has had some bad press re engine failures. (Important to have engine remap)

[Ryan_R]

Thanks for the extra feedback. If I were to test drive it a bit, would there be any way to tell if there is sustained mechanical damage. What do you think from looking at those pictures I linked to earlier

i.e.





When you speak of load on the DSG, are you referring to the actual crash forces or more-so just the sudden stop. The Golf had hardly any damage at all compared to the other cars in the workshop, so while I don't want to be too enthusiastic, I don't want to dismiss it too quickly and miss out, as it were. If I keep the car for 10 years, I'm not too worried about the resale price. Some of the cars you linked to looked tempting (shame it was in QLD), but I'm not keen on spending over $30,000 on a car this year (granted, you could easily spend $30k on a number of inferior cars).

I am an RACV member, so I have access to their inspection services at a discounted rate.

From looking at the photos, I'm interested to hear your guesses as to how fast you think the car was moving at impact. The radiator and surrounds doesn't even look that bad from the photos.

Thanks again for your help, I'll keep you updated as to how things progress. If you have any other thoughts feel free to share them.

[Corey_R]

When you speak of load on the DSG, are you referring to the actual crash forces or more-so just the sudden stop.

More than likely both?

[jj77]

With cars, especially those involved in an accident, it's hard to tell what or when problems will creep. My brother's previous brand new car was involved in a car accident and the repair cost was about $9000 (covered by insurance). After the repair the car looked as new but after a while, in fact less than a month, problems started to appear including squeaky noise, etc. My brother couldn't stand the creeping problems and sold the car less than a year.

Like others, I would say stay away from written-off/repaired cars - you just don't know what (costly) hidden problems the car might have.

J

[Cossor]

I think the insurance inspector would have had a fair idea of possible problems.
And crash repairers have to give a realistic quote, especially with the so called "lifetime warranty"
In this case there will be no crash repair warranty (Apart from the good will from your friend)
I strongly suspect VW will not support any warranty claims. So too bad if problems with ANY part of the car.
I think the only attractive part is if you are prepared to do all maintenance, repairs etc yourself,
and consider a possible write off in an accident due to no comprehensive ins.

[Olaf the Golaf]

I have done this with a motorbike from NSW, BUT, i did all the repairs myself with a mechanic friend making sure it was all correct, i got him to inspect it before i ever bought it, i had all the big repairs priced beforehand, and i did a REVS check on it. i found that bike to be brilliant, never had one fault with it ever in 2 years, and made money when i eventually sold it.

however, bikes are cheaper and easier to repair than cars, if something had gone wrong either myself or the people around me would have been able to fix it, with cars... i don't have that assurance, and if you have no warranty or comprehensive insurance as someone pointed out, i'd be very apprehensive... while being friends with the guy who repaired it would be helpful, but if something went wrong with the car, how would that affect/strain the friendship?

[Ryan_R]

He's a bit of a jack of all trades I guess. He built his own house, has built a pergola for my family, and as helped with other odd jobs. I know he would support me if I did run into issues, not that I expect him to fix things that are not his problem out-of-pocket.

The Golf has a lot of computer sensors as well, surely they would also complain. I'll go for a test drive when the car is ready and wil think about it. I have first choice to get the car, otherwise there are others who are interested. I'll see what happens.

Thanks again guys.

[cs^mkvi]

Hmm..

I would stay away.. The first reason being is price.. It really is not that good for a repaired write off. Only 14K less than new... It should be far cheaper. The car dropped 7K when they drove it out of the yard.. So technically you are saving 6k from new.

Also check that you can actually insure it.. I have heard that write offs cannot be comprehensively insured as they have already been paid out on.. But I have not confirmed this.

As for the parts that have been used, are they all genuine VW?

There are just too many unknowns.. Whilst the price may be good, how much will it cost you if things go wrong?

Steer clear.. Also go to a VW Dealer, tell them what you want and negotiate.. You might get a much better price than you expected.. Wouldn't you kick yourself if you got the same car new for $32K? It is possible. For example, when I bought a new motorbike several years ago, it was $18990 + ORC I walked in and said $17500 ride away and they said OK.. Never be afraid to ask, all they can say is no, but what if they say yes?

[Olaf the Golaf]

Steer clear.. Also go to a VW Dealer, tell them what you want and negotiate.. You might get a much better price than you expected.. Wouldn't you kick yourself if you got the same car new for $32K? It is possible. For example, when I bought a new motorbike several years ago, it was $18990 + ORC I walked in and said $17500 ride away and they said OK.. Never be afraid to ask, all they can say is no, but what if they say yes?

I actually did my my 118 TSi with sports pack, MDI, tinted windows, roof racks and bike carrier for $32 plus change ask about corporate discounts, if you work in the public service and lots of other places (don't know them all specifically) you can be eligible for a hefty discount - $3800 for us (partner in public service).

[Timmy10]

I actually did my my 118 TSi with sports pack, MDI, tinted windows, roof racks and bike carrier for $32 plus change ask about corporate discounts, if you work in the public service and lots of other places (don't know them all specifically) you can be eligible for a hefty discount - $3800 for us (partner in public service).

Is that auto or manual?