Looking to Buy an R36. Advice Needed.

[snerlo]

Guys,
I just need some quick advice. I am looking at purchasing an R36 Wagon on the weekend for the new family hack and I was wondering if anyone has some quick advice on what to look out for when I go and have a look of the car on Saturday morning. Obviously I will be taking it for a spin as well. It is an 08 model and has the cheap looking head unit (not the nice looking RCD/RNS510 head unit so that may be a swap for me) and is also the red on black display in the dash. I know they updated the dash to a nicer looking job in 09 but I can't get too picky with these things so I have to suck it up. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks heaps.

[Tarmac]

They're a pretty solid car mate. Its really just the obvious things that you would check with all second hand cars. Oil leaks etc. When you drive it make sure there are no obvious steering faults/clunks as they can end up expensive. Sometimes its worth the $100-$150 to get a professional to come out and have a look at it.
That wasnt overly helpful but im the only person thats replied so far.

[snerlo]

Thanks for the quick advice mate. Yeah, I thought that they would be reasonably solid. I know that there have been a few problems with diesels over the years so the missus isn't keen on them, plus with regards to the petrols (turbo), I know that they may be working a little harder than in our turbo jetta and the idea of possible turbo faults (anything to do with this) increases. Basically, the simpler the engine, the better is my preference. I know the fuel economy won't be great but hopefully they are a nice drive so it will be worth the little bit extra in fuel.

[Lucas_R]

My step sisters husband (if you can follow that family tree lesson) has a Passat R36 and it hasn't missed a beat. They are a good reliable package. He bought it brand new and i believe it's an 09 model. Fuel economy isnt a strong point, but i see you have an XR6 Falcon so it wont be any worse than that (11-12L per 100km around town).

The DSG transmission is probably the biggest thing you will have to check for, looking for rough clutch engagement and gear changes - although the DSG used in the R36 is pretty reliable overall.

The engine itself seems to hold up really well, with the only real issue i have read about being PCV breather valves going bad (common for almost all VW's it seems).

Make sure the AWD feels smooth in transition and there are no sudden clunks or thumps as the power gets shifted to the rear wheels. Depending on the age of the car/km's travelled, it should have had the DSG serviced by now (expensive service due at 4 yrs or 60,000km).

Look at wear on the brakes (disks and pads) as VW's (in particular the heavier VW's) chew through their brakes and they can be expensive to replace.

[snerlo]

Placed a deposit. Please see my other thread for a couple of questions. Thanks for your responses

[snerlo]

Thread closed as i bought it