What to look for? (purchasing VW Caddy 06-07)

[golfaki]

Hi guys,

Can anyone with a caddy give me an insight into the pros, cons, what to look for ??

[Preen59]

TDI or 1.6 Petrol?

My advice is spend the bit extra and get the TDI. If you want to get a manual, Check for recall code "35a7" on the chassis below the top drivers door hinge. That means it's had the gearbox oil change or even new syncro's/balk rings etc.. Good sign. I had to get that done on my '07. Check for notchyness into 2nd gear if it hasn't got the sticker.

Apparently on the '06 Caddy's they had faulty compressors that failed around 100k? Not sure about the details, but something worth investigation. Hopefully someone can chime in on that?

Other than that i haven't had an issue with mine.. Been smooooooth sailing. *Touches wood..*

[golfaki]

preferably the TDI.

What is the difference in models ? should I really look more for an 07 onwards & how many K's is reasonable for a TDI?

Sorry don't really know much about diesels....

Thanks for the response.

[linds]

better throw in my 2c.
bought my caddy new - 2006, got 160k on it now, DSG diesel model, doesn't use a single drop of oil yet either... gets lots of city driving but then also gets the odd run every week or so out to Toowoomba, Goldie, Sunny Coast, Lismore, Hervey Bay.

What I have replaced: and therefore areas you could check
replaced all shocks and some bushes at 140k, a alternator bearing recently, dual mass flywheel was done at 100k under warranty, a new top part of key coz I broke it and a windscreen, brake globes every 10-15k (is it just me???), and a Century battery.

needed a new a/c compressor at 100k coz just prior my condensor got a hole and I ran around a week with it like that and apparently the compressor never fully turns off, so not really a fault of the car like preeny mentions, more a fault of mine coz I kept using the car.

What I feel is necessary:
I've followed service schedule verbatim at dealer, used Mobil 1 ESP oil, replaced DSG oil on time, replaced toothed timing belt and the a/c/alternator rubber band (whatever it's called) etc. In other words, a good service history.

Overall a good experience, never been held up on side of road, never had any of the turbo failures that others have come up to me whinging about, saying "why is yours still working". I proceed to ask them if they used normal engine oil and the answer is always "yes, isn't that what you use?"

So all in all, look for a good example thats been cared for, had regular services, correct fluids and not hiding any nasty noises that indicate something hideous is about to go wrong.

Hope this helps you,
Lindsay.