Two questions...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cicca_294

alrite, so i spoke to the dude about the heater core and the chains,
hes an engineer, so i guess i a way i trust what he says, he seemed like a good bloke and all.

heater core "is still fine"
timing chain "looked at when the clutch was replaced, guides are first to go and there fine, if the guides are replaced when the engine is noisy the timing chains dont need replacing, mk3 hold chains when looked after arnt meant to be changed unless you thrash it."

so to me thats sounds pretty good, wat do you guys think tho?

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At that age and KM' they can turn noisy at any point, they could be fine now but tomorrow they could start to deteriorate. I'd honestly say to find another car with fewer k's or a car with similiar k's or even more but with the chains done.

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Originally Posted by Golf Houso

At that age and KM' they can turn noisy at any point, they could be fine now but tomorrow they could start to deteriorate. I'd honestly say to find another car with fewer k's or a car with similiar k's or even more but with the chains done.

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ohh **** buddy, thats really put me off.
um what if i was to take it to the local vw spastic, wayne penrose if it rings a bell for anyone.
is it something that can be foreseen?


its this one if you guys know of it:http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...0golf&trecs=16

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cicca_294

ohh **** buddy, thats really put me off.
um what if i was to take it to the local vw spastic, wayne penrose if it rings a bell for anyone.
is it something that can be foreseen?


its this one if you guys know of it:http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...0golf&trecs=16

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You'll know if the chains need doing, because they become noisy. Kind of sounds like ball bearings rolling around in a milo tin.

The 'paranoia' about chains on cars which have hit 160,000km is that on occasion the chain guides / tensioners have been known to fail prematurely.

VW don't list a service interval on the chains because they're supossed to last 'the life of the car', but if the car has done 160,000km, it's prudent to have the tensioners done (like on a rubber timing-belt car) and while you're at it, the chains too.

Anyway, the upper chain is relatively easy but the lower chain requires removal of the transmission from the motor. It sometimes ends up costing more just because it's so easy to say "while the tranny is out I might as well do xyz" - fill in the blanks. Parts are relatively cheap; it's the labor that may frighten some:

In all, changing the chain and guides end up being about 8 or 9 hours labour on the job cards I've seen - this is why some people will try and discourage you. You could always use this to help you negotiate a better price -he's asking good money for that car.

You might look at it this way: Most cars have timing belts with ~ 100k service intervals these days, and usually cost about $800 'retail' to replace along with guides, water pump, etc. The VW timing chain system has almost double that service life, is a little more costly to renew due to labor, but then you're covered for another ~ 160,000km or so.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sydVR6

You'll know if the chains need doing, because they become noisy. Kind of sounds like ball bearings rolling around in a milo tin.

The 'paranoia' about chains on cars which have hit 160,000km is that on occasion the chain guides / tensioners have been known to fail prematurely.

VW don't list a service interval on the chains because they're supossed to last 'the life of the car', but if the car has done 160,000km, it's prudent to have the tensioners done (like on a rubber timing-belt car) and while you're at it, the chains too.

Anyway, the upper chain is relatively easy but the lower chain requires removal of the transmission from the motor. It sometimes ends up costing more just because it's so easy to say "while the tranny is out I might as well do xyz" - fill in the blanks. Parts are relatively cheap; it's the labor that may frighten some:

In all, changing the chain and guides end up being about 8 or 9 hours labour on the job cards I've seen - this is why some people will try and discourage you. You could always use this to help you negotiate a better price -he's asking good money for that car.

You might look at it this way: Most cars have timing belts with ~ 100k service intervals these days, and usually cost about $800 'retail' to replace along with guides, water pump, etc. The VW timing chain system has almost double that service life, is a little more costly to renew due to labor, but then you're covered for another ~ 160,000km or so.

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well i can defiantly tell you this is the quietest one ive heard, after seeing a few models.
buying the thing for me is a stretch as it is, so really cant afford for major work to have to be done.
i mentioned i could get in contact with the local vw dude, will he be able to see it?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cicca_294

well i can defiantly tell you this is the quietest one ive heard, after seeing a few models.
buying the thing for me is a stretch as it is, so really cant afford for major work to have to be done.
i mentioned i could get in contact with the local vw dude, will he be able to see it?

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Well mate, there are good risks and there are bad risks.

If you think the car is in good nick and you get it inspected by someone with an opinion you trust, then it becomes more of a 'calculated risk'.

You could take a calculated gamble and be lucky that the odds are with you, or be totally unlucky. Either way, you know both sides of the situation.

I wouldn't suggest buying one of these cars unless you have a few spare dimes. They're good, solid cars, but they're getting older and can tend to drink on short runs.

Maybe consider a 2.0 - they're cheaper on parts and fuel, and generally cheaper in the market.

Either way, I'm sure if this is the kind of car you're really after, you'll make it work for yourself.