Looking at a 91 TSi Friday

[Devilish]

I was just wanting some general input on what problems to look for when I drive the car and look it over. It has 125,00 mi. and is completely stock. I am new to the whole DSM scene, but when I found out that this car was only $2000 I couldnt pass it up. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Lunch_Box]

Ask if the timing belt has been chenged. If not get it done as soon as you buy the car (if you do), you can also try and deduct some money off to. Is the car and AWD or FWD?

 

[Devilish]

It is an AWD. I dont believe he has done anything at all to the car except for basic maintenance. He said he did something to the BOV to make it louder, something about a silencer. I am planning on taking it in to have the T-Case serviced, as I am willing to bet he doesnt know about the recall. Also, it seems that the car idles a little funny, but I dont know any more than that. He says the clutch doesnt stick and still feels good, and he hasnt drove the car hard except for the first week he got it. I work with the guy and he is very honest, so if there was any major probklems he KNEW about he would tell me. So far so good though. But if there are any other quirks to this model, please let me know. I am prety excited to get this car, as I will be rebuilding it and shooting for around 400 HP. But I do plan on driving it a while first, till I save some more cash. (WOW that was longer than intended, sorry)

 

[Devilish]

bump, its almost Friday

 

[Devilish]

He also just recently changed over to a sythetic oil. A little late dont you think. When I asked him if he flushed the system he said that that was what he was doing. he was running the synthetic for about two days and then changing it again. Apparently he think this will flush it well enough. At least i will be able to identify any leaks better now, right?

 

[PropXprt]

I have never flushed any engine when transferring to synthetic...and I have never had any problems; I read in Hot Rob magazine that oils are compatible and that "synthetic and reg oil dont mix" is a myth.

 

[quickplymouth]

if he is really cool, maybe he will let you take it to a mechanic so he can look it over to make sure it is a good deal for you.

 

[Devilish]

thats good to hear, I am having him put some cardboard under it tonight to see if there are any leaks. Is there anything else I should look for before I drop the money on this car?

 

[Devilish]

I probably am gonna take it to a mechanic, but I doubt there are many around here that know this car like some of the people on the board. If there is anything specific to this car at 125,000 miles?

 

[Devilish]

Trouble in paradise, his back drivers side brake pad is gone, grinding the rotor away. It is his only way to work, so he has to drive it. I told him to just close the brake line off somehow. How bad can a rotor be ground down before it is unrepairable? Is $2000 still a good price for the car? I really want this thing, damn it.

 

[Devilish]

Frankly, I am a bit disappointed at the lack of response to this thread. I have decided to wait until a better opportunity presents itself, as the rotor is most likely damaged to the point where replacement is necessary. So if anyone in the Florida Panhandle can cut me a sweet deal on a 1st Gen DSM, let me know.

 

[Eliminat0r]

no man thats car is a sweet deal if you can get it for 1500-1800 offer him like 1600 if he doesnt bite say 1800 and give him reasons why like the rotor needs to be repaled ( rotors dont even cost that much), the t0- belt probably needs replacing so hell probably bit at 1700 or 1800 i got mine for 2200 100k miles perect condition except for a few rock chips in paint.

 

[Devilish]

yeah except that he cant go lower than 2000 or he cant pay it off, and the passenger side door hinges slipped and the front fender got dented in. It kinda seems like a POS to me. I can wait I guess.

 

[gigahz95]

yes, WAIT. I started looking in july, I just got mine thursday. Settle for things that are easily/cheap fixable or dont effect quality of the cars drive.

I managed to find one with only 100k on it, well maintained, great interior/exterior. 3000 may have been high, but im more than happy with what i have and that i waited.

 

[scuRRed whiTey]

i started looking like a year ago and i waited and waited and waited

and may i say good things come to those who wait

92 laser awd 5 speed
30,000 miles

owned by old guy, sat in a garage all its life



and now i have it running stock at 13.9@ 96 miles an hour
and i cant drive stick

 

[BIGGSIE]

Sounds like a good deal to me I just paid $1800 for A 90 TSI in excellent shape that needs a tranny (supposedly). Look for leaks at the X-fer case, drive it to see if any gears grind, look for guages working properly, visually check the wheel alignment, and look for any play in the turbo if he'll let you. The silencer he told you about is a "free mod" not anything to worry about. Tires good? Smoke from tail pipe? Just try to not be excited and use your good judgement, tell him that you have looked at a few of them and ask him if he will fix the rear brake if you buy it. Good luck