Buying another DSM (ECU and Emissions Problem)

[R9IceMan]

Hey guys, my little brother is going this weekend to look at a 97 automatic Tsi Awd. The car has 82,xxx miles and its in good shape as far as the dealers knowledge enigne, trans, turbo, etc. and is bone stock. The questionable thing with the car is that they can't get the car to pass Pa. emissions because there is a problem when they try to plug into the ECU to check the car. The car runs and drives alright though so could it be a problem with the plug in? Has anyone heard about this before or had any similar experiences? By the way, the car is selling for 7k and they also said they would change the timing belt and all the other accessory belts before he buys it FOR FREE. Is this worth it or what? Please, any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[98gsspy]

Thats pretty risky going in blind about the emission problem. You should really try to find the problem or get them to knock off a ton for that. You don't want to end up paying a crap load off something you didn't know was wrong. Good Luck!

 

[Black91TSiAWD]

Depending on what the "problem" is when they try to plug in to the diag port, it could have a CEL on and the readiness monitors arent active. Ive also heard of the diag port coming "loose" and not making a good connection to the emission computer or whatever youre plugging into it, and or not reading at all.

Just a few ideas.

 

[Cs4g63]

If he is really wanting this car and doesnt care whats wrong with it then I would suggest that he tries to get the price down. If the dealership cant figure out the problem then there shouldnt be a problem getting the cost down.