Checking out a 95 TSI AWD, need advice.

[EgoTripster]

Hey,

Im going to look at picking up a 95 TSI AWD, 200k+ on odo. 10k on motor/tranny (So the owner says, no paperwork to back up)

Ive had 2 other dsms that I've bought, ran for a bit and sold for a nice profit so I have a decent idea what to look for and how to haggle.

What Im asking is if anyone knows some problem areas that can be missed.

Im going to run a compression test, check the turbo for shaft play, check fluids, look for leaks/tares, check brakes/lights and test drive it, also run a OBDII scanner. Thats about all I do.

Ive never owned a AWD, so is there any resonable checks I can do on the rear diff? I do have access to a lift, but I doubt ill be able to spend much time on it, since its a busy shop that my friend works at.

Photos look to good to be true, Ill see it for the first time in person on friday.

Thanks!

I also ran the VIN on autocheck. came back pretty clean. Except for an Odometer ping "Exceeds Mechanical Limits" was noted in '01 at 145k. Then the Odo is listed at 163k in '03. The owner offered to drop the price because of that, I chalk it up to someone accidentally marking it on the title when it was sold. I doubt the odo was messed with.

 

[Rockyp]

Check the timing belt and AC compressor. I scammed a dealership in 05 with a Prelude that ran hot after driving for about 15 minutes. Luckily they only drove it for about 10 and called it good. I'd ask to go for a 30 min drive during rush hour. That'll give you an idea of the clutch and cooling system. How much does the guy want for it?

 

[AK Maniak]

Check the timing belt and AC compressor. I scammed a dealership in 05 with a Prelude that ran hot after driving for about 15 minutes. Luckily they only drove it for about 10 and called it good. I'd ask to go for a 30 min drive during rush hour. That'll give you an idea of the clutch and cooling system. How much does the guy want for it?

haha damn alaskans and their scams

But i second taking more than a 10min drive because my car overheats after about 20min but if i have the heat on full blast then it won't overheat for about 45min, so ya never know.

 

[EgoTripster]

Oh I cruise around for a while, usually keep the guy talking and will take atleast a 30-40 min test drive. My wife hates it because she is usually left at some strange house or a parkinglot for that time.

Im not to worried about the testdrive part, I can pick up on over heating, abnormal noises and bad clutchs/PP/ToBs.

Im more concerned about it having a Viscous LSD, if it has one, and how to make sure its straight.

Is there a way to tell with the VIN if it even is a Viscous LSD? I know to look for an oj sticker on the door, or a place where there was one. Right?

I decoded the VIN, its USA made, TSI AWD (ofcourse), and the Premium class (LSD?)

How much does the guy want for it?

Hes asking $2500, But will drop the price due to the Odo issue with the title. If its as good as he makes it sound, then I'll offer him $2k cash.

No I wont tell anyone where I found this offer. I got dibbs!

 

[Rockyp]

That's pretty cheap. Buy it and sale it to a guy up here in fairbanks on craigslist. he's offering 15k for and 95-99 dsm AWD. For 2k, buy it and sale it to some 16 year old kid for 5k+. It's worth it even if you only drive it for a month.

 

[EgoTripster]

Yeah I know its a great deal, I just hope there isnt anything to bad wrong with it. Im more then willing to put another $1-2k into it, I plan to, just hope its more mods then repairs.

Im still looking for an answer to my OP.

Whats a good check/test of a rear diff or LSD to tell if its good. Drive and listen/feel for vibration from the rear?

 

[95talongirl]

I noticed on the 4 or so talons I've had that there is an orange sticker in the door jam warning if there is a viscious LSD for towing purposes. A bad dif would make a whineing/whirring sound... much like you'd hear on a RWD car with a bad differental. But if it does make noise; make sure to rule out wheel bearings. 2g's are notorious for wheel bearing failure in the rear. But you should be able to jack it up and see if the wheel wobbles in the back.

Doesn't seem like a bad deal. However when it comes to dsm shopping I've heard that they have all just had a recent engine rebuild.

 

[DSM_MAYHEM92]

You can have him in the car and you at the back...have him drive slowly and you walk beside and listen to the rear end if there is anything majorly wrong with it you will hear it...make sure to look for the wabble or any kind of shaking when driving it.

 

[EgoTripster]

Doesn't seem like a bad deal. However when it comes to dsm shopping I've heard that they have all just had a recent engine rebuild.

No papers No proof. IMHO

+1.

Thanks guys. Ill be sure to do a walkalong, and check for wheel wabble when its lifted. If I can...

Ego

 

[leecastillo]

look for fust in the hatch bottom of doors and strut towers

 

[manny correa]

thats a great deal for $2500! especially being a 5spd awd PANDA! i also own a panda.. i wouldnt hesitate on the buy as long as the basics check out fine. sounds like he'll bite on an even $2k.

 

[eligst21]

Not bad deal. I know what car this is, i saw it online. Ha. Was gonna look into it but not really interested. I dont know, i think you got all the things to check for. Just check for leaks, and any thing that seems fishy. If he doesn't know much about the car, chances is he wouldn't have maintained anything or checked to see.

 

[FlossinTSi AWD]

look for fust in the hatch bottom of doors and strut towers

def.... 2gs can be a rust hole. Check the strut towers over well. good luck but for 2k, you can't beat it

 

[dalesmitsu]

look for fust in the hatch bottom of doors and strut towers

Look for rust on the radiator support both sides, if he says No rust at all look there I bet its rotted out.

Our Dsm's does rust here more and overlooked.

 

[Kyogie12]

Make sure the T-case isn't leaking at all.