Looking at a 1995 TSI AWD

[Catalyst Gilles]

I have been looking at getting a new car lately and i found a nice looking talon on craigslist. The biggest downside is it has 161000 miles but everything else on the car sounds great. It has alot of aftermarket stuff on it and the price seems very reasonable. I just wanted to see what some more experienced people thought of the car. Here is the link. Also this is a great forum you have here.

 

[regulator213]

it didnt look like he went cheap on anything for his build. But the only thing i would say is watch out for crank walk. With 161,xxx miles on it your getting up there. Look for leaks of any kind. check under the block, under the tranny, around the rack and pinion. Any place that has fluids and might leak. I would get a carfax too, they are worth it.

 

[lacroixdp]

I don't like that he skimped on the injector size, but all in all that's not a bad deal.

 

[black_gst]

he talks like he knows what he was doing... and sounds like a good deal even if you have to swap a 6 bolt in later

 

[spawn87]

well the car sounds nice but rule number one. unless you have car knowledge and can inspect and test the car your self (compression and leak down test) i would take a friend or tech to do it for you (spending the extra 100 bucks for this pays of unless you want to take a risk on how long the car is gana run.)

the list of mods are good but also check the turbo for SHAFT PLAY

odds are something is not right with the car cause of the high mileage and for the fact he is selling it cheap.

so just get it inspected if it passes go for it

if you do get it...WELCOME TO THE DSM FAMILY.

 

[96eclipzGsT]

I have been looking at getting a new car lately and i found a nice looking talon on craigslist. The biggest downside is it has 161000 miles but everything else on the car sounds great. It has alot of aftermarket stuff on it and the price seems very reasonable. I just wanted to see what some more experienced people thought of the car. Here is the link. Also this is a great forum you have here.

Looks like you are on the right path as far as doing research. Look up signs of crankwalk before buying it so you know what to look for. One major thing is the clutch pedal somewhat sticking when pressed. I didn't do any of this and bought mine with 150,000 on it and spun a bearing from crankwalk 3 days later.

Seems like a good price. Test drive the shit out of it all the way til redline.

 

[JEFFREYCASTGSX]

Looks like you are on the right path as far as doing research. Look up signs of crankwalk before buying it so you know what to look for. One major thing is the clutch pedal somewhat sticking when pressed. I didn't do any of this and bought mine with 150,000 on it and spun a bearing from crankwalk 3 days later.

Seems like a good price.

You dont spin bearing from crankwalk, do little search befoe spreading rumors.

 

[Dsmj89]

You guys that mentioned crankwalk, crankwalk is so overrated.
It pisses me off when poeple assume for everything " CRANKWALK !" My ac is bad, oh i know.. you have CW !
GET REAL. If a dsm at that mileage hasn't suffered CW it most likely won't even see it anymore.
Good luck with the car and drive it like you stole it, make sure it runs good and if something breaks let it break right then and there.

 

[JEFFREYCASTGSX]

You guys that mentioned crankwalk, crankwalk is so overrated.
It pisses me off when poeple assume for everything " CRANKWALK !" My ac is bad, oh i know.. you have CW !
GET REAL. If a dsm at that mileage hasn't suffered CW it most likely won't even see it anymore.
Good luck with the car and drive it like you stole it, make sure it runs good and if something breaks let it break right then and there.

AMEN!!!

 

[96eclipzGsT]

I knew this is how this thread would turn out.

These are the people that it obviously hasn't happened to.

What do you guys think crankwalk is? The crank moves back and forth so much that it wears the side of the center thrust bearing down to where the crank is just about hitting the block and can sometimes break off your crank sensor. What do you think happens when the rods are not straight up and down anymore in the cylinders??

Do you think the crank just moves back and forth without any repercussions?

 

[lacroixdp]

I knew this is how this thread would turn out.

These are the people that it obviously hasn't happened to.

What do you guys think crankwalk is? The crank moves back and forth so much that it wears the side of the center thrust bearing down to where the crank is just about hitting the block and can sometimes break off your crank sensor. What do you think happens when the rods are not straight up and down anymore in the cylinders??

Do you think the crank just moves back and forth without any repercussions?

I've probably seen more crankwalked 7bolts than everyone in this thread combined. However, there's absolutely no point in letting it keep you from having fun in your car. If it's going to walk, it's going to walk, and there's nothing you can do about it. When it happens, drop in a nice 6bolt. Until then, just enjoy your ride. That's not a good enough reason IMHO to keep this guy from buying this clean DSM.

 

[96eclipzGsT]

I've probably seen more crankwalked 7bolts than everyone in this thread combined. However, there's absolutely no point in letting it keep you from having fun in your car. If it's going to walk, it's going to walk, and there's nothing you can do about it. When it happens, drop in a nice 6bolt. Until then, just enjoy your ride. That's not a good enough reason IMHO to keep this guy from buying this clean DSM.

I agree, I would probably buy it too for the price. I would just hate to see the motor go within 30 days of owning it and not have the money to fix it.

 

[TuRBoTaLooN]

Do a compression test at the very least. If its the original motor I'd be the piston rings are worn. Valve seals are also probably worn too. Ask if he had anything rebuild. Ask when the clutch was last replaced and with what parts (disk, pressure plate, throw out bearing, fork, fulcrum). Check as many fluids as possible. Drive the car and listen for noises/grinds/vibrations. Visually inspect everything possible. Get under the car if you and look for leaks/rust/signs of wear on ball joints and bushings.

 

[Beemer92]

I've got about 120,000 miles on mine. Second engine, but that's only cause the previous owner loved driving thru water. Other than having to get a new engine for mine. I have not had many problems. Check the timing belt though. Mine jumped.

 

[Dsmj89]

The stock crankshaft can get worn quicker if a heavy clutch combo is used, thus increasing then the chances of CW.
Now if the same 7 bolt motor was fully built with a new crank and complete bottom end then it won't crankwalk no matter the clutch used.
Just use a decent clutch for your daily driver and you'll be just fine.