Imad Al-Ghouleh

Hi,
I am considering a 1.8T 97 with 100K on it. I know it will probably need
a new timing belt soon. Also, the airbag light seems to be always on
when i test drove it. the car seems to be in good condition otherwise,
but I have a strong feeling that there are hidden problems. I trust the
person I am buying from but that person is not very knowledgable about
cars and may have a problem that they dont even know about.
Would any one have any experience with th 97 1.8T, pros, cons, things to
look out for? also would anyone have any information about what such a
car sells for these days? Any advice on what to test before buying and
on how I can find out if I am buyng myself a new problem instead of a
dependable car that will last?
Thanks in advance.

Ronny

"Imad Al-Ghouleh" <ighoul@po-box.mcgill.ca> wrote in message
news:qVSAb.5896$3y1.477286@news20.bellglobal.com.. .
> Hi,
> I am considering a 1.8T 97 with 100K on it. I know it will probably need
> a new timing belt soon. Also, the airbag light seems to be always on
> when i test drove it. the car seems to be in good condition otherwise,
> but I have a strong feeling that there are hidden problems. I trust the
> person I am buying from but that person is not very knowledgable about
> cars and may have a problem that they dont even know about.
> Would any one have any experience with th 97 1.8T, pros, cons, things to
> look out for? also would anyone have any information about what such a
> car sells for these days? Any advice on what to test before buying and
> on how I can find out if I am buyng myself a new problem instead of a
> dependable car that will last?
> Thanks in advance.
>

What country are you buying it from? 97 1.8T should cost around £5k with FSH
thats about $9k maybe less

Problems are varied, but airbag control module may need replacing, cam belt
is good for another 40k if changed at 80k miles, or 20k if changed at 60

Other problems are, creaky wishbones, try driving over uneven ground and see
if the suspension knocks and groans, Turbo may need replacing soon.

Has it been chipped? is it standard? any annoying squeaks or rattle's.

Try and get a newer one if you can, so you can get quattro, pay that little
bit more, look for the facelift version in 1999

hth

Ron

Imad Al-Ghouleh

Thanks Ron,

>What country are you buying it from? 97 1.8T should cost around £5k with FSH
>thats about $9k maybe less
>
I am in Canada. Montreal to be exact

>
>Problems are varied, but airbag control module may need replacing, cam belt
>is good for another 40k if changed at 80k miles, or 20k if changed at 60
>
I dont think it has been changed

>
>Other problems are, creaky wishbones, try driving over uneven ground and see
>if the suspension knocks and groans, Turbo may need replacing soon.
>
Thanks. I didnt think of that. I will try to give it another test drive.

>
>Has it been chipped? is it standard? any annoying squeaks or rattle's.
>
Its lady owned so i dont think it was. it is automatic and is a quattro.
i didnt hear anything when i drove it

>
>Try and get a newer one if you can, so you can get quattro, pay that little
>bit more, look for the facelift version in 1999
>
i may just opt for that.
Thanks again
Imad