4.0 TDI I looked at today...

[Oli18]

Hi,

Thanks to those who replied to my earlier thread regarding D3 ownership here.

I've been keeping an eye out for 4.0/4.2 TDIs and i spotted this one here on Autotrader and it's now also on eBay here...and i would appreciate your thoughts on it..

I drove it (first time i drove a D3 and I was very impressed with the power output from the diesel and the smoothness of the drive. It did also make me appreciate my D2 when i got back in as you do get more 'feel' with the road.

Overall, a really nice car but I have decided to not buy it as i think i'm going to hold out for something with a higher spec but in the interest of a bit of fun, it would be interesting to hear your thinking.


First off, the spec:



PRCode: 0GZ = Emission standard EU3 diesel with EOBD
PRCode: 0JZ = Without determination of weight categoryfor front axle
PRCode: 0YZ = Without determination of weight categoryfor rear axle
PRCode: 1BK = 4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorption control
PRCode: 1KW = Disc brakes rear
PRCode: 1LL = Disc brakes front
PRCode: 2K1 = Reinforced bumpers
PRCode: 2ZQ = Leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel for air bag system
PRCode: 3FA = Without roof insert (standard roof)
PRCode: 3PN = Electric seat adjustment for both front seats with memory system
PRCode: 3Y5 = electrically operated roll-up sun screenfor rear window and mechanically operated for side windows
PRCode: 4GP = Windshield in heat-insulating glass withsunshield and viewing window for vehicleidentification number
PRCode: 4K5 = Central locking system Keyless Entry with fingerprint
PRCode: 4UF = Driver's and front passenger air bag with front passenger air bag deactivation
PRCode: 5D1 = Carrier frequency 433.92 MHz-434.42 Mhz
PRCode: 5MG = Decorative inserts burr-walnut
PRCode: 5SJ = Left exterior mirror: convex
PRCode: 5Z1 = Separate power seats rear
PRCode: 6TS = Right exterior mirror: aspherical large viewing field
PRCode: 6XL = Exterior mirrors: with memory function automatically dimming electrically foldable/adjustable/heated
PRCode: 7K0 = Without tire pressure warning light
PRCode: 7Q2 = Navigation system with color screen
PRCode: 7X2 = Park distance control front and rear
PRCode: 8EC = Bi-functional headlight with gas discharge lamp for driving on the left
PRCode: 8Q0 = Without headlight-range adjustment
PRCode: 8Z5 = Not hot country
PRCode: CG4 = Forged alloy wheels 8.5J x 19 offset 45
PRCode: D1E = 8-cyl. turbo dies. eng. 4.0 L/202 kW 32Vcommon rail base engine is T42
PRCode: E0A = No special edition
PRCode: F0A = No special purpose vehicle standard equipment
PRCode: J0Z = Battery 520 A (110 Ah)
PRCode: Q2J = Comfort front seats
PRCode: T42 = 8-cylinder diesel engine 4.0 L Unit 057.B
PRCode: U1B = Instrument insert with mph speedometer clock tachometer and trip odometer
PRCode: VW8 = Side and rear windows burglar-restrained
PRCode: X2B = National sales program Great Britain

I went and had a look at it and overall, it was is 'ok' condition. (another reason i will hold out for something nicer).

I'm going to start with the bad bits...
- 2 months left on the MOT
- Had it's last long life service about 15k miles ago so due another now at 95k
- Alloys are diamond cut 19" and in need of repair (all 4)
- Tyres are about 2-3mm so will need replacing
- slight scratch on the rear bumper
- slight scratch on the o/s/f wing
- rear centre arm rest cup holders broken
- front and rear discs are towards the end of their life

Good bits:
- Luuuvely engine
- 'low' mileage at 95k for diesel
- Has had plastic engine manifold part replaced that makes these engines prone to engine failure
- Bi-xenons
- Auto boot
- Rear sunscreens
- independent rear seats - fully adjustable (like Ian/Amar's old A/S8)

Options i felt were missing i'd really like:
- Sunroof (glass or solar)
- TV

I ran a full VCDS scan on it and I have copied the faults at the bottom.

So a few questions:

- Would you buy a D3 with the known issues above and below?
- What would this example be really worth if one was to buy it?
- If you see something better, can someone please let me know?

Thanks,

Oli

[ainarssems]

Lots of electric faults, many of them because of flat battery and others might be related to that. Could try to reset, drive around a bit and use functions related to see if they return. Or could take a risk and try to get a price down showing the faults to seller without clearing and rechecking. Or get the price down first and then clear and recheck to make a decision.

I am not a big fan of extras so spec does not matter much to me. Standard spec has more then I need. Sunroof- I think only time I opened mine was when buying the car to check that it works and never since that for over 3.5 years

All the bad bits should bring price down quite a bit but would not be a deal braker for me if the price were right.

The good bit is that manifolds were replaced as they are £1.1k each.

Not sure of what it's worth as I have not looked much at D3' since not looking to buy one myself any time soon. 6-7k maybe?

[Snaga]

Re these manifolds, one of mine has gone on mine and am trying to get warranty to pay for them. (well the off side one anyway) Where do you get the uprated version that doesnt break? P.S. Sorry for hijacking the thread!!

[PsYcHe]

I don't miss the sunroof from the D2 to D3, I'd also look for one with the sport suspension.

The mileage isn't so much of an issue really, given that many of our D2s have hit 150+ and are still great, mine is a 2003 with 78k and still drives great.

You will miss the D2 sports seats, IMHO the best car seat I've ever (and I do mean ever) been in. I'd hold off for a 4.2.