What problems can I expect with a 2007 Audi A3 Quattro 3.2?

[senpai71]

Hey all,

Noob here with a couple of noob questions..

I just bought a 2007 A3 Quattro, 3.2 S-Line wagon on Craigslist. It has 81,000 miles and is, as far as I can tell, in excellent condition - no obvious rust, damage or leaks, no CEL, and all the power gadgets work fine. It drives fine, brakes are good, single owner, no accidents etc. I feel like I basically did all the due diligence that I realistically could. However, I wasn't able to get it fully checked out by an official Audi dealer, but I took a friend with me who's owned Audi's and he pronounced it 'good' (for what that's worth). I couldn't get my cheap OBDII scanner to work, but I don't blame the car...

Anyway, I suspect that, even if it is as good as it seems, there are known things that will need checking/replacing in the near future - timing belts etc.? Some of these will be picked up by my regular mechanic (not an Audi specialist), but can anyone point me to a list of specific things to watch out for? I did some searches on these forums, but no single source popped.

Also, given that I have a good 'general' mechanic (to whom I took my previous car for many years), should I start going to an Audi-specific mechanic - are there things that only Audi mechanics can do? How about what I can do on my own - I've changed the brake rotors/pads and assorted filters and hoses etc. on my old Subaru multiple times, and I'm reasonably handy with a torque wrench.

Thanks in advance!

[B44]

1. check power steering fluid and hose replace if necessary
2. check coolant, coolant hoses replace if necessary
3. check brake rotors and brake lines and pads and brake fluid replace if necessary
4. check all your vaccum connections that is vaccum lines running around the engine, your intercooler hose connections and hose itself and connections from intake manifold.
5. check pcv valve by performing the vaccum test
6. check spark plugs and coil packs
7. check maf sensor and clean it
8. check for tie rods and all the front arms and bushings
9. check drive shaft boot for leaks
10.check shocks by performing the bounce test
11. check the serpentine belt and tensioner infront of the engine
12. check the water pump
13. good idea to replace fuel filter with these many miles.
14. check trans fluid and perform fluid replace and new filter service if necessary
15. check if the car has carbon build up try to rev the car and see if it blows black smoke a lot needs carbon cleaning then
17. try and run the car hard to see if it does not remove any faults does the drive shaft make noise or does the bearings make noise.
18. you are due for a timing belt service.
19.check all the mounts engine mount and trans mount for leaks.

apart from this if anyone else can chime in that's helpful. also most of these things can be done by you with a help of a friend. if not I recommend going to audi-specific reputable shop and not just audi specific.

[senpai71]

Wow, that's quite a list!

Thanks for the quick reply. I knew about the timing belt service, and when the seller revved the car (both from cold and also after the test drive), there was no smoke, so I think #15 is moot. Apart from that, I think I can check most of those.

Any idea where I can get an owner's manual from? Haynes doesn't do one, and there's nothing on eBay (hardcopy-wise - just CD's). I want something I can get dog-eared and dirty with oil.......

Thanks again!

[B44]

Also try and clean the throttle body and align it. Also after you are done with everything just disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10 mins as to reset everything. Then drive and enjoy. No idea on the manual thing.

[krazyboi]

There are several recalls that you may be qualified for unless the previous owner took care of it.

1) 28F2/J1 - coil pack replacement
2) 20Q3 A-RECALL FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE
3) There is a mechatronic unit recall, but not sure if your car falls into the VIN selection.

[CLEANA3]

Hey all,

Noob here with a couple of noob questions..

I just bought a 2007 A3 Quattro, 3.2 S-Line wagon on Craigslist. It has 81,000 miles and is, as far as I can tell, in excellent condition - no obvious rust, damage or leaks, no CEL, and all the power gadgets work fine. It drives fine, brakes are good, single owner, no accidents etc. I feel like I basically did all the due diligence that I realistically could. However, I wasn't able to get it fully checked out by an official Audi dealer, but I took a friend with me who's owned Audi's and he pronounced it 'good' (for what that's worth). I couldn't get my cheap OBDII scanner to work, but I don't blame the car...

Anyway, I suspect that, even if it is as good as it seems, there are known things that will need checking/replacing in the near future - timing belts etc.? Some of these will be picked up by my regular mechanic (not an Audi specialist), but can anyone point me to a list of specific things to watch out for? I did some searches on these forums, but no single source popped.

Also, given that I have a good 'general' mechanic (to whom I took my previous car for many years), should I start going to an Audi-specific mechanic - are there things that only Audi mechanics can do? How about what I can do on my own - I've changed the brake rotors/pads and assorted filters and hoses etc. on my old Subaru multiple times, and I'm reasonably handy with a torque wrench.

Thanks in advance!

Are cars don't have power steering fluid or intercooler hoses to check