Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not?

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Mon 6 Mar 2017 20:59
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - basher2017

Seen a car, private seller and wondering if I should buy?

Audi A1 1.2 TFSI Sport Sportback 5dr
2013
60,000 miles
Petrol
£8,000

Some people saying its high mileage be intrested to hear your thoughts. I have been told to watch out for cam belt so was going to try and find out when Audi recommends it be replaced, it was purchased only 6 months ago from Audi approved dealer so I am guessing they would have done a cam belt check?

Thanks

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 09:28
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - FoxyJukebox

Probably been used for commuting-not necessarily a crime. Check service book--since it is just possible that previous owners have had this on long life service and at worst vehicle has only had 2 long life services and 2 oil changes. Also ask to see service book and any maintenance receipts-if they exist. Car due an MOT in 2016-so check official MOT history site for mileage, condition of car and advisables. Does it drive well? is bodywork good? what's the condition of the car inside? ( a smoker?),

Cambelts need replacing every 4 years on Audis-with water pump etc.. Regardless of condition of tyres-i would change all 4, replace all brake discs and pads, put it through a full service and a new MOT-then do all the advisables while you are at it. Allow another £1000 on top of your £8000. Of course--you might be able to knock the £8k price down if you have done your homework. Could be a good deal--but the hidden agenda here is that the current owner does NOT want it anymore. Try and find out why?

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 12:30
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - SteVee

I test drove one of these about 3+ years ago when I was looking for a new car. I thought it was awful. The dealer didn't improve the image of the car at all. I would think a 1.4 would be much better.

8000 is too much for one of these bottom of the range A1s, especially from a private sale.
I'd agree with needing to see full service history - the mileage wouldn't worry me though.

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 13:25
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - SLO76
Bit high in the miles and with a view to resale these are popular with fashion conscious people (mostly female) who are usually put off by high mileage. You might find spending more on a lower mileage example wouldn't cost that much when you factor in higher resale.

It's chain driven so there's no timing belt to worry about but it's not uncommon to hear of timing chain problems on this engine mostly I'd say due to ridiculous biannual servicing plans when new. A chain driven engine needs fresh oil every year even on a low mileage example so don't touch it if it hasn't a fully stamped up history of oil changes every 12mths.

If you view, ask to hear it start from cold then when there first thing you do is lift the bonnet and feel if there's any heat in the engine. If there is then you know they're covering up something which is noticeable when it's starting from cold, a rattling timing chain being likely.

Secondly, I'd be concerned as to why they want out of it after just 6mths, it's very plausible that there's a problem and they want rid of thing.

If it all checks out then be sure to HPI it to check it's not stolen, been written off or has outstanding finance (very likely only 6mths into the thing) and make sure you use both the reg no and vin no when checking or the HPI guarantee will be invalid.

Edited by SLO76 on 07/03/2017 at 13:30

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 18:26
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - skidpan
It's chain driven so there's no timing belt to worry about.

2013 is the year VAG changed from the chain driven TSI engine to the belt driven engine so it could be either. Any Audi dealer will tell you which it is from the VIN or possibly even the reg,

The chain cam engines can be troublesome if not serviced correctly using the correct oil. If there is no proof the servicing is 100% correct walk away.

VAG's proceedure for belt replacement is as follows, its pasted from an e-mail I received when I was checking before buying so not internet hearsay:

"we recommend the cam belt is first checked at 60,000 miles, and every 20,000 miles thereafter. If there is no damage at these points the cambelt will not need changing. If the belt is not changed, Regardless of condition, it must be replaced at 120,000 miles or when the vehicle is 5 years old, whichever comes first."

Thus if its a belt its due a check immediately and if its still OK (highly likely) needs changing next year at the latest. Budget aroung £400 for the job (preferably at an Audi dealer).

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 19:24
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - Engineer Andy

If its a chain-cam engine, does it fall into the list of VAG cars that potentially can suffer from serious (very expensive) issues due to the worn machinery used to make the chains? Only certain engines such as the twin charger 1.4 and 2.0 TSi? To be honest, its the reason I was put off a VERY reasonably-priced nearly new 2.0 TSi Scirocco GT (from Motorpoint, not a VW dealer) recently.

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Tue 7 Mar 2017 22:44
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - SLO76
Skidpan's yer man on VAG TSi engines so I'd refer to him here. I thought the changeover was later on but I'm not 100% on these.

If it has a belt it should have a plastic cover over the belt that allows access to change it while the chain driven EA111 will be shrouded in metal with an exposed ancilery belt lower down. I'd call your local dealer with the reg no and vin to be certain as the belt driven car should as skidpan span says be changed at 5yrs. Might be the reason why they're flogging it now with VW dealers quoting around £420 to change it along with the water pump.

I have a 2012 Polo 1.2 TDi that has reached that age. It's often a motivator to move on. I've negotiated a discount with our main dealer who agreed to match a local VAG specialist so it's worth shopping around for quotes then give the main dealer a chance to price match. The dealer stamp is worth money if you sell it privately later on.

The belt driven EA211 is a better engine so it's worth the extra outlay for a belt change. I'm sure SP will agree with chain issues common on the older engines.

Edited by SLO76 on 07/03/2017 at 22:45

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Wed 8 Mar 2017 06:52
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - RaineMan

If everything checks out I would say £6500 - 7000 max as private sale with minimal comeback. Also check out your local Audi dealer as dealer attitude has caused more than one person I know to change alligence - VW dealers seeming poor in the noughties.

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Wed 8 Mar 2017 09:19
Audi A1 Sportback - Advice on to buy or not? - skidpan
The belt driven EA211 is a better engine so it's worth the extra outlay for a belt change. I'm sure SP will agree with chain issues common on the older engines.

I have read of issues with the 1.2 TSi but they are far less common than they are on the 1.4 especially the twincharged one which is generally much abused and chipped/remapped.

If you are buying a 2013 car it would be barmy to buy one with a potentially troublesome engine but I am sure there are some abused 1.2 TSi's out there with belt cam engines so as always with used cars its buyer beware and keep your fingers crosed.

You have to remember that there are hundreds of thousands of chain cam TSi's out there and only a tiny minority have given owners any issues and as always its only those we hear about.

For the OP's info my 2013 Seat Leon 1.4 TSi 140 PS (current model with the belt cam engine) is now on the forcourt priced at £8890. It a better car all round than the A1 for not much more money and still has 15 months of Seat warranty remaining. Only done 27000 miles. If you search you will find similar cars locally. Cash would no doubt buy it for much less.

Edited by skidpan on 08/03/2017 at 09:22

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