Buying a high km Bora 4mo - what to look out for?

[VeeDubster]

Hi all,

So I'm really interested in buying a Bora 4mo for under 10k. For that price, most have relatively higher km's. I've never been one to only chase the km reading solely, without considering the service history and how it has been taken care (i.e. wear & tear) but I'm sure there are just some parts that naturally wear out irrespective of how hard the car has been driven.

My question is regarding what things should I be looking out for when inspecting a Bora with 150+ kms? How reliable is the engines and drivetrain?

I'm fine with having to replace driveshafts/bearings/rotors etc but gearboxes/diffs/propshafts etc I'm sure are quite hard to find 2nd hand and VeDub probably isn't going to be cheap to buy parts from.

There's a black modified bora that I'm interested in that has 199km and had its gearbox replaced at 191km. This is a concern to me because I wonder about the owners driving style. What should I inspect thoroughly? Any known problems that occur to these cars as they get older?

When are major services? What gets done? And what would be the average cost?

Appreciate any help with this folks!

Thanks,
VeeDubster

[dylan8]

I'd be wanting a full service history by a vw specialist.
If the car has been maintained correctly 200k km is just broken in :p

[VeeDubster]

I'd be wanting a full service history by a vw specialist.
If the car has been maintained correctly 200k km is just broken in :p

Thanks for your response mate!
Surely 200km is getting a bit more used & worn than most. I imagine most of the drivetrain & awd system won't last past 250km with major work?

What happens if they've done it themselves and have receipts to prove?
I'd just need to know what gets done when and if they have the receipts for the parts/fluids they replaced.

In the case that it has little official service history, what should I physically inspect and how?

[Stanton]

Barely run in at that klms,they build them to last 4 /500,000.

[VR6man]

Don't overlook the V5, its a real surprise.
As others said, have a look at the service history but it seems you won't mind a few repairs.

[Umai Naa!!]

Look for low-speed clunking/binding while going forwards and backwards with some steering lock.

If present, usually suggests that the Haldex coupling as not been maintained, or is in the process of completely failing.

[Bora Sport]

Mine is a 2001 with over 250,00k's on it. I bought it when it had 60,000k's on it. It was my drive car (I do around 600k's per week). It is currently my wife's car but since my son wrote off my Beeza he is now driving it and doing around 600k's per week. It's still got the original clutch. I've never touched the engine. I just change the Haldex oil and filter as per service schedule and I have replaced the rear diff oil twice. I have been meaning to change the gearbox oil but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

The problems that I have had relate to the alternator which takes a mechanic around 2 hours to get out. I'm on my 3rd one now. I had the MAF replaced at around 80,000k's. I think I have replaced the air con compressor too.

[VeeDubster]

Thanks everyone for your responses!

Look for low-speed clunking/binding while going forwards and backwards with some steering lock.

If present, usually suggests that the Haldex coupling as not been maintained, or is in the process of completely failing.

Fantastic! Thanks!

One of my biggest concerns was the haldex controller and/or diff being on its way out. Definitely will check any 4mo for this.
How much is a new/used haldex coupling ?

Don't overlook the V5, its a real surprise.
As others said, have a look at the service history but it seems you won't mind a few repairs.

Have considered the V5, but it's a little too slow for my liking. I have a fairly quick FWD car (ralliart magna) and I don't want my next car to be a large sized fwd car (only would get a fwd hot hatch if anything).
From what I gather, the V5 does the 0-100km sprint in around the 9sec mark whereas the 4mo does it in just over 7 seconds. My car is around the 7 second mark and don't really want less power (more if possible! )

Mine is a 2001 with over 250,00k's on it. I bought it when it had 60,000k's on it. It was my drive car (I do around 600k's per week). It is currently my wife's car but since my son wrote off my Beeza he is now driving it and doing around 600k's per week. It's still got the original clutch. I've never touched the engine. I just change the Haldex oil and filter as per service schedule and I have replaced the rear diff oil twice. I have been meaning to change the gearbox oil but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

The problems that I have had relate to the alternator which takes a mechanic around 2 hours to get out. I'm on my 3rd one now. I had the MAF replaced at around 80,000k's. I think I have replaced the air con compressor too.

Well that's really good to hear! I'd have expected to replace much more than a maf sensor and alternator. What about drivetrain bits like driveshafts, bearings, bushes, struts etc ? I've had to replace way more than you have in my fagna and it's done 160,000km.

Starting to really consider the black modified 4mo in ACT I had my eyes on. Still a little concerned that it needed a new gearbox at 190km's though.

Where/How can I get an understanding of part prices?

[Manaz]

Where/How can I get an understanding of part prices?

Don't buy from local VW dealers, you'll get ripped off.

OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning

As an example, a set of six coilpacks can be supplied to you from ECS (including shipping) for less than VW dealerships here will charge you for two.

[blake_]

My Bora 4mo has done 216 XXX.

Bought it at 207 XXX and it had (major things - aside from servicing) :

All lower control arms replaced
New shocks at 160 000
Thermostat housing replaced

Since I bought the car (what it needs & what has been replaced):

Battery
New lower control arm bushes
Rubber tailshaft coupling replacement

Overall, I look at these as just basic maintenance issues.
Great car to drive, lots of power and the AWD system is great. Good luck on your purchase!

[Bora Sport]

I have replaced the lower control arms including bushes as it seemed better value than just replacing the bushes. I put Koni yellow Struts/shockies at about 95,000k's and they are still good. I'm pretty sure that is about it other than one set of brake rotors and pads all round. I can't recall any CV boots but I have had to replace 3 on my Polo and it is only approaching 120,000k's.

[xpeesx]

I have been trying to buy a 4mo bora for the last 3 months. Haven't found one that i've been 100% on yet. Buying high Km's always worries me. Good luck with your hunt.

[Wighty654]

Also dont be afraid to look on eBay for parts, particularly from Europe. The postage isn't that bad (most the time). All I've done with my bora is the control arms, steering rod ends, front wheel bearings and a haldex service as well as the standard engine/gearbox servicing. I gave it a good check over when I bought it and after 20k I'm just about to service it again this afternoon.
CV boots are something to check. Nice and easy to replace but if one slips/tears it pays to replace it quickly.