Looking at a car -- RACV check or not?

[bjrickard]

Hi guys,

Looking at a 2006 Golf Comfortline V 6-speed manual FSI 2.0L. It's done 74500km, mechanically there's nothing that sticks and it seems to drive fine. It's got a full service history, been driven by a female.

I've heard these RACV checks are hit and miss and expensive for what they are.

What should I be looking out for when looking at this car?

Cheers,
Ben.

[triode12]

Try State Roads PRE PURCHASE MOTOR CAR VEHICLE INSPECTION SERVICE Sydney Melbourne Brisbane. instead. Or an independent VW mechanic in your area. e.g View Profile: Jmac - VWWatercooled Australia

[bang chong]

Just start off by checking your basics on the car. Then I would check that the door locks work perfectly fine and aren't sticky as they are common to fail. Should be a pretty good car as long as it was maintained correctly, don't really see too many problems with these as its a manual as well.

[maxrob200]

Agree with Bang, a few checks around and insidee the car, e.g wear on seat edges etc. Check service books to make sure it is consistent and then book in a Pre-Purchase Inspection with a VW service agent if really keen on the car. Being driven by a femal means zip as there are as many lead footed females as males IMO.

[bjrickard]

Thanks guys. Also, what about the timing belt? I've heard this is due to be replaced around the 80,000km mark. Also, that it's seriously expensive!

[brad]

State Roads or a specialist. Worth it to find the "right car".

My wife is a female (according to her birth certificate). i wouldn't touch one of her cars with a barge pole.

• Lots of short trips (engine doesn't get hot).
• leaves later for work, therefore stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic all the time.
• Drives the car the same from the moment she starts it.
• Pays no attention if the car makes unusual noises or does something different
• Never checks tyre pressures or fluid levels between services
• Consistently 1000-2000km late for service
• Doesn't bother to get faults looked at or broken equipment fixed.
• parks in the spot closest to the shop entrance rather than somewhere "quiet" - therefore heaps of carpark rash all over the doors.
• never washes the car. Sealant or wax? - you must be joking!
• interior - ditto. windows - ditto

[scoobyrex]

My wife is a female (according to her birth certificate). i wouldn't touch one of her cars with a barge pole.

• Lots of short trips (engine doesn't get hot).
• leaves later for work, therefore stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic all the time.
• Drives the car the same from the moment she starts it.
• Pays no attention if the car makes unusual noises or does something different
• Never checks tyre pressures or fluid levels between services
• Consistently 1000-2000km late for service
• Doesn't bother to get faults looked at or broken equipment fixed.
• parks in the spot closest to the shop entrance rather than somewhere "quiet" - therefore heaps of carpark rash all over the doors.
• never washes the car. Sealant or wax? - you must be joking!
• interior - ditto. windows - ditto

x2

Anyway back to the Op's question, if you want peace of mind, depending on where you live, you can get it checked out at one of the following VW specialist:

• Volkwerke
• Volkspower
• Volksaffair
• Euroclass
• Audispares
• Volkscare

is your friend for locations of those work shops

[maxrob200]

For peace of mind, if the timing belt has not been changed for 4 years since the last service, i would get it done with the water pump at the same time. Better that than have to replace the whole engine if the belt snaps. Some of the V6 have timing chain so does not need to be changed till approx 200,000km!

[bang chong]

Thanks guys. Also, what about the timing belt? I've heard this is due to be replaced around the 80,000km mark. Also, that it's seriously expensive!

VGA say the Timing belt is due either at 4years or 105,000klms. Can cost you around $1200 to get done on top of service.

Btw when they do timing belt they also change, tensioner, idler, water pump hence the expensive cost. Don't skimp and just change the belt as it'll come back and bite you in the bum.

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a car that hasn't been regularly serviced even if it has low klms.