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Flying interstate to pick up car - what to look for?

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  • Flying interstate to pick up car - what to look for?

    Hey Gang,

    I've found my GTI - though its in another state. Done around 16,000km. The current owner will meet me at the airport this week - we've both taken a day off work. I'll be flying in and driving back 10 hours in the same day, but not exactly sure of what things in particular I should be looking for.

    It's manual, with no factory options.

    I would love your wise and knowledgeable advice on what to check for at the airport and while going for a drive before handing over a bank cheque for over $30,000 and driving it back to NSW.

    I currently own a MKIV GTI and have driven other MKV GTI's but if it feels, looks and goes like brand new, I'm not sure what else to look for. I've been assured that the car suits a new car buyer and is absolutely in as new condition - mint.

    So for a car with so few KM, what should I be looking out for?

    I will print off the ensuing list and take it with me so please be as thorough as you can.

    Thanks heaps!
    sigpic

    MK4 GTI | MK5 Sportline | 08 Audi S3

    Modify your ride with free DIY videos at www.mightycarmods.com

  • #2
    service logs.
    tyre tread depth.

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    • #3
      Check the condition of the spare wheel...or do they have the weight saver?
      Make sure everything electrical is working
      MY16 Touareg 4.2Lt V8 TDI/Pure White LED lightbox/REDARC Brake Controller/ Racechip/iDrive Throttle controller
      2008 GOLF .:R32/5DR DBPE DSG/SUNROOF/RNS510/PRIVACY TINT/CONTI SC3s/MILLTEK CATBACK NON-RES/9W2 BT/"MYR-032"

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      • #4
        Check spare wheel (space saver wheel for GTI)and that the security plug is there and fits the wheel nuts.

        Check damage to wheels (sliding against kerb)

        Check tyre depth front to back.. if too worn at front compared to back then may be giving it a bit of stick!

        Look for obvious panel damage and marks/paint chips etc

        Make sure it has both sets of keys

        Check the logbook ..should have had its first service recently.

        Check that the bottle opener is there (this is a biggy!)

        If you can get someone to check the engine etc .. although seeing as you are flying in that might not be possible

        All the above are finicky things in part .. but if they are all OK then perhaps the car itself is OK.. I would not partwith money like that without getting a vehicle check done (registration and car) from experts
        Check all lights / electricals

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        • #5
          Wow, you must be getting a good price to justify this rigmarole! I have been tempted, fleetingly, to do this as prices for used Golfs are so much better in NSW! I can get lower kms, later model for $3,000-$4,000 less there! However, must factor in rego in my native state, cost of airfares, cost of petrol/wear 'n tear to drive 1200km home, stamp duty in home state... probably cancels out the saving! (Still, if your ideal car doesn't exist at home and you have the time and patience, good luck to you. Love to know how much it costs you all up to do this, compared to buying local)!

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          • #6
            Where are you located and where are you buying from?

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            • #7
              also make sure they still have the security codes for the keys. if you lose both your keys or you want another one cut you're screwed if you dont have it!

              i have both the codes for the GTI and Peugeot and i keep them in a safe easy to remember place

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              • #8
                make sure theres no money owing on it!!!

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                • #9
                  abs light

                  look that the abs light coms on then gos off
                  sigpic

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                  • #10
                    I'm in Perth and recently bought an S3 out of Qld.

                    I got a full independent check done by an Audi specialist before I even mad a final offer.

                    The inspection included checks for error codes, and advice on condition of clutch, paintwork, tyres, suspension evidence of crash damage etc etc.

                    It cost me $120, but it was wellllllll worth it.

                    and ditto for Jaydude, get a REVS check done on it
                    2007 Audi RS4 with: APR ECU Upgrade; JHM Quick Shifter; Milltek Catback and Downpipes; KW V3 Coilovers; Argon Creative Carbon Fibre Splitters

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                    • #11
                      There IS money owing on it but he wil pay it off with the money I pay for the car. But i got advice not to take the car UNLESS it is totally free of any previous finance, which will mean more time going together to the bank to sort out all the paperwork.

                      I live in NSW, going to QLD because I can't find white, manual 4 door, 2007, low km for my budget which is under $35,000.
                      sigpic

                      MK4 GTI | MK5 Sportline | 08 Audi S3

                      Modify your ride with free DIY videos at www.mightycarmods.com

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by blue_reality View Post
                        There IS money owing on it but he wil pay it off with the money I pay for the car. But i got advice not to take the car UNLESS it is totally free of any previous finance, which will mean more time going together to the bank to sort out all the paperwork.
                        Easy Tonto....I smell a trap.....make sure it's free of debt (through REVS)...and not just you paying the guy the money he owes. That's asking for trouble.
                        MY16 Touareg 4.2Lt V8 TDI/Pure White LED lightbox/REDARC Brake Controller/ Racechip/iDrive Throttle controller
                        2008 GOLF .:R32/5DR DBPE DSG/SUNROOF/RNS510/PRIVACY TINT/CONTI SC3s/MILLTEK CATBACK NON-RES/9W2 BT/"MYR-032"

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by FJ Steve View Post
                          Easy Tonto....I smell a trap.....make sure it's free of debt (through REVS)...and not just you paying the guy the money he owes. That's asking for trouble.
                          Absolutely.

                          What you do is get a statement of debt from whoever has finance over the car. YOU then pay what's owing to the party with an interest in the car, get a letter stating the debt has been satisfactorily cleared, and then pay the difference between what was owned and the agreed price to the current owner to complete the sale.

                          There's simply no guarantee otherwise that the debt will be cleared, and you could potentially end up paying not only the agreed sale price, but also whatever's owing on the car to the current party of interest if they decide they want the debt cleared.
                          Nothing to see here...

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Manaz View Post
                            Absolutely.

                            What you do is get a statement of debt from whoever has finance over the car. YOU then pay what's owing to the party with an interest in the car, get a letter stating the debt has been satisfactorily cleared, and then pay the difference between what was owned and the agreed price to the current owner to complete the sale.

                            There's simply no guarantee otherwise that the debt will be cleared, and you could potentially end up paying not only the agreed sale price, but also whatever's owing on the car to the current party of interest if they decide they want the debt cleared.
                            Exactly - and its not an AMAZING price. It's about $34,000 but it is just the model I'm after.
                            sigpic

                            MK4 GTI | MK5 Sportline | 08 Audi S3

                            Modify your ride with free DIY videos at www.mightycarmods.com

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                            • #15
                              remember that a statement from the finance company will only be valid for something like a week before more interest is due.

                              Therefore make sure you get the statement immediately b4 you plan to buy the car. you then visit him with 2 payments, one for the finance co, and one for the balance for him.

                              however, b4 you pay anything to the finace compnay, make sure you have a full contract signed by him and witnessed, that the deal will be concluded and ownership transferred immediately that funds have been paid.

                              Note that the govt wont reregister the car to you until the car is financially unencumbered.

                              ive got a contract draft that I used when I purchased my car, youre welcome to a MSword version of it if you like, pm me with yr email address and I'll send it to you
                              2007 Audi RS4 with: APR ECU Upgrade; JHM Quick Shifter; Milltek Catback and Downpipes; KW V3 Coilovers; Argon Creative Carbon Fibre Splitters

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