Buying an R36 - what to look out for - advice wanted

[oebrad]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy an R36 - 09/10 years with up to 100k's and wanting to know what any common issues or problems are or what to look out for when buying?

Thanks
Brad

[phaeton]

Welcome to the forums Brad

Hopefully the R36 owners will come out of the dark and give some helpful tips.
Also try the search function, alot of R36 threads are out there.

[revivor]

I've had mine now for 2yrs+ with 29,000km on the clock. I've got no complaints about it. Still the best car I've owned!
If I have to say something, it would be the throttle lag which on a sports car is bit of a shame (can't complain!).

As with some other VWs, the AC might be a little let down on a hot summer day, but strangely this went away after my recent 30k service with an independent specialist.

You might have a worn out right seat cushion (drivers side) due to the bucket design where getting in/out of the vehicle which may be a bit tight for some causing wear and tear.

Let see what other R36 owners have to say

Summary: I'm quite happy with mine.

[Umai Naa!!]

Check the service history.

Make sure that the DSG was serviced at 60,000klms, and the Haldex at 30,000klms.

[booba]

Check your pants afer testdriving it.

[R36 DSG]

Make sure the DSG shifts smoothly when accelerating and braking both when cold and hot. Had the mechatronics replaced on mine a while back under warranty. Also had a few small things such as parking brake switch and o2 sensor. Best check the car with VCDS for any errors logged.

[oebrad]

Thanks everyone.

I'm a VAG owner currently so have asked for a scan & all the codes, if any, that it's throwing. I've also asked for service history including DSG & Haldex & any items replaced under warranty & also any maintenance completed. I'm looking @ purchasing from a VW dealer in Wollongong & I'm based in Melbourne, can anywone recommend someone to go check it out to do a pre-inspection check?

[Lucas_R]

The people who bought my old car used State roads to do an inspection on the car. I was home while the inspection was carried out and it was quite in-depth.

The car was faultless though.

Prepurchase vehicle inspections NSW Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Roadworthy Inspections in Queensland Brisbane, Gold Coast.

[revivor]

Good if you could get one at least with some balance ext new car warranty left for piece of mind. I guess some would have extended the new car warranty till 100,000km/3yrs.

[R34]

Well look out for mine for sale in January

[oebrad]

Well look out for mine for sale in January

Thanks R34, looking for the avant rather than sedan tho

[R36 DSG]

Well look out for mine for sale in January

Out of curiosity what you replacing the R36 with?

[R34]

Out of curiosity what you replacing the R36 with?

Wish I knew but it may be an A5/S5/A6 depending on finances (I have this issue about paying $140 for a car)
Or after driving one maybe a new HSV Senator

[R34]

Thanks R34, looking for the avant rather than sedan tho

Missus put her foot down when buying the R36
No way she was riding in a Hearse !!! (her words not mine but it's an image that stuck with me)
Didn't help the demo was black with silver roof rails

[revivor]

Missus put her foot down when buying the R36
No way she was riding in a Hearse !!! (her words not mine but it's an image that stuck with me)
Didn't help the demo was black with silver roof rails

I feel you! The same thinking my wife had when I bought the sedan instead of the wagon. She says the wagon (especially the black ones) is like riding in a hearse!