High miles DSG/3.2 A3 quattro

General Discussion
#1

What could possibly go wrong!?! Looking at an A3 with the 3.2L VR6, DSG gearbox and the Haldex quattro with about 140,000 miles on it (not for me). I can’t seem to find much about these cars on the internet. Either that or I’m being lazy :wink:

Other than the usual (front end, brakes, suspension, maintenance) here are my concerns:

DSG - I would think that the mechatronic is a fragile nightmare? Or have I become jaded and paranoid in the B6/7 S4 world?

3.2 VR6 (non-FSI) - the BUB engine, I believe? From my quick wikipedia search, it’s the same as the one in the TT, so maybe audisrs can chip in? It’s chain driven - is that as much of a nightmare as our chain driven BHF V8’s?

The dealer is asking $13k.

Thoughts? (I haven’t had a chance to see the car yet)

#2

ill share what i have gathered from research when i looked into the 3.2 VR6. So, first in regards to the DSG, everything i read pointed to mechatronic failures aswell which seems to be the most common issue with the DSG. Some say earlier versions available overseas were more problematic then a later revision which i think is what we have in north america but i cant confirm this as there was alot of debate in that thread.

haldex fluid needs to be changes every 40,000km and needs to be done while the car is cold. it takes about 30-40 mins or so just to drain the fluid, so ideally you want to have that done while other service is being done to keep costs down. they can drain and do other stuff to wait for it as the change itself takes 5-10 mins.

you are correct about the engine, non fsi 3.2 vr6 which is also used in the TT and mark5 r32. this motor from what i have gathered is pretty solid and very few serious issues come up. ive read that after 100,000 MILES or 6 years its good to replace the timing chains/tensioners etc as something causes the chains to stretch a bit. outside of that there isnt any common issues i have encountered in my research.

oh also, the gas mileage is not the best on the 3.2, in the city its actually quite bad. hwy driving you will see good mileage, but city is less then average for sure.

i dont know the going prices for a3’s or market value but it seems reasonable, my only concern would be the DSG.

#3

Thanks, that’s helpful information - do you have a 6MT or DSG in your TT? I couldn’t remember. How bad is bad regarding gas mileage?

PS get that 2.7T A6 sorted with a proper chooooon! And I didn’t know you had a Coupe Quattro. Still stock or swapped?

#4

in the city, i get maybe 380-410kms per tank. all hwy i can pull maybe 550 to a tank. mixed im looking at 450 to a tank. tank is 60 liters i think.

ahah yea i need to get the a6 re-tuned and get it on the road. cant seem to find the time to do it, but im hoping this summer i can. my CQ is bone stock right now, if i decide to build it i think im going to start with the 7A motor since its 2.3 vs 2.2 on the AAN motor. supposed to be a better base to start with