Service history - what to expect?

[SirSparkamus]

Hey guys!

Hopefully I'll be going to look at a few MKV's sooner rather than later. I've seen one already, but didn't like the sketchy service history. I'm fussy with things like this..

I'll be looking at 05's/06's with around 60,000 miles on the clock.

I'm wondering what I should be looking out for on the service history & what is the next thing I'd need to do on a car of that age/milage.

Any help very much appreciated - thanks!

[StuF]

Ensure the cambelt+waterpump has been changed at the 4year point and ensure the correct oil has been used.
Personally I wouldnt touch a car that doesnt have full service history - main dealer or specialist.

Good luck with your car hunting - there are some for sale in the classifides here!

[George]

Can anyone confirm the mileage for a cambelt & waterpump change?

Not worth buying a car with sketchy history, if the owner hasn't bothered to keep it updated, what else havn't they bothered to do?

[StuF]

Every 4 years / 48k miles - whatever comes soonest. 
All down to the bakelite rollers the cambelt runs on becoming brittle I was told by a VW technician.

[ub7rm]

I have an 05 plate with about 55k miles with Full dealer service history,  if it gives you some ideas / reassurance here is what I've had done to my car since I've owned it:

Steering rack replaced under warranty for rubbing noise at low speed (common issue).
I-pod dock replaced under warranty for being beefed.
High level brake light replaced.
Front wheel arches treated for rust under warranty - (becoming a common problem on golfs of this vintage!)
I replaced the coolant temp sender and thermostat as I thought it was taking a long time to heat up in the winter, but there was nothing wrong with either component.

I'm about to replace the drivers door lock module as it doesn't lock with the central locking, it does work with the blade though.  Seems to be a common issue with all VW's at some stage ...

I'm going to replace the divertor valve at some point for peace of mind but its very common for these to fail.  Relatively cheap to fix though.

You should make sure that the 40k service has been done and the cambelt at that age, its a very expensive service to have to do yourself!

Also my car is probably needing new brake discs and pads on the front soon, obvioulsy this depends on how hard or otherwise the car's been driven but you might consider it needs doing soon on a car of that age.

Thats it - I've had very little expense with this car other than routine servicing.

[openside]

Also if you buy one with DSG that will be due a service. Costs from £130 - £170. Just had mine done and the changes do seem a bit slicker!!

[SirSparkamus]

Thank you very very much guys.

Just what I was looking for 

A search in earnest begins very shortly...

[swgti]

I've just picked up an 05 gti with 65k on the clock, when I asked about the cam belt and checked the book I was told they're on long term services and dont need done until 120k...which to be honest i thought was a long time????

[jmspear]

Ia m pretty fussy with my car and it has done 115k miles and I had the cam belts and water pump done at 50k miles and 100k miles, in warranty always main dealer serviced at correct interval, as soon as warranty over VW/ Audi specialist every 5000miles and with correct castrol vw approved 501 long life oil, outside servicing issues I have had are:

Aircon pump failed at about 50k miles - common problem, new pump is updated design
Diverter valve failed - again updated with newer revision, diapragm splits
PCV value changed, again a common failure point
Oil cooler staretd weeping collant, not common (I don't think) but had to get it changed
Had a driveshaft boot split - replaced immediately
New disks and pads at 105,000 miles, I drive mainly motorway miles hence high milage and long pad life!

Other than that has been an amazingly reliable car.

My wifes ed30 a wheel bearings go (at 30k miles) repaired under warranty

I had the coil packs changed by the dealer under a campaign at 105k miles, but no problem with the car but a free change.

Hope the above helps

[ub7rm]

I've just picked up an 05 gti with 65k on the clock, when I asked about the cam belt and checked the book I was told they're on long term services and dont need done until 120k...which to be honest i thought was a long time????

That isn't correct now although that was the original schedule for replacement of cam belts in 2004/2005 - thats what my service book says - but VW changed the recommendation to 60k / 4 years which ever comes first.

There is some controversy because the same engine in a different country or even in an Audi doesn't need the timing belt changed at 4 years but if you want a full service history what can you do.  Left to my own devices I would have changed it at 60k miles or 5/6 years regardless of what the book said but hey ho.  Its done now!  Sounds like the salesman was either ignorant or just as likely 'at it'.  I take it it wasn't a VW garage you bought it from?

[swgti]

That's useful to know thanks, it was bought from Lloyd mini in Carlisle, to be fair i don't think he's either and they are a well respected dealership in this area, I think they've just gone on what the service book says, there's no sign in the history book of it being done so it's soemthing to keep in mind, just didn't want any big expense on it early on!

[andyceb]

I was in the same boat and searched for months without finding a car with good mileage and history.

I saw some which had very suspect history and quite possibly clocked!  I wouldn't have dreamed a 5 year old car would be so difficult to find a honest example 

Good news is I found a perfect spec car with FVWSH, all reciepts, MOTs, clear HPI etc etc... hold out you aren't asking too much just keep looking