MK5 GTi Common Faults & Test Drive Checklist

[George]

Hi all,

Finally found a ED30 worthy of viewing, which I'm travelling to see tomorrow. Can anyone advise me on common faults aswell as a list of things to check on my test drive / viewing please.

Thanks

George

[Saint Steve]

What transmission is it George? an any other spec?

[George]

Sorry! Manual 3dr. Not any options to speak of

[StuF]

Ensure the Aircon blows cold, the clutch doesn't slip and the 4 year cambelt/water pump change has been completed!
Aside from that look for the obvious, uneven wear on the tyres, brake pad/disk life remaining and condition of the exhaust.

If you get chance take a fault code reader with you and give it a scan whilst viewing it incase any gremlins are lurking

Other than that good luck 

[Saint Steve]

Try starting it from cold, so you can listen out for any Cambelt tensioner chirp..

Try driving in 6th and flooring the throttle to check the cluch..
Visual checks of Brake pads and discs..

Most important, check the Vin numbers and perhaps do you own Check on vw's database for service and warranty history..

Service History being Plentyfull. Check wear of things like Pedals, steering wheel for hand and foot wear to indicate usage that tallys with its mileage.

Tire wear, check for even balance of wear across the tread.
Usual oil levels and pop off the oil filler and check for signs of the oils quality.
Remember to try slow full lock in 1st and Reverse, to check for any signs of knocking..(Steering rack issues)

Just a few to check on...
hth

[George]

Try starting it from cold, so you can listen out for any Cambelt tensioner chirp..

Try driving in 6th and flooring the throttle to check the cluch..

What does the tensioner chirp sound like? What's the cost of replacing? Should it be done along with the cambelt?

What speed / revs should I try flooring the car in 6th at?

Thanks!

[Saint Steve]

i would go from 2000rpm, so get her on the motorway ...

There are video's posted on youtube im sure.. If you search for Cambelt noise on a mk5 GTi , that should find you something..

Doesnt do it from warm only from cold.. If cambelt was changed, then hopefully it was replaced at the same time, but its not a requirement on vw's service shedule.

Its a £400 job to replace so its worth finding out to save the cost, or good fodder for knocking the sale price down 

[George]

Thanks guys, if you think of anything else let me know

George

[_Nathan_]

Check for fuel in the oil - high pressure fuel pump (hpfp) seal can fail.