Buying a 9n 1.4TDI- what to look for?

[Stevoraith]

Hi guys, as above really.

Have seen a 54 plate 1.4TDI Sport which the missus has fallen in love with so we're looking to buy it for her (probably tomorrow!).

Trouble is, it's 9 months old, with 1500 (yes only 1 thousand five hundred!) miles on it, and it's up for £8995 at an independant dealer. It seems so cheap it's making me suspicious!

Just wondered if there were any obvious faults with the 1.4 TDI engine, or indeed the Polo in general.

Also, should it have a trip computer (VW web site seems to think it should)? If so, is the read out under the rev counter? Where is the control for it- doesn't seem to be on the end of the stalk like my Golf.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the help guys

[dino]

The trip computer is in under the rev counter.

To scroll theres a button at the end of the wiper stalk.

[dxg]

Controls for the computer should be on the left hand stalk and, yes, it will show up in the display under the rev counter (the left hand one).

No problems that I'm aware of with that engine - in fact many people, including me (and I don't even have one) consider it the pick of the range.

If you haven't agreed a price yet, you could try negotating on the basis that the car was produced within six months of the face lift and that this might affect resale. This might be a reason for it being cheap at the moment, but unlikely. It is a grand cheaper than you'd expect to pay at a VW dealer, so - good find!

If it's a non-VW dealer, you won't be able to check out the warranty work record (assuming it's all been entered anyway). Ask to see the V5 anyway (just to check it's not been a hire car / demo / etc.) and give the previous owner a quick call. Obvously, check for crash damage and make an offer subject to HPI/inspection, anyway.

No real problems with the cars. Listen carefully for creaks / rattles from the dash, most often found around the central air vents. Find a very bumpy road (or some sleeping policemen) and drive over them at a reasonable speed at an angle (so that the front wheels don't hit it at the same time) and listen for the antiroll bar bushes creaking/thumping. This shouldn't be a problem, though, with it being such a recently manufactured car. The Sport has quite firm suspension, so do find some rough / undulating roads, and check that she's happy with the ride. It does make the turn-in much quicker than the standard set up, though.

Just thoughts.

Deek.

[dxg]

The trip computer is in between the rev counter and speedo.

To scroll theres a button at the end of the wiper stalk.

Isn't that only if you have the MFA option, though? Otherwise it's under the rev counter where the clock is.

[dino]

The trip computer is in between the rev counter and speedo.

To scroll theres a button at the end of the wiper stalk.

Isn't that only if you have the MFA option, though? Otherwise it's under the rev counter where the clock is.

Ignore me...yes the trip is under the rev counter...was half watching an MG is born and touch typing.

[Stevoraith]

Ok guys, thanks for the replies.

My main concern is that it is not a UK spec car. The garage selling it sells Irish spec unregistered VW's and Mercs and I'm pretty sure it didn't have button on the end of the wiper stalk (for computer) as that is where they are on my Golf- although I only sat in the seat for a minute- the girlfriend was driving.

If thats the only difference though, then I'm not bothered, as it has A/C, 6-disc, sprts seats, 15-in Melbournes.

Things I want to check though are the alarm and the sports suspension- anyone know the option code for the sports suspension?
Don't think I will notice a firmer ride 'cos my Golf is on Eibachs anyway.

One more thing (this might open a can of worms ) should it be badged TDI?
If so, what engine is in the ones badged TDI?

Cheers again guys.

[veedub-ally]

Hello and welcome!

One other thing to remember is that if the car was Irish registered it is always likely to be worth a little less than a UK spec and registered car.

1.4 TDI cars are badged with a red "I" while the bigger engined 1.9 TDI cars are badged with a red "DI".

Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase!

Alistair

[Stevoraith]

Ok guys, thanks for all the help, it's been most useful.

We went back to see the car yesterday and I'm pretty convinced it is a UK car (trip computer was present and correct). I also think it's a 1.9 model due to the red DI badging and the fact that it sounded the same as my 1.9PD (would have expected the 3cyl 1.4 to sound a bit different?).
It does look like a genuine car, however.........

we wont be buying it due to the fact that we went to the Skoda dealer first and had a drive in a Fabia vRS!

The missus did want one of these all along, but after seeing the Polo we decided that the Fabia probably wasn't worth the extra money. But we went to drive it just in case..... and how wrong we were!

No offence meant to any of you guys, but the Polo felt and looked like a nice car, where as the Fabia felt and looked like a special car (IMO). With the Fabia being a top of the range model it has all the nice touches which make it feel special such as the chrome ringed dials and black headlining, not to mention the bodykit and alloys etc and the performance- oooooh the performance! Had the Polo had the lovely Votex kit and a set of 16's or 17's things may have been different, but as they stood, the Fabia edged it.

To top it all, the salesman at the Skoda garage was really nice and didn't make us feel like he was doing us a favour letting us buy the car! He then proceeded to offer us 3 times as much for a trade in on her P-plate Mazda 121 (£1200 vs £400) and worked out a good finance rate meaning we pay a similar amount per month over 5 years as we would have over 4 on the Polo. He's going to confirm he can do a deal at those prices, and when he does, we'll order it.

Thanks agin guys, this really is a great forum!

[dino]

Glad you found a car you like!!!

Dont forget the Fabia section on here http://www.tigerstyle.co.uk/poloforum/v ... m.php?f=41

[carmadaaron]

yep, ur a polo owner underneath lol

enjoy!

[dino]

Either that or were a Fabia owner underneath

[cbrmiken]

strange my 1.4 tdi has the badging of the 1.9 is that right?