Seen a replacement..your opinions please.

Vaheed1 · 01-29-2012, 05:40 PM

Hi all,

I've been looking for a replacement car for the 330d for a few weeks and I've come across one, which I need your opinion on.

£5750 - it's 3dr black, 18" diamond cut monza's - DSG and full leather...but it has 115, 000 on the clock. I've rang the seller and he says it's a full VW service history. For that sort of money, would you take the risk? My last GTI was sold with 90k on the clock and it was still running effortlessly and problem free.

If i could talk him down to £5400 ish - and the car has been looked after as well as he says, then it's a hell of a car for that little money.

Do you think I should take the details of the past couple of stamps and call the dealer to make sure that it's had all the appropriate servicing that it should need?

JLR1969 · 01-30-2012, 02:51 AM

Watch the DSG as they are known to be problematic, if you could buy a warranty then it would not matter.

I think generally parts on VW are not overly expensive.

If the paintwork is sound and the interior looks good then it's a lot of car for the money.

The price is always negotiable

TMP · 01-30-2012, 03:27 AM

+1 on the DSG, make sure that has been serviced and it must have had clutches replaced at that mileage.

dont think i would have the balls at that mileage, but agree its a bargain price.

Vaheed1 · 01-30-2012, 05:59 AM

The only problem is, would someone take a risk and issue a warranty on it? Would Vw (or any orher 3rd warty) do a gearbox only?

mowflow · 01-30-2012, 06:52 AM

My car has a DSG box and while researching before I purchased I never really found that many horror stories, only a few that had problems and usually within warranty. I read about quite a few people (on forums) who had got 120k from the boxes and were still going strong.

Here comes the but.....

The potential repair bill clearly does scare most when you hit high miles so I would probably steer clear of DSG if I was looking to purchase a high mile MKV. Purchasing at around the £5K mark means that if it does go it would probably be cheaper to scrap the car than replace the box as it would cost around half the value of the car to replace.

If it was my money I'd buy a manual even though I absolutely love my DSG box.

RagingKileak · 01-30-2012, 06:54 AM

The DSG clutch packs MUST have been serviced at least once if it has full VW history.

Mine were done at 30k because the diff was fitted, but I believe it's expected at approx 60k. That could mean this car is due a 2nd service, but it's not exactly BMW money doing it anyway.

People do keep saying DSG probs this and that... I've done 30k in mine and the previous owner did 27k. Almost all it's life, my car has been 360bhp and 370lbs/ft and its fine (touch wood) its also had a Stage 2 DSG software remap for most of that time, so to say it changes gear aggressively is an understatement.

Matt

Vaheed1 · 01-30-2012, 11:53 AM

Cheers chaps,

Mowflow, I really fancy the DSG box - I do allot of stop start miles and it would be ideal for me. Not the same as a manual - but the gear changes are as realistic to a manual you can get from a auto-trip transmission. A car of that mileage and with all it's options is, generally, a fleet car - which are normally no expense spared jobs.

Matt, do you have 3rd party/manufacturer warranty?

RagingKileak · 01-30-2012, 12:20 PM

No mate no warranty for me! I have a good specialist garage though!!

Matt

Vaheed1 · 01-31-2012, 04:50 PM

Well, i've decided to take a punt and go for the GTi. Hopefully, I could be picking it up tomorrow. I was a little concerned with the high mileage...not on the engine, but on the DSG gearbox. The car has had 8 services from the same VW dealer, which they confirmed and it matched the stamps in the book. Also, the cam belt and water pump has been done in the last 10k miles - along with the DSG service.

dxb335d · 01-31-2012, 04:58 PM

Can't be an ED30 for that money!!

Good luck with it and keep us updated!

Vaheed1 · 01-31-2012, 05:55 PM

Cheers DXB,

Not the ED30 - standard GTi. Will get a few bits and bobs done to it - re-map (both engine and 'box) induction and perhaps a miltek (which is horrendously overpriced imo)

It's just a short term stop gap - so we'll see.

dxb335d · 02-01-2012, 02:20 AM

Mate I'm thinking the same thing. I need to replace the miswah car ASAP and in thinking a nice standard Gti will do the trick.

Pics of yours please mate?!

Vaheed1 · 02-01-2012, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Mate I'm thinking the same thing. I need to replace the miswah car ASAP and in thinking a nice standard Gti will do the trick.

Pics of yours please mate?!

Will be collecting it on Saturday - will stick some pics up over the weekend.

Definitely consider it. It's a superb car - as standard. Fettle it a bit and it's a very very capable car. Does everything you need from a car, pretty much perfectly. Rides very well, handles reasonably well, is comfortable, spacious and fairly economical (30 around town and will sit on 40-42mpg on a motorway) and, if serviced on time, will go for ever.

Vaheed1 · 02-05-2012, 12:06 PM

Picked the GTi up yesterday - Here's a couple of pictures.

I was quite nervous about the whole thing if I'm honest, but took it for a quick spin before the snow and it felt good. No funny noises or rattles - engine was tight, responsive and linear throughout the rev range.
My other big fear was the DSG - but it felt quick and there was no jerking when changing gears. Very smooth. Haven't had a chance of really giving it the beans today, due to weather.

Can anyone recommend a 3rd party warranty which will cover 100k+ miles? The car is a 06 (55) - There's plenty on comparison websites - but I'm not really sure which one would be the best.

dxb335d · 02-05-2012, 12:16 PM

Bang tidy mate!! Are those 18" or 17" had it in my head the larger wheels were 18" obviously not.

Good luck with her and keep us updated

Vaheed1 · 02-05-2012, 12:41 PM

They're the 18's in the diamond cut finish. If I'm honest, I hate them. The ride is very firm compared to my old one, which was on 17's. IIRC, you can get 18's in both standard and diamond cut finishes. I've had a exchange of emails with the lad from BM Autosport and he's willing to take these in PX for a set of shadow grey 18" 'Motorsport' alloys - the same as the one's found on an ED30.

I must say, the DSG gearbox is absolutely fantastic. Great piece of engineering.

mowflow · 02-05-2012, 02:31 PM

Car looks good. The MkV still looks fresh 7 years on in my opinion. I'm surprised it's not a 5 door what with you having a wee one. In saying that I think a 3 door might actually be easier to get a baby in and out of, at least that's what I'm trying to convince my wife at the moment.

I've got the CH reps you're thinking about getting on my A3 only they are in silver. Got them from BM as well, they are good quality and the lower offset gives a better stance. DSG is great, I'm a total convert.

JLR1969 · 02-05-2012, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

They're the 18's in the diamond cut finish. If I'm honest, I hate them. The ride is very firm compared to my old one, which was on 17's. IIRC, you can get 18's in both standard and diamond cut finishes. I've had a exchange of emails with the lad from BM Autosport and he's willing to take these in PX for a set of shadow grey 18" 'Motorsport' alloys - the same as the one's found on an ED30.

I must say, the DSG gearbox is absolutely fantastic. Great piece of engineering.

The GF has the same wheels and hates them also, both front ones have scuffs

misterS3 · 02-05-2012, 04:06 PM

Nice car for a nice price

TMP · 02-06-2012, 02:52 AM

Congrats gella, looks v.tidy! The 18" Monza's, are one of my fav wheels

What did you go with the 330d?

davyk31 · 02-06-2012, 04:45 AM

18" Monzas are the perfect wheel for the GTI for me too. Hard to repair if damaged though.

RagingKileak · 02-06-2012, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaheed1

They're the 18's in the diamond cut finish. If I'm honest, I hate them. The ride is very firm compared to my old one, which was on 17's. IIRC, you can get 18's in both standard and diamond cut finishes. I've had a exchange of emails with the lad from BM Autosport and he's willing to take these in PX for a set of shadow grey 18" 'Motorsport' alloys - the same as the one's found on an ED30.

I must say, the DSG gearbox is absolutely fantastic. Great piece of engineering.

The ED30 style wheels which say 'motorsport' are BBS CH if I remember correctly - for that kind of trade they are LIKELY (but not definitely) going to be reps - just be warned and make sure you know what you are getting.

I've seen reps go for £300 and real ones for about £500 - 650. 18' Monza's are always easy to shift and are probably worth £400 - 600, so if he is a business he could be looking at this like a typical 'I have something you want' kind of opportunity.

Looks a good car mate.

Regards
Matt

01-29-2012, 05:40 PM	#1
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	Seen a replacement..your opinions please. Hi all, I've been looking for a replacement car for the 330d for a few weeks and I've come across one, which I need your opinion on. £5750 - it's 3dr black, 18" diamond cut monza's - DSG and full leather...but it has 115, 000 on the clock. I've rang the seller and he says it's a full VW service history. For that sort of money, would you take the risk? My last GTI was sold with 90k on the clock and it was still running effortlessly and problem free. If i could talk him down to £5400 ish - and the car has been looked after as well as he says, then it's a hell of a car for that little money. Do you think I should take the details of the past couple of stamps and call the dealer to make sure that it's had all the appropriate servicing that it should need?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-30-2012, 02:51 AM	#2
JLR1969 Major General 1882 Rep 7,000 Posts Drives: Kubota GR1600 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: England iTrader: (1)	Watch the DSG as they are known to be problematic, if you could buy a warranty then it would not matter. I think generally parts on VW are not overly expensive. If the paintwork is sound and the interior looks good then it's a lot of car for the money. The price is always negotiable
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 03:27 AM	#3
TMP Brigadier General 349 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	+1 on the DSG, make sure that has been serviced and it must have had clutches replaced at that mileage. dont think i would have the balls at that mileage, but agree its a bargain price. __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 05:59 AM	#4
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	The only problem is, would someone take a risk and issue a warranty on it? Would Vw (or any orher 3rd warty) do a gearbox only?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 06:52 AM	#5
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	My car has a DSG box and while researching before I purchased I never really found that many horror stories, only a few that had problems and usually within warranty. I read about quite a few people (on forums) who had got 120k from the boxes and were still going strong. Here comes the but..... The potential repair bill clearly does scare most when you hit high miles so I would probably steer clear of DSG if I was looking to purchase a high mile MKV. Purchasing at around the £5K mark means that if it does go it would probably be cheaper to scrap the car than replace the box as it would cost around half the value of the car to replace. If it was my money I'd buy a manual even though I absolutely love my DSG box. Last edited by mowflow; 01-30-2012 at 06:57 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 06:54 AM	#6
RagingKileak Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	The DSG clutch packs MUST have been serviced at least once if it has full VW history. Mine were done at 30k because the diff was fitted, but I believe it's expected at approx 60k. That could mean this car is due a 2nd service, but it's not exactly BMW money doing it anyway. People do keep saying DSG probs this and that... I've done 30k in mine and the previous owner did 27k. Almost all it's life, my car has been 360bhp and 370lbs/ft and its fine (touch wood) its also had a Stage 2 DSG software remap for most of that time, so to say it changes gear aggressively is an understatement. Matt
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 11:53 AM	#7
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	Cheers chaps, Mowflow, I really fancy the DSG box - I do allot of stop start miles and it would be ideal for me. Not the same as a manual - but the gear changes are as realistic to a manual you can get from a auto-trip transmission. A car of that mileage and with all it's options is, generally, a fleet car - which are normally no expense spared jobs. Matt, do you have 3rd party/manufacturer warranty?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2012, 12:20 PM	#8
RagingKileak Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,655 Posts Drives: M3 CS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (2)	No mate no warranty for me! I have a good specialist garage though!! Matt
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2012, 04:50 PM	#9
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	Well, i've decided to take a punt and go for the GTi. Hopefully, I could be picking it up tomorrow. I was a little concerned with the high mileage...not on the engine, but on the DSG gearbox. The car has had 8 services from the same VW dealer, which they confirmed and it matched the stamps in the book. Also, the cam belt and water pump has been done in the last 10k miles - along with the DSG service.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2012, 04:58 PM	#10
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Can't be an ED30 for that money!! Good luck with it and keep us updated! __________________ 997.2 GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2012, 05:55 PM	#11
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	Cheers DXB, Not the ED30 - standard GTi. Will get a few bits and bobs done to it - re-map (both engine and 'box) induction and perhaps a miltek (which is horrendously overpriced imo) It's just a short term stop gap - so we'll see.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2012, 02:20 AM	#12
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Mate I'm thinking the same thing. I need to replace the miswah car ASAP and in thinking a nice standard Gti will do the trick. Pics of yours please mate?! __________________ 997.2 GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2012, 12:06 PM	#14
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	Picked the GTi up yesterday - Here's a couple of pictures. I was quite nervous about the whole thing if I'm honest, but took it for a quick spin before the snow and it felt good. No funny noises or rattles - engine was tight, responsive and linear throughout the rev range. My other big fear was the DSG - but it felt quick and there was no jerking when changing gears. Very smooth. Haven't had a chance of really giving it the beans today, due to weather. Can anyone recommend a 3rd party warranty which will cover 100k+ miles? The car is a 06 (55) - There's plenty on comparison websites - but I'm not really sure which one would be the best.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2012, 12:16 PM	#15
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 949 Rep 29,345 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Bang tidy mate!! Are those 18" or 17" had it in my head the larger wheels were 18" obviously not. Good luck with her and keep us updated __________________ 997.2 GT3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2012, 12:41 PM	#16
Vaheed1 Major 62 Rep 1,112 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	They're the 18's in the diamond cut finish. If I'm honest, I hate them. The ride is very firm compared to my old one, which was on 17's. IIRC, you can get 18's in both standard and diamond cut finishes. I've had a exchange of emails with the lad from BM Autosport and he's willing to take these in PX for a set of shadow grey 18" 'Motorsport' alloys - the same as the one's found on an ED30. I must say, the DSG gearbox is absolutely fantastic. Great piece of engineering.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2012, 02:31 PM	#17
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	Car looks good. The MkV still looks fresh 7 years on in my opinion. I'm surprised it's not a 5 door what with you having a wee one. In saying that I think a 3 door might actually be easier to get a baby in and out of, at least that's what I'm trying to convince my wife at the moment. I've got the CH reps you're thinking about getting on my A3 only they are in silver. Got them from BM as well, they are good quality and the lower offset gives a better stance. DSG is great, I'm a total convert.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2012, 04:06 PM	#19
misterS3 Lieutenant Colonel 70 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: X70 on the way Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Nice car for a nice price
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2012, 02:52 AM	#20
TMP Brigadier General 349 Rep 3,022 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	Congrats gella, looks v.tidy! The 18" Monza's, are one of my fav wheels What did you go with the 330d? __________________ M2 Arrived! Family 5er
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2012, 04:45 AM	#21
davyk31 Major General 1042 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	18" Monzas are the perfect wheel for the GTI for me too. Hard to repair if damaged though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote