What should I look for on a 2009 Audi A3?

I am thinking of buying a 2009 Audi A3, which is a UK or NI import with 93,000 miles (about 150,000km) on the clock. Are there any specific questions I should be asking the salesman? When should the timing belt/chain be changed?

Fergus Capper (Dublin)

Nov 2012 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Fergus,

You've not told us the type of engine in the car, but for your information only the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre TDI diesel units have timing belts. The change interval is 75,000 miles (just over 120,000km) so if the car you're looking at has one of those engines then it should have had a timing belt change by now.

Other than that insist on a full service history and regardless of what the dealer says it's worth getting a car history check on Cartell.ie, as it covers UK and Northern Ireland cars in full.

Hope that's of help.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D