Buying a "New to me" Jetta, advice appreciated.

[DigitalAudio]

Howdy all!

I found your site though the beyond forums (I don't post there just lurk)

I am in Calgary and heading up to Edmonton to purchase a 02 Jetta 1.8T that I found.

It has had two owners the second bought it as a pre loved VW from the dealership from a lease back.

It sounds like they have done new rubber, brakes and windshield put not the timing belt. From what I have been reading though searching this site that seems to be the most pressing issue for me to have looked at and changed. It sounds like tubedub is the spot to go in cowtown for the work

Now.. I am wondering.. is there anything else I should be thinking about (the car has 125K) I am wondering if I should have it inspected in Edmonton before I buy it? Who might offer that service up there?

This ouwld be the first used vehicle that I have bought in a private sale.. the only used cars I have had in the past have been from dealerships.. so I am still trying to get my head around what I need to do with insurance, registration/plates and so on to be able to drive the car home to Calgary.

Thanks for an advice you kind folks can offer. It is greatly appreciated.

(After I get the car I would love to come out to one of the meets. I also drive a Hummer H3 and have been to hummer meets before and they were always a blast!)

Kind regards,

Greg

[Burley]

Re: Buying a "New to me" Jetta, advice appreciated.

You should be able to get it inspected at Norden Autohaus, but you would have to book an appointment. You could also try Dubsport, but same thing you'd have to book an appointment.

The timing belt should be looked at as it is about time for that to be replaced, at the same time the water pump should be changed as well. Other things to ask the previous owner are has the brake light switch, coolant temp sensor, hazard switch, window regulators been replaced.

I think that about sums it up.

[AUTOBAHN]

Re: Buying a "New to me" Jetta, advice appreciated.

I should be able to look at it tomorrow after lunch.
Give me a call at Autobahn Performance 780 487-7337
ask for Mark.

[DigitalAudio]

Re: Buying a "New to me" Jetta, advice appreciated.

Gents,

Thank you for the responses. The only issue I have is that I am heading up next Saturday to pick up the car :( I wanted to do it during the week but I am unable to get the time off work to travel so I am stuck going on the weekend.

I fear that the only places open on the weekend would be Cdn Tire. I know it could be a "risk" but should I skip the inspection and just bring it back to Cgy and do the inspection any work that is required?

The only reason I am buying up north is becuase I found the exact colour combo/options I wanted (Glactic blue on tan leather w/ auto) and after looking for the summer could not find one here in Calgary (well.. there is one at Northland VW but they want almsost $6k more for it than I really think it is worth.


Greg