Pre puchase Questions

[Bora_4_Me]

Hi I have been lurking here for a while and you guys seem to be quite helpful with newbies. I have a question about a 2001 Jetta Wolfsburg edition I test drove. The air bag light stays on I am a little worried about it any suggestions? Also how can I tell if it has been chipped? I have driven other Jettas and this one seems to have a lot more power. I did a Carfax check on it and it is a one owner Quebec car. It has a couple mods as the brake callipers are painted red and it has dual chrome exhaust tips.

[Stonewall]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Yes be very worried about an airbag light as if it is the airbag controller they are alot of cash!!! Also some dealerships if they have the newest hardware should be able to tell if the ecu has been tampered with.

[Kor]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Yes be very worried about an airbag light as if it is the airbag controller they are alot of cash!!! Also some dealerships if they have the newest hardware should be able to tell if the ecu has been tampered with.

You could put a boost gauge on the car, even a cheap one, it will show you if the car is chipped.

I agree if the airbag light is on, you may need to replace airbag components, it can cost many thousands.

I had a quote to replace 2 airbags once on a chevy Cavalier it was over $1500

[Stonewall]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

I had a quote to replace 2 airbags once on a chevy Cavalier it was over $1500

For my car is was $500 for the seat airbag, $150 for the seat cover, ~$200 for the side impact sensor and $800 for the airbag controller.

[tintin]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Don't forget that Quebec was also at the centre of the fake airbag scams - shady shops installing foam inserts, or whatever, in place of functioning airbags.

[Bora_4_Me]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Don't forget that Quebec was also at the centre of the fake airbag scams - shady shops installing foam inserts, or whatever, in place of functioning airbags.

http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/f.../timeline.html
This scam was over before the 2001 was out of Mexico. But thanks for the info guys, I think I will steer clear of this particular unit. It sure "looks" nice tho'.

[Kor]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Could just make the seller pay for an inspection conditional to the sale.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

seriously i dunno how much your willing to spend but you can get a brand new 04 or a still on the lot 03 for like 25-28gs

[Kor]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

seriously i dunno how much your willing to spend but you can get a brand new 04 or a still on the lot 03 for like 25-28gs

Lot was always too expensive for me!

I doubt I will ever own a "new" car.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

as long as its 'new' to you kris thats all that matters.. i'm honestly scared to buy a used car for some reason.. well used 'newer' car i should say i'd buy a used mk2 or 1 no problem

[Kor]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

Next time I am just going to find a thrashed used car and rebuild everything the way I like it

[Mr. Burns]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

There is nothing like driving your car off the lot with 18km on it!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

I like my cars new, hell I like everything new! But unless you find a great used car I much prefer new. I am excited that not only is my next car going to be new, but ordered exactly as I wanted.

[Kor]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

I like my cars new, hell I like everything new! But unless you find a great used car I much prefer new. I am excited that not only is my next car going to be new, but ordered exactly as I wanted.

...and then you're gonna start replacing stuff

[R_Ethug]

Re: Pre puchase Questions

mike mine had a whopping 7 on it!