Mrs decided on an import Mk5 Golf, how to avoid a bung auto?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Mrs decided on an import Mk5 Golf, how to avoid a bung auto?

TeaLeaf

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#205812 28-Nov-2016 11:34

I know there are issues with the Auto type, but across a lot of manufacturers.

If she buys a car and its auto fails within a reasonable time from, is she covered by an kind of consumers guarantee act?

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Networkn
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#1678726 28-Nov-2016 11:36

Take it to an Auto Specialist prior to purchase?

TeaLeaf

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#1678729 28-Nov-2016 11:38

Good thinking networkn. I remember when my Falcon auto failed in Sydney, the guy replaced it with a reconditioned one, all up only cost me $500, I can see these autos being $2kish to replace?

networkn

Networkn
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#1678732 28-Nov-2016 11:39

TeaLeaf:

Good thinking networkn. I remember when my Falcon auto failed in Sydney, the guy replaced it with a reconditioned one, all up only cost me $500, I can see these autos being $2kish to replace?

You know what they say. If you can't afford a new Euro, you DEFINITELY can't afford a second hand one.

jonathan18

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#1678736 28-Nov-2016 11:44

OP's a bit confusing, as the thread's title suggest you (or your partner) will be importing the car; if that's the case, caveat emptor and no CGA coverage, surely? Even if you use import agents to manage the process, wouldn't they simply be acting on your behalf - but you as the importer will have to take full responsibility for the goods?

If you've asked a dealer to bring in a car on your behalf, however, then there'd be no reason it wasn't covered by the CGA. As someone who's had substantial faults to a car rectified as a result of the CGA I know the value of this coverage!

If the dealer is bringing in a specific car on your behalf then I'd imagine it's possible to make it conditional on the outcome of an independent check, including of the gearbox.

Fred99

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#1678760 28-Nov-2016 11:48

TeaLeaf:

I can see these autos being $2kish to replace?

Multiply that by about 5 for a new replacement, and consider that there's demand for used dsg units from wrecks, so even a used dsg box may cost serious money -if you can find one.

It's critical that they're serviced exactly to schedule and using the correct approved lubricants.

If an import is over the service interval and has no service records, I'd run away fast rather than walk.

If they have been serviced properly with records to prove it, then should be fine - but I'd still probably want to get it independently checked before committing.

DSG isn't limited to VW/Audi, small Fords and some Hyundia/Kia also use dual-clutch direct shift autos

xpd

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#1678761 28-Nov-2016 11:49

I think $2k is a little on the cheap side... had 2 friends with Honda Civic's and gearbox crapped out, multiple quotes came in around 3k.

Being a Euro, Id suspect the costs for a VW would be more...

In saying that, does depend how the car has been maintained etc in the past, could get it and not have any issues. Check Google for any recalls or global complaints about that model's transmission etc.

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TeaLeaf

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#1678765 28-Nov-2016 12:01

No shes looking at a fresh Import here in NZ. Done about 70kkm.

I know our GZ admin had issues and successfully claimed against the CGA.

But Im just not sure on the exact wording and time frames, his I believe was 6 months after.

Im thinking with SOOOO many Golfs though, at least parts used arent like Sourcing a rare BMW or Peugeot part which needs importing.

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rokki

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#1679894 30-Nov-2016 05:28

My best advice would be convince her to buy Japanese with the Euro's it is not a question of if but more when you will have an issue.

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scuwp

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#1679915 30-Nov-2016 07:53

networkn:

You know what they say. If you can't afford a new Euro, you DEFINITELY can't afford a second hand one.

This^^

Having owned a Golf in the past, they are great when they are going, but hell on the bank balance when they are not. I think $3K is on the light side, I would expect $5K - $6K. Get it fully inspected before any $$$ change hands and then make sure you have a good service plan if not mechanical insurance. CGA will cover you only so far, if its several months down the track I expect you will be in for a legal fight unless there is clear evidence of a mechanical failure that could not have been caused by poor servicing or driver neglect.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

MikeB4

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#1679933 30-Nov-2016 08:31

Buy Japanese, cheaper to buy, cheaper to run, cheaper to maintain, very reliable.

TeaLeaf

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#1679974 30-Nov-2016 09:58

scuwp:

networkn:

You know what they say. If you can't afford a new Euro, you DEFINITELY can't afford a second hand one.

CGA will cover you only so far, if its several months down the track

I know of one GZ member who did take it to small claims after 6 months and one.

But my thought is, buy from a dealer, make sure its done 150pt VTNZ, then take to an Auto specialist to check over.

In my other forum I have found its from people leaving the car in Drive and driving slow, peak hour etc, and from not servicing every 65kkm~. Same with all autos except the old school like the Corolla GL circa 2005 auto (dont quote me)

lxsw20

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#1679977 30-Nov-2016 10:13

A pre purchase inspection is not going to pick up on a potential gearbox failure a year or two down the track. A VTNZ is going to tell you about stuff like cigarette burns on the seats. The mechanical checks they do are pretty basic.

Coil

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#1679991 30-Nov-2016 11:06

Good little cars. Lots of little problems and things that break.
DO NOT BUY A DSG. They are a dry clutch and wear out very fast. $1500 of parts and then add the labor.
Their interiors fall to bits, Head linings detach. Window switches and door locks are a weekly replacement. Even the new parts fail often.
Avoid the 2.0TFSI engine or GTI engine. They shred the intake cam as they are not hard enough and wear through the high pressure fuel pump cam follower and thats a few grand..
The automatic transmissions go through valve bodys like they are free, But they cost 3k...

How i know this? I was the guy who quoted your parts then sold them to you for VW.

And guys.. Really.. Reading up above you all still have the mis conception that Euro's have more expensive parts.
Depends on the parts and brand obliviously but across the board from working at VW most of their parts retail price was better than Toyota across the road. Part for part. This is due to the Giltraps buying a massive warehouse and getting heaps of stock. They produce these parts of a massive scale.

Batman

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#1680034 30-Nov-2016 12:35

Agree with Tim, the parts cost about the same depending on how widely available they are. Anything needing imported be it from Germany or Japan will cost a bomb. Eg I broke 2 wheels on my Subaru, that cost $1200. A headlight of a Honda depending on which side, is upwards of $1000 (and that was 10 years ago!).

In theory cars that are maintained won't break that quickly and vice versa. Although some things are more prone to breaking ...

Coil

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#1680057 30-Nov-2016 13:01

joker97:

Agree with Tim, the parts cost about the same depending on how widely available they are. Anything needing imported be it from Germany or Japan will cost a bomb. Eg I broke 2 wheels on my Subaru, that cost $1200. A headlight of a Honda depending on which side, is upwards of $1000 (and that was 10 years ago!).

In theory cars that are maintained won't break that quickly and vice versa. Although some things are more prone to breaking ...

All parts have a local pricing structure and it doesnt matter where they come from whether its dealership stock or ex Germany. All the same price.

Wheels are always expensive as they are large and heavy parts to stock. A modern Xeon headlight is upwards of 2K.
Japanese imports i have come to the conclusion that you just avoid them. Especially a European brand. I have seen ones come over with very low kms but every wear part was shot. They drive their cars into the ground then get rid of them.

DONT BUY FROM 2 CHEAP CARS!

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