Newbie with 1.6 FSI Sport (soon!)

Mihai

Member
Hello everyone! On Tuesday I will (hopefully) be the lucky owner of a black A2 1.6 FSI Sport, a real beauty, in black, on which I have already put down a deposit. However, I am starting to have a slight lump of anxiety in my throat, due to the following reason: I have requested a test drive, after I put down the deposit, and the car drove absolutely beautifully on city roads and the motorway, but I noticed the dreaded EML come on. I was also getting the low fuel warning, and the dealer blamed it on that. At the end of the drive I asked him if it was something serious and he said it will be sorted by Tuesday. What encouraged me in the first place was the low mileage (76000), full service history with a major service carried out this year, and assurances by the dealer who is also a mechanic, that the car is in an excellent shape.

Now my questions are: is it likely to be something serious? if so, is it worth changing my mind about this model, and would it be a valid reason to ask for my deposit back? I really want it to be nothing serious, as I am already in love with the car, but I have to admit it is bothering me, especially as the more I read about the 1.6 FSI, the more worried I get.

Other than that, the car has refurbished 17" alloy wheels, a working panoramic roof, sports leather seats and a Bose system, it is in an exceptional shape and I can't wait to (hopefully) drive it!!

Your answers would be sooo helpful!! :)
 
Hi there and welcome to A2oc. This car indeed looks fantastic and we put the advert up on our spotted forum last week.
The EML has nothing to do with the low fuel warning. Whilst the FSI is a brilliant and innovative engine the EML is not unusual. Its the more sensitive of the A2 power plants in respect of throwing up faults so your best option here is to request a diagnostic scan to be carried out and obtain the fault codes which are causing the EML to function.
With those codes in hand the more experienced FSI owners on the forum will be able to direct you to a likely cause. It's at a dealer so are you buying the car with a bit of warranty? It would be helpful to get details of the policy to find out what is and isn't covered by the insurance.
Good luck. It certainly looks a lovely A2. Just hope it's not got any problems that aren't easily rectified.
If you attend the dealer on Tuesday to find the light is off and it's all good. Please request detail of what was done to resolve it.

Casting no doubt or judgment toward the seller but there is experience within the club membership which finds many FSI EML light diodes broken disabled or covered up with tape. Ask for the detail. A genuine seller won't have any issue with the enquiry.
 
Hi,

Welcome to the forum, the car sounds excellent with its spec.

I think at this stage do not be too pessimistic but you need to get to the bottom of the EML and the only way to do that is look at a scan report. Low petrol warning causing the EML is flannel, almost fraudulent. I think you need a professional independent inspection before proceeding, the AA or independent and make it clear you want a full scan.
Then post the results here. In a way it was good the EML came on, at least it has not been masked out to hide faults, a common occurrence with FSI's!

FSI's have their problems so it is important to buy a "clean" FSI to start with and not end up a pain and money pit.

Andy

PS. I have two FSI's.
 
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Hi and welcome. I suggest you switch on to see that the eml is working, then start and see if it goes out. If it doesnt light up at switch on, beware.
That said I have an FSI and its a fine motor. Only issue I've had was a Coil Pack packing in, but they could fail any time!

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
 
Turn ignition switch one click (ignition on, no starter) all dash lights, including EML, should illuminate. If any lamps, especially EML (in your case) does not come on, then, it's been "fiddled" with. Ask the dealer to return your deposit, as the car has a serious, pre existing, fault.
If all dash lights come on, turn the ignition to start the car all the dash lights must go out within a couple of seconds of the engine starting. If any don't go out, again, ask the dealer to return your deposit, as the car has a serious, pre existing, fault.
Only a VCDS scan will show what's wrong. Unless you see a scan done (not a print out or on screen text file, which is easily edited) and that scan is 100% clear should you go ahead with the purchase.
As an FSI owner, and as others have said, a good FSI is a good, and very lively little motor. A not so good one is not, and potentially, a money pit.
Mac.
 
Must admit there is a lack of “FSI turned out better then I thought” threads on here, but lots of “I’ve spent loads and it still doesn’t clear the errors” threads. I’d be very cautious especially with the new MOT rules. I think we will see lots of FSI’s in scrap yards during the next 12mths. Great for a project car, but not if it’s your essential transport.
 
Aftab Gohar (AG Car Sales of London) appears to be a one-man business, which is registered to 2 Tudor Way, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1PX. That is simply a service address since 41 companies are registered there.
According to the company records, Mr Gohar lives at a small mid-terrace residential property in Forest Gate.
AG Car Sales carried out the last service on this car at 215 Plashet Grove E6 1DH, an end-of-terrace residential property (with a small area of hard standing at the rear). 215 Plashet Grove does not appear to have any connection with AG Car Sales of London Ltd other than the rubber stamp used for the service record.
AG Car Sales does not have significant cash reserves. It appears to only offer one car for sale at any given time.
Aftab Gohar has an impressive set of reviews on Autotrader, and it's hard to argue with that.
However, given that his business runs fom a Waltham Abbey mail box, it's probably best to treat him as a private seller. Do not let him deliver the car to you, go and inspect it at his premises. Treat the recent claimed service - including the timing belt - with great suspicion.
I'm not sure that an FSI is really the right A2 for London. As a general runabout, the 1.4 petrol is far more reliable and straightforward to maintain. That car has a fabulous spec and doesn't feel unfairly priced, but I'd advise you to look elsewhere.
 
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Thank you everyone for the answers!! It's so great to also hear some encouraging words about the FSI! hahah

I am still in two minds about this. The fact that the seller suggested the low fuel could be the reason for the EML makes him seem dishonest. But if I can't have confidence in the recent service he carried out, then that changes things entirely.

My preferred plan at the moment would be to go there on Tuesday, check if the EML turns on at ignition and then turns off, ask him what was the problem, and the solution for the light showing up in the first place, and try to get a few days of warranty, during which I could get a full diagnostic scan.

But if I were to look elsewhere...what are the chances of getting the deposit back?

Aftab Gohar has an impressive set of reviews on Autotrader, and it's hard to argue with that.
Although there are a few things already that make me not trust this guy 100%, I'm thinking about those reviews, and wouldn't he be worried about receiving a bad one?
(By the way, I viewed the car at the Plachet Grove address).
 
I viewed the car at the Plachet Grove address.

Then presumably you've seen inside the side gate. Did it look like somewhere where a full service (including cam belt) would be carried out?

I accessed the company records here: https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10246013

and used Google street view for the 3 addresses (including the overhead view for Plashet Grove.

Here is the Plashet Grove address: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5...1xraQYv8C4K6vDrkOiSg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

You're obviously tempted but be very cautious. Ask for another test drive to see if the EML returns, and ask for evidence that he did a full cam belt, tensioners and water pump renewal, such as a receipt for the kit from TPS.
 
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If it is of any help exactly what dash lights you should see on startup is here.

Your strategy of having the scan done after purchase depends on the security any warranty might give, which might not be worth the paper is written on, to say nothing of the hassle of civil proceedings if it is not honoured. I would NOT part with any more cash without an independent scan. If you have another test drive ensure you exceed 3000rpm several times and do not be afraid to hold it at 6000rpm for a while.

With the long history of the EML on I would bet a pound to a penny it is a 'flap problem'. In such a case the fault can be cleared and it will stay off for a short while, for say a short drive, seems to be one of those faults that needs to occur a certain number of times in a defined time period before illuminating the EML but it won't be long before it returns (personal experience)!

Look on the bright side might there might be too much pessimism around.

Andy
 
Mihai,
Don't wait till Tuesday, contract him today, tell him that the EML light issue is a pre existing fault, of long standing, proved by the MoT history. Tell him that means he has miss represented the car when you paid the deposit, so you want the deposit refunded. I think he'll argue, but agree, when you mention his Auto Trader reviews. If all else fails, you can go via Online Small Claim, slow but fairly sure. Better than good money after bad. How did you pay the deposit, cash or card? Mac.
 
Thank you, Mac! I payed by credit card. I will call now...
Good, you will be able to get a refund via your credit card provider, if the seller refuses. More than enough evidence of miss representation present in this thread, especially the MoT history. Get in touch with your CC provider, to dispute the transaction, straightaway, if he's less than helpful. They'll contact him, which may well encourage him to refund your pennies. Good luck! Mac
 
This is the one that has all the service history and full spec, with OSS and leather heated seats isn't it?
If so, it may be worth asking for money off for the EML issue as that is one fabulous car.
I agree that is likely to be a flaps issue, but if that is it, you can get it fixed (I had mine done with all new parts, plus a few other sensors replaced for just over £1000 - if you could get the best part of £1000 off, it may be worth it).
I'd have to disagree with the post saying a lot of FSIs will be scrapped over the next few years. They are awesome when running properly and a full spec one is likely to become a good investment as A2s overall move into classic status.
I've spent a lot on mine, but she is now fabulous to drive. Near on GTI performance, and better fuel economy than my 1.4.
Getting your own scanner is a must, to reset their light (will come on for random reasons), but they are inexpensive.
The other thing I love about mine is that no matter what has gone wrong with her, she has always got me home - head gasket, blown cylinders, water pump - doesnt matter, always let's me drive home, even long distances.
You have to trust your instinct really. If it doesnt feel right, then walk away. I would also second Steve's point - FSIs like to be driven and do not like a lot of city driving (that's why I also have a 1.4 for work)
 
This is the one that has all the service history and full spec, with OSS and leather heated seats isn't it?

'All the service history' is anything but. Intermittently serviced by last owner at SMC Welwyn 11.11.2009 39,071 miles, undated 45,203 miles and then nothing until 31.03.2017 71,439 miles. The MoT failures rather reflect that lack of service. It's not just the EML, the exhaust seems to be on the way out and there are other issues.

It's a wonderful project car for someone and the price is not that unreasonable given the spec, but it's unlikely to be a reliable daily runner for town use unless a lot of money is put into it.
 
Update:

Conversation with dealer went like this: I mentioned to him I am concerned about the EML and, after receiving some advice, I don't think this is the right investment for me, as it could be a serious problem and not pass a future MOT. He said he knew exactly what the EML was about, it was a minor problem, which he solved by replacing the solenoid valve. He became quite defensive and said that if I wasn't sure about the car in the first place I shouldn't have made him hold it for me, and that I would lose my deposit. I said to him I was extremely serious about buying this car, and my only concern is whether I'll be able to drive it in two years without spending a fortune. I asked for some warranty, but finally we agreed on an independent diagnostic scan. After 1 minute he called me back saying he's "quite distraught" about this, and he'll just refund my deposit and end of story...

Any thoughts about this?

P.S. Thank you @Teresa for the insight! I am not planning to drive too much in London, but mainly on motorways on trips that I take about once or twice a month.
 
PS this one maybe not as nice spec wise but looks a proper genuine car:
I just found a great car on Auto Trader:


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901143931422
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