I'm going to look at a 2006 A3 today. 2.0T, Manual transmission. Anything I should be aware of or look out for?

Thanks in advance.

 

2 things come to mind:

1) AC unit - fails prematurely. Mine died around 70k others even earlier. I don't think any AC made it longer than 80k for that and the 2007 model year.

2) Cam follower. Wears out within 50k-60k usually. I replaced mine around 63k and was still in the safe zone. Others replaced it after 60k and it was already worn through sometimes even taking the cam shaft and High pressure fuel pump with it.

Remember that it still has a Timing belt so it should be replaced within 70k-80k miles (to be safe). Otherwise this car has been solid for me and fun to drive. It's notorious for carbon buildup from what I heard but I haven't noticed any bad things yet.

 

Well I ended up picking it up. It's in mint condition inside and out.

The AC and timing belt have already been replaced so I'm good there. I'm not sure about the cam follower. Are there any telltale signs it's going bad?

 

You have to pull the HP fuel pump off to access the follower. I'd order one @$65 and just pull it apart once.