find someone with vcds. check for fault codes, check swirl flap motors working OK, check EGR coolant pump working OK. both fairly common failures. while you're at it you can also check the VGT actuator is working as it should.
obviously check for any kind of fluid leaks when you do your engine service, be careful with tightening the sump plug back in, i can't imagine it would take much to actually strip the threads out of it.
check for chunks and any "premium shiny oil".
these have undertrays fitted so even if you can't see anything on the engine the evidence will be in the tray. a little bit isn't anything to worry about though, frankly.
chain and tensioners are at the back of the engine so you'll have a hard time getting to them to check. you should be able to hear if the chain or tensioners are on their way out in any case.
pull the intake hose off the turbo and check nothing's been through the impeller and chewed it up - there will possibly be a little bit of oil in there and that's likely from the case vent.
mine is on 120k miles and gets oil and filter changed every 5k since 80k - bit of extra expense but keeping the oil clean is a good way to prolong the life of the chain and tensioners
would highly reccomend you get a remap for fuel efficiency - you can get mid 40's out of it with ease and it does have some benefit in performance as a nice bonus.
can't speak for the auto box servicing as mine is a manual but i would say that the gearbox service is wise enough, check for chunks
they're easy enough to work on and maintain, parts are cheap enough as a lot of things are common across the VAG range. welcome to ownership.
obviously check for any kind of fluid leaks when you do your engine service, be careful with tightening the sump plug back in, i can't imagine it would take much to actually strip the threads out of it.
check for chunks and any "premium shiny oil".
these have undertrays fitted so even if you can't see anything on the engine the evidence will be in the tray. a little bit isn't anything to worry about though, frankly.
chain and tensioners are at the back of the engine so you'll have a hard time getting to them to check. you should be able to hear if the chain or tensioners are on their way out in any case.
pull the intake hose off the turbo and check nothing's been through the impeller and chewed it up - there will possibly be a little bit of oil in there and that's likely from the case vent.
mine is on 120k miles and gets oil and filter changed every 5k since 80k - bit of extra expense but keeping the oil clean is a good way to prolong the life of the chain and tensioners
would highly reccomend you get a remap for fuel efficiency - you can get mid 40's out of it with ease and it does have some benefit in performance as a nice bonus.
can't speak for the auto box servicing as mine is a manual but i would say that the gearbox service is wise enough, check for chunks
they're easy enough to work on and maintain, parts are cheap enough as a lot of things are common across the VAG range. welcome to ownership.
