Power loss, smoke, smell and increase in fuel consumption!

[Josh A3]

Hi all,

I purchased a 2008 Audi A3 S Line 2.0TDi 170ps Quattro around three weeks ago and I seem to be having a few issue with power, smoke, smell and a increase in fuel consumption.
Where do I start, all was fine when I took the vehicle out for a test drive, didn't really notice any problems until I actually purchased the vehicle.

Since purchasing the vehicle I've noticed a horrible toxic like smell coming from the exhaust and the occasional cloud of white smoke (a bit like a cold start in winter but thicker and smelly).
Along with that I've noticed that there is a noticeable power loss when accelerating and if cruising at a constant speed as well as a bit of a increase in fuel consumption.

The gentleman that I bought the vehicle off of had the fuel, air and pollen filter changed a day before the pickup and said that the mechanic that worked on the car said that there was nothing wrong with it, E.I. brakes (Which I had to get replaced all round (pads, disks and calipers), turbo (makes a reasonably loud whistle and a puff of smoke when opening the bonnet and pressing the throttle), DPF (which was completely blocked and had to have cleaned along with a carbon clean)). So overall he said there was nothing wrong...

Now, I've had a look around some forums for similar situations and I've found quite a few possibilities, some people have said it is the turbo on it's was out, or it's the glow plugs playing up etc etc...

I would like to invite anyone that has had or experienced similar situations to reply/contact me as I'm approaching my wits end now!

King regards!

[cliffcoggin]

Josh.

I hate to write this but I have a horrible feeling you have bought a wreck. I hope I am wrong, in fact I'd be glad to be proved wrong, but alarm bells ring for me when a friend of the seller says all is well, yet within three weeks all the brakes needed to be replaced and the DPF was blocked. And now the engine is giving problems? I too have a 2 litre diesel that has done 84000 miles, but there is no whistle from the turbo or puff of smoke when the throttle is stabbed.

In your position, and assuming a refund is impossible because it was a private sale, I'd get the car professionally assessed before spending any more money on it.

[Magnet]

Hello Josh,

Sorry to hear of the issues with the car. Before further ado:- can we take it you bought this as a private sale? If so, how long had thre seller owned it? Do you have access to the wording of the advertisement? If so, did the wording describe the condition of the car?

Even private sales have to fairly describe the goods - if the advert doesn’t, then there should be an avenue for redress. This is why you now see an increasing number of adverts for vehicles for sale simply describing them as ‘Starts, drives, stops’. No comeback in such situations - assuming it does what the statement describes! 

If this were mine, I would be getting this assessed by a trusted local diesel specialist ( not an Audi dealer or independent). Even I’m getting bored with writing this statement, but recommendations for trusted local diesel specialist? Ask at your local taxi rank - these chaps depend on such sources for keeping their cars on the road. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.