service history and resale value etc

[flossymeister]

Hi guys,

I'm starting to look for an RS2 to buy and i was wondering if you could give me an opinion about car history and identification and its possible effect on future resale value.

Would a massive stack of invoices for maindealer work count as full audi service history on an RS2 which had had its service manual stolen from the car at some point? I have heard of two cars in this situation recently. Would this count as just as good on an import too?

Is it critical that all 3 VINs are present?

finally, i was wondering about the white sticker with all the options codes in the spare wheel well. How critical is it that it is legible? is being able to check the options codes etc pretty important? what other info is on that sticker? I'm guessing that if the service manual had gone too there'd be no way of checking the car's specifics?? Would Audi have a record of all the options based on the VIN do you think?

any opinions gratefully received!

Tim

[BRY]

Audi can clarify all of the details of a car which has full dealer service history. They keep the records for doing the work on it.
How does the seller have the bills and not the service book?
Why would all 3 vins not be present?

[HPmuirt]

Why would all 3 vins not be present?

Indeed, a worrying question...

The white sticker in the boot has the following info: -

VIN:
Type:
Body/model:
Engine power (in KW):
Engine Code:
Trans Code:
Paint Code:
Trim code:
Options codes:

As you can see, all of this helps to validate that it is indeed the model claimed (ie a real RS2 and not a modded Avant). It also proves that the front and back are from the same car , the engine and gearbox are original, it has not had a colour change and confirms all of the options that should be present.

Cheers n

Si

[s2driveruk]

three vins missing does sound very odd, there maybe a white sticker/barcode on the passenger door or the b pillar just below the striker for the door lock. I'd have thought you can do some searching through a plate check and verifying info thorugh Audi (i'd only spend the time doing it if you think its the one for you. Looking on autotrader there seems to be a few for sale so there is choice out there depending on the depth of your pockets! Good luck!

David

[darreni]

I would be very, very careful. The sticker in the wheel well confirms vin, engine details & gearbox details as well as option codes. Inside the front cover of the RS2 service manual there is an identical sticker, with the same details, you need to be able to cross refrence these against the engine bay VIN & the reciepts/invoices (all my Main dealer service invoices also have the cars vin on them).

If the service manual is missing along with the wheel well vin, it does sound suspect.

Imports can be even worse, unless your german is good!
When i bought mine i looked at loads most were very poorly described (it seems my idea of "mint" was quite diffrent to that of the sellers!), or had "interesting" histories.

Keep looking, I looked at RHD & LHD as my main concern was condition & history, not which side the steering wheel was on.

Try Martin Pearce at www.mcp-motorsport.com , he has imported most of the LHD's into the Uk & knows them inside out. He's not into selling crap either, when i was looking, he mentioned that he declines around 70% of the RS2's he's offered, as it's not woth his hassle or reputation having unhappy clients.

Take your time, the right one WILL come along.

Darren.

[flossymeister]

thanks guys

Thanks everyone for all the opinions - much appreciated.

I'll keep my neck in and keep looking....

Tim

[s2avant]

The white sticker in the boot isn't something to be overly worried about. They only give basic info on the car and some of the option codes. They can be replaced with a horrible shiny sticker you have to fill in by hand if you really want one. The one on the B-pillar is only used for tracking around the factory and when it arrives at the importer.

As for missing VIN numbers that is a lot more serious. The plate could be damaged in an accident and can be replaced if you have the police inspect the vehicle and apply to Audi UK (or know the right people to get one made ) but the stamped in VIN numbers on the body itself should always be there.

Ben

[rotoryboy]

Try Martin Pearce at www.mcp-motorsport.com , he has imported most of the LHD's into the Uk & knows them inside out. Darren.

Yikes and he knows how to write about them aswell

Nice one in stock at the mo, but is RED

[rotoryboy]

Also Pete has his for sale!!

Read this thread

[flossymeister]

thanks Mark,

had seen Pete's thread. Unfortunately I'm looking for a nice standard one, no mods (except possibly big reds ).

you have a PM re the red one.

cheers,

Tim

[rotoryboy]

That red one was on his site, sorry I've not got one

[BRY]

That red one was on his site, sorry I've not got one

Are you sure that's not your new project?