Help in buying ASAP

[S2noob]

Looking at this s2 avant for sale. It's got 135000 on the clock. Had recent cam belt and aux belts done.
Passed mot with advisories for headlight cracked and all 4 coil springs corroded. Loads of past mots and tax discs so mileage looks correct but only about 10 service stamps. Should I be worried ? I'm a mechanic by trade so I know some cars will last adges with poor service others and others just won't but not up on older audits so need advice.
Interior looks mint and he says the engine runs sweet as a nut with no noises or fluid loss or being burnt.
Bodywork looks straight but with the odd bits of laquer peel here and there and a few little dings.
Also what's would you say it could be worth as it is and how strong is the resale on these.
I know it's a bit vague for a price but wondering what you guys have paid for cars with similar descriptions ?
Thanks in advance

[RichLV]

Based from my own experience, these cars bite back pretty damn painful if you don't love them. Although an UrS4 owner, engine's essentially the same. It has to be taken care of.
Looking at the price trends on these things they only go up. I can only imagine how much will a good 20vT cost in 5 years or so.

[S2noob]

So you think £4000-£4500 is a fair price since I can do pretty much all the work needed myself ?

[RichLV]

That's kinda a lot for our side. It's around 6k euros. You could get a very neat example here.

I do everything besides welding and special measuring on the car myself. The engine is fairly simple, it's like a dinosaur compared to the newest ones. Suspension on the B4 is easy as pie. So you should be just fine. Hook up a laptop to it when you examine it, it's a dinosaur but it does tell you something.

[AndyP]

I can do pretty much all the work needed myself ?

This is always a good start!!

Have you got a link to the car in question?

[S2noob]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-80-S2...item3d04c261a0

[S2noob]

Ra2 clocks fitted
130000 miles
Mot advise on 4 coil springs and 1 headlight
Hip clear
10 owners
Good brakes and tyres
Engine runs sweet with no smoke
No cold or warm starting issues
Few marks over the car which he has set me photos of but its just like laquer peel and minor bubbling behind wheel arches

[S2noob]

Any common issues to see visually or check for. Any common codes when checked with code reader or any to completely avoid if a certain code present.
I've read the s2 buying guide but like speaking to people about there experiences

[AndyP]

Looks nice enough, personally I wouldn't be worried about the lack of service stamps, you're going to be buying this with your eyes and ears.

See if there is anybody local on here that could go with you to have a look?

[RichLV]

I don't like the color of the coolant reservoir. The car may have been run on water as coolant instead of antifreeze. That can lead to issues. It's better to check that when examining the car.

Codes are fixable. The nastiest IMO are the mixture adaptation codes, require a lot of tinkering with intake/exhaust tubes. But if you get a dead MAP sensor code then I think its a no go.

[S2noob]

I'm in Bradford ? What issues with the coolant just corrosion or gunk build up ?
I'll make sure the cars cold for when I get there and check all fluid level and condition. Start it and leave it running while I check everything. Then recheck for leaks and levels.
You think if I can get it around £4500 or less if nobody bids its worth the gamble andyP ?

[kulster]

From what I'm seeing prices vary on these and are only getting rarer.... It's best to get one that's looked after otherwise they will get expensive. If I was to sell mine (it's not up for sale by the way) I'd be asking 10k for it.

[RichLV]

Corrosion and radiator jam. I once fought with a car which was running water as coolant. Had to change all the radiators and flush it multiple times before it got clean. It's a hassle.

[AndyP]

They're definatley going up in value, a few years ago you'd have got this for £2k, now there seems to be more people looking for one than there are cars for sale.

As above, niggly faults can be hard to track down, you need to be sure it's boosting correctly which is why I suggested looking for a current owner who will know if it's down on power.

[S2noob]

Yours got fsh kulster or would you want 10k for the amount of money you've invested in it. You think it looks of for £4500 ?
And coolant wise it's just had both radiators replaced and ca belt done Nd a few other bits. Doesn't seem like a complete lost cause does it. ?