Bruce_R

Hi guys, new here. I am looking at buying an MK1 TT which has bad AC. The current owner is unsure of the exact issue but thinks it may be the compressor or maybe a sensor. The AC is a negotiation point, and I'd like to have it fixed as soon as I get the car. I've done some basic car repairs like brakes, water pump, etc, but for this I suspect I may be in over my head if it needs a new compressor.

Unfortunately the car is a couple hours away, and I think the owner would rather just negotiate something rather than go through a bunch of repair hassles. The AC blows hot air. That' really all I know.

I guess I'm wondering what my "worst case scenario" might be, money-wise. I plan to keep the car for a long time. Summers are hot where I live. I want to use quality parts as well. What would be a reasonable discount off the asking price for this unknown AC issue? If repairs end up costing me an extra couple hundred, I could live with that, but I don't want to be an extra grand in the hole. What do you guys think? Or do AC repairs vary so much that I should not even consider buying before knowing exactly what is involved? Opinions please. Thanks in advance.

Vegas-roadster

Worst case??? More than the car's worth. If the AC has not worked for a while, there are multiple things that could need to be replaced. Compressor is probably shot, lines could leak, radiator, fans, etc. etc. etc. No way I would buy that car without a repair estimate and the present owner's "don't know" sounds real bogus.

Bruce_R

Thanks for the info Vegas-Roadster. I'll see if the current owner will let me have it taken to a shop for a repair estimate.

J. Patterson

Thats a good plan. It's unlikely that a tech can fully diagnose without evacuating and charging the system though. If the compressor is bad and refrigerant is there then yes that can be diagnosed. A bad compressor can be replaced for less than $1000. I've had it done twice.

Bruce_R

So can you recommend a compressor brand not to go with? Sounds like the first replacement didn't stand the test of time.

J. Patterson

Not really. my replacement was damaged when the serpentine belt failed and wrapped in the magnetic clutch severing its wires. That TT has seen lots of track time and has had the engine replaced too. It's not typical.

JoeKan

In my 'neck of the woods', you can't buy a new compressor, just a rebuilt one. Had to have one fitted to my 2002 Golf TDI. The AC specialist fitted 2 faulty rebuilds before the 3rd one worked properly. The 2nd one lasted almost a year on a one year warranty. Wasn't their fault - it was their rebuild supplier. The TT uses the same hardware. Ensure that you've got a good warranty, and IF the replacement is a really good price, might be cheap parts/rebuild which may not last - hence...
1) AC Shop that's been around for a few years
2) Good quality parts - won't be cheap
3) Long enough warranty to prove the parts are good

Suggestion...
Have the owner take the car to a reputable AC shop. Have them estimate the repair - You'll probably have to pay the shop a couple of hours of labour. You can do that with a credit card, but have the shop ONLY report the results to you, not the owner (as you're paying the tab). That'll give you some negotiating room. If the owner wants to know, he can pay 1/2. If it's too expensive for you to repair, walk away - only cost you a hour or two of labour. If worth it, buy it knowing ballpark figure to repair & negotiate an appropriate price drop.