The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.

In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft. There are usually two problems with it: the plastic housing warps or cracks (slow coolant loss, a sweet smell, rising temperature), or the drive belt ages (a chirping noise, then an engine left with no cooling). The housing is particularly sensitive if oil reaches it: for example from a leaking crankcase ventilation. The module has to be replaced whole: dismantling it warps it in itself.

On early 8X A1 cars the interior plastics lose their shape over time, and on a poor road the whole cabin rattles: the dashboard, the doors and the trim panels rattle too. The rattle does not affect the engine, the brakes or the suspension, but on a smooth road you will not hear it, so on a test drive take it over cobbles or a poor surface too, with the radio off.

The rear suspension squeaks at low speed, and you hear it most on an uneven road and over speed humps. The rear suspension bushes wear, or the spring bump stop, or where the damper is bolted on, but the car still steers. You will not hear it on smooth tarmac, so the test drive has to include a poor road.

The per cylinder ignition coil of these direct injection, turbocharged petrol engines fails. According to the Haynes service material this and similar simple electrical faults account for roughly eighty per cent of workshop visits.