96 A4 , Having some issues. Stalling, etc

[Blt2Lst]

I am thinking about buying a friends 96 A4 5 speed with 100K miles.
During test driving, the car would stall occasionally when coming to a stop. It would start right up again after.
When the AC was on, it would stall more often.
Also, while driving, when you let off the gas and depress the clutch to shift, The rpm would take about 3 full seconds to drop to idle speed.
I also noticed a rich smelling exhaust but no check engine light was on, interesting i thought.
I then checked to see if CEL was functioning, and it was NOT. It does not come on when the ignition is switched on.
I am wondering, what could be possible causes of no cel coming on at all?

I guess i should have it checked for codes next but was wondering if anyone might have some ideas about what is going on.
Am I about to buy a money pit??

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Al

[offroader1006]

sounds like vacuum leaks.

[Poopie]

maf

[Blt2Lst]

What about the lack of a CEL?

Also, approx what does a MAF cost and where would be a good place to purchase on line. I did find a thread that says they can be cleaned by soaking in alcohol.

Thanks

Al

[djwimbo]

If your CEL doesn't "bulb check" there either isn't a bulb there, or the ECU isn't able to turn it on. Hopefully the fist one.

Stalling coming to a stop is a wierd one on manual trans cars. I'd be looking in to Idle air control, whether it's a stepper motor or what not.

Definitely get it scanned, if at all possible, by either Vag-Com or at the dealer. That could pin point the issues that it's experiencing.