TTS Mk2 - Opinion
Discussion
So just got back from seeing this:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402246...
Must be one of the first TTS off the line but it wore it's 16 years and 94k miles very well.
Initial observations:
- a few paint chips here and there and one small hardly noticeable scuff on the front skirt corner but overall exterior was good
- alloys were almost perfect and had Goodyear Eagle and B Potenzas, a good start
- Twin pipes could do with a polish
- sales guy was happy for me to spend ages looking over the car by myself and fish through the paperwork - the selection of tasty looking cars on a smart "farm" enterprise gave me a positive feeling.
First thing I did was sit in the back
- I mean, it's actually easy to get in but yeah not ideal for anyone past puberty. Will need to stick my son in it to check he would survive if needed.
Everything worked - heated seats, cruise, a/con ran icy cold, Pioneer unit, optional DRLs, Magride sports setting.
Rear brake light seemed to be ok, no leaky thermostat, glove box opened damped as it should, bonnet latch worked.
Interior was decent, seats were a bit saggy at the bum and no embossing in the head-rests which is annoying but the previous owner had the arm-rest re-fitted for UK use!
A very nice place to be I must say. Never driven an Audi before....and I have to say I liked it! The steering was not as light as I was lead to believe, thought it was quite nicely weighted. The ride was good on 18" wheels and no sinister knocking noises when I went over speed bumps. Gearbox was lovely to use. Good visibility, just very easy to drive - I can see why they are popular as everyday 2+2 cars.
Bumbled along in comfort for a bit then hit the revs in 2nd, 3rd and 4th - blimey it can shift from docile to very rapid in a short space of time. Felt confident driving it quickly. Only thing was I thought it would sound a little frutier but maybe I was not concentrating.
Masses of history - it's had 2 owners, first had it looked after by Audi Swansea for 8 years (all stamped), then 2nd owner by the same garage for 8 years - evidence of both window regulators changed, front and rear disks and pads in last 3 years.
HOWEVER, the big item missing was the cambelt and water pump change - the first was done in 2013 (which is correct - 75k miles or 5 years) but I could not find any evidence it had been done in 2018 and actually it would be due again next year. Sales guy was not sure either so I will ring the previous garage to see if they have a record.
IF it has not been done, is this necessarily an issue? I would just ask the current seller to change as part of any deal?
So in conclusion, I liked it a lot. Nervous about buying the first one I view! And apart from the cambelt question, the biggest downside is it's in the most boring colour...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402246...
Must be one of the first TTS off the line but it wore it's 16 years and 94k miles very well.
Initial observations:
- a few paint chips here and there and one small hardly noticeable scuff on the front skirt corner but overall exterior was good
- alloys were almost perfect and had Goodyear Eagle and B Potenzas, a good start
- Twin pipes could do with a polish
- sales guy was happy for me to spend ages looking over the car by myself and fish through the paperwork - the selection of tasty looking cars on a smart "farm" enterprise gave me a positive feeling.
First thing I did was sit in the back
- I mean, it's actually easy to get in but yeah not ideal for anyone past puberty. Will need to stick my son in it to check he would survive if needed.Everything worked - heated seats, cruise, a/con ran icy cold, Pioneer unit, optional DRLs, Magride sports setting.
Rear brake light seemed to be ok, no leaky thermostat, glove box opened damped as it should, bonnet latch worked.
Interior was decent, seats were a bit saggy at the bum and no embossing in the head-rests which is annoying but the previous owner had the arm-rest re-fitted for UK use!
A very nice place to be I must say. Never driven an Audi before....and I have to say I liked it! The steering was not as light as I was lead to believe, thought it was quite nicely weighted. The ride was good on 18" wheels and no sinister knocking noises when I went over speed bumps. Gearbox was lovely to use. Good visibility, just very easy to drive - I can see why they are popular as everyday 2+2 cars.
Bumbled along in comfort for a bit then hit the revs in 2nd, 3rd and 4th - blimey it can shift from docile to very rapid in a short space of time. Felt confident driving it quickly. Only thing was I thought it would sound a little frutier but maybe I was not concentrating.
Masses of history - it's had 2 owners, first had it looked after by Audi Swansea for 8 years (all stamped), then 2nd owner by the same garage for 8 years - evidence of both window regulators changed, front and rear disks and pads in last 3 years.
HOWEVER, the big item missing was the cambelt and water pump change - the first was done in 2013 (which is correct - 75k miles or 5 years) but I could not find any evidence it had been done in 2018 and actually it would be due again next year. Sales guy was not sure either so I will ring the previous garage to see if they have a record.
IF it has not been done, is this necessarily an issue? I would just ask the current seller to change as part of any deal?
So in conclusion, I liked it a lot. Nervous about buying the first one I view! And apart from the cambelt question, the biggest downside is it's in the most boring colour...
Seems like a good buy for the money and the TTS is the one to get, imo. Can remap to 300 odd hp, which is plenty.
It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
rottenegg said:
Seems like a good buy for the money and the TTS is the one to get, imo. Can remap to 300 odd hp, which is plenty.
It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
Thanks for the opinion - yes did strike me as weird the previous owner was happy to spend £££ on window regulators, alloy refurb, serviced on the button, etc. then just seemed to ignore the cambelt.It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
Opening tactic would be to offer £7,500 if they do the cambelt change and put a fresh MOT on it...don't ask, don't get!
Legend83 said:
rottenegg said:
Seems like a good buy for the money and the TTS is the one to get, imo. Can remap to 300 odd hp, which is plenty.
It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
Thanks for the opinion - yes did strike me as weird the previous owner was happy to spend £££ on window regulators, alloy refurb, serviced on the button, etc. then just seemed to ignore the cambelt.It definitely needs a belt and water pump change if no evidence of a second one. It baffles me how people don't document such a fundamental and important job. EVERYONE always asks about it!
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles, or what ever, but VW say 4 years and 60K miles for the same engine. Personally I go with the 4 year/60K option. 5 and 80k is pushing it. Haggle £500 off the price if no evidence can be found.
Opening tactic would be to offer £7,500 if they do the cambelt change and put a fresh MOT on it...don't ask, don't get!
It might be safer to negotiate a discount and get a trusted garage to do it?
Yes unfortunately some peoples priorities aren't quite right
Ignore the things they can't see and focus on the wheels etc.There is a chance it has been done, but just not documented. That does happen. Unfortunately you have to pull the cambelt covers off to check the dates on the parts, which is a big faff.
I'd say if you can get it as close to £7K as possible, it's a good buy. Car dealers are very dismissive of bartering these days, especially as they are reluctant to accept the used car market bubble is bursting.
rottenegg said:
That is a very reasonable barter if you ask me. Parts alone are £370 genuine, plus 4 hours labour for a competent shop that knows the engine. The only danger of them agreeing to that deal is trust unfortunately. Would they use genuine parts, and would they actually do it?
It might be safer to negotiate a discount and get a trusted garage to do it?
Yes unfortunately some peoples priorities aren't quite right Ignore the things they can't see and focus on the wheels etc.
There is a chance it has been done, but just not documented. That does happen. Unfortunately you have to pull the cambelt covers off to check the dates on the parts, which is a big faff.
I'd say if you can get it as close to £7K as possible, it's a good buy. Car dealers are very dismissive of bartering these days, especially as they are reluctant to accept the used car market bubble is bursting.
Good advice thanks. It might be safer to negotiate a discount and get a trusted garage to do it?
Yes unfortunately some peoples priorities aren't quite right
Ignore the things they can't see and focus on the wheels etc.There is a chance it has been done, but just not documented. That does happen. Unfortunately you have to pull the cambelt covers off to check the dates on the parts, which is a big faff.
I'd say if you can get it as close to £7K as possible, it's a good buy. Car dealers are very dismissive of bartering these days, especially as they are reluctant to accept the used car market bubble is bursting.
My gut feel was this dealer seemed pretty genuine, a lot of good reviews built up over long period of time. He also realised I knew a bit about what I was talking about so would hope he doesn't think he could fob me off.
On the subject of the parts, looks like a ContiTech kit with pump is £240 from GSF Parts...
Legend83 said:
rottenegg said:
That is a very reasonable barter if you ask me. Parts alone are £370 genuine, plus 4 hours labour for a competent shop that knows the engine. The only danger of them agreeing to that deal is trust unfortunately. Would they use genuine parts, and would they actually do it?
It might be safer to negotiate a discount and get a trusted garage to do it?
Yes unfortunately some peoples priorities aren't quite right Ignore the things they can't see and focus on the wheels etc.
There is a chance it has been done, but just not documented. That does happen. Unfortunately you have to pull the cambelt covers off to check the dates on the parts, which is a big faff.
I'd say if you can get it as close to £7K as possible, it's a good buy. Car dealers are very dismissive of bartering these days, especially as they are reluctant to accept the used car market bubble is bursting.
Good advice thanks. It might be safer to negotiate a discount and get a trusted garage to do it?
Yes unfortunately some peoples priorities aren't quite right
Ignore the things they can't see and focus on the wheels etc.There is a chance it has been done, but just not documented. That does happen. Unfortunately you have to pull the cambelt covers off to check the dates on the parts, which is a big faff.
I'd say if you can get it as close to £7K as possible, it's a good buy. Car dealers are very dismissive of bartering these days, especially as they are reluctant to accept the used car market bubble is bursting.
My gut feel was this dealer seemed pretty genuine, a lot of good reviews built up over long period of time. He also realised I knew a bit about what I was talking about so would hope he doesn't think he could fob me off.
On the subject of the parts, looks like a ContiTech kit with pump is £240 from GSF Parts...
If you have a good feeling about the dealer, by all means get them to do it then. Saves you some hassle and time.
You'll be wanting to get the high pressure fuel pump's cam follower checked/replaced as well as that engine is notorious for wearing them out. If it wears through, it destroys the intake cam, which is £500 on that engine!
Legend83 said:
it's had 2 owners, first had it looked after by Audi Swansea for 8 years (all stamped), then 2nd owner by the same garage for 8 .
5 actually, but not an issue at that age. rottenegg said:
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles.
This is incorrect.Factory interval is 120k with no time limit:
For me 10 years feels a sensible limit (think of it as preventative maintenance), but if it's not done 120 since last one it may be hard to argue.
Seems a good car for age/mileage/money; they were always quite sweet to drive. More so than a lot of people give them credit for.
Dr G said:
This is incorrect.
Factory interval is 120k with no time limit:
For me 10 years feels a sensible limit (think of it as preventative maintenance), but if it's not done 120 since last one it may be hard to argue.
Seems a good car for age/mileage/money; they were always quite sweet to drive. More so than a lot of people give them credit for.
Thanks for the info.Factory interval is 120k with no time limit:
For me 10 years feels a sensible limit (think of it as preventative maintenance), but if it's not done 120 since last one it may be hard to argue.
Seems a good car for age/mileage/money; they were always quite sweet to drive. More so than a lot of people give them credit for.
It's probably fine then - it was changed 60k miles ago. The dealer doesn't seem to be too clued up on intervals for this so I would consider pushing for a saving on the price then get it done in my own time.
One unfortunate turn of events is the "front and rear PDC" listed in the ad apparently may not be the case. In my excitement on the test drive, it was the one thing I forgot to check (remiss given it was high on the wife's criteria). I know retrofit PDC and/or reversing cameras can be fitted but would certainly be a faff (and more money).
.
Dr G said:
rottenegg said:
The problem with the EA113 engine is Audi say 5 years or 80k miles.
This is incorrect.Factory interval is 120k with no time limit:.
Technically a belt can last that long, but the water pump and pully bearings seldom do. That is a ridiculous service interval.
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