TT 1.8t - anything to look out for?
Discussion
My younger sister, sadly recently bereaved, has decided to try lifting her spirits by buying a car she's always wanted - an early TT.
She has a budget of £5k which seems to get her a tidy 9-12 year old car with sub-100k miles.
Is there anything in particular to look out for?
I'm aware of the need for cambelt changes, Haldex servicing, etc. Do these suffer the same engine fan problems as the Mk4 Golf? And are there any other weaknesses or common issues to look out for, or areas prone to rust?
And she's going for the 1.8T, which seems to come in various states of tune (150-225bhp). Any particular sensitivities in that regard?
Any help would be much appreciated!
She has a budget of £5k which seems to get her a tidy 9-12 year old car with sub-100k miles.
Is there anything in particular to look out for?
I'm aware of the need for cambelt changes, Haldex servicing, etc. Do these suffer the same engine fan problems as the Mk4 Golf? And are there any other weaknesses or common issues to look out for, or areas prone to rust?
And she's going for the 1.8T, which seems to come in various states of tune (150-225bhp). Any particular sensitivities in that regard?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Gruber said:
My younger sister, sadly recently bereaved, has decided to try lifting her spirits by buying a car she's always wanted - an early TT.
She has a budget of £5k which seems to get her a tidy 9-12 year old car with sub-100k miles.
Is there anything in particular to look out for?
I'm aware of the need for cambelt changes, Haldex servicing, etc. Do these suffer the same engine fan problems as the Mk4 Golf? And are there any other weaknesses or common issues to look out for, or areas prone to rust?
And she's going for the 1.8T, which seems to come in various states of tune (150-225bhp). Any particular sensitivities in that regard?
Any help would be much appreciated!
Oil pickup pipe - often gets blocked on the 1.8T.She has a budget of £5k which seems to get her a tidy 9-12 year old car with sub-100k miles.
Is there anything in particular to look out for?
I'm aware of the need for cambelt changes, Haldex servicing, etc. Do these suffer the same engine fan problems as the Mk4 Golf? And are there any other weaknesses or common issues to look out for, or areas prone to rust?
And she's going for the 1.8T, which seems to come in various states of tune (150-225bhp). Any particular sensitivities in that regard?
Any help would be much appreciated!
matchmaker said:
Oil pickup pipe - often gets blocked on the 1.8T.
+1 - if there's no record of previous remedial work, assume it needs doing as leaving it risks the engine starving of oil, which would be rather depressing....If you can get a 225 BAM engine then do it - doubt there's much price difference these days and if insurance cost isn't an issue you might as well
Don't be put off by a Milltek exhaust or similar, but remaps and other mechanical tweaks carry risk in terms of durability.
Make sure trim that's unique to the TT is all working - seem to recall radio cover is a bit prone to failing.
Thought they were 180 bhp for the 2 wheel drive ( only one exhaust ) & 225 for the 4WD ( twin zorst )
If its the same aircon system as Golfs etc of that era make sure it works, the cluth pulley had a habit of slowly working loose on the compressor knackering the thread on the way off new compressor & fit / re gas will see you paying around a grand at a dealer
If its the same aircon system as Golfs etc of that era make sure it works, the cluth pulley had a habit of slowly working loose on the compressor knackering the thread on the way off new compressor & fit / re gas will see you paying around a grand at a dealer
Stuart J said:
Thought they were 180 bhp for the 2 wheel drive ( only one exhaust ) & 225 for the 4WD ( twin zorst )
If its the same aircon system as Golfs etc of that era make sure it works, the cluth pulley had a habit of slowly working loose on the compressor knackering the thread on the way off new compressor & fit / re gas will see you paying around a grand at a dealer
It seems the drop-tops were 150bhp and the coupes were 180bhp.... As far as I can tell from t'interweb.If its the same aircon system as Golfs etc of that era make sure it works, the cluth pulley had a habit of slowly working loose on the compressor knackering the thread on the way off new compressor & fit / re gas will see you paying around a grand at a dealer
She's just this afternoon bought a very tidy, low mileage 04-plate convertible and is very excited about it. After the year she's had, it's good that a car has brought her a little happiness.
Thanks all for the advice. Very, very much appreciated!
Gruber said:
HumbleJim said:
150 TTR (non quattro) was introduced as an entry level car and very good too.
Good balance/drive, simpler and lighter. not the quickest but most people don't actually need ultimate performance.
She's coming from a 1.4 Seat Ibiza. 150bhp feels very rapid indeed! Good balance/drive, simpler and lighter. not the quickest but most people don't actually need ultimate performance.
Usual stuff to check really, make sure the cambelt and water pump have been done, a decent service history, Audi had long life servicing so expect stamps to be 20k apart. Dashpods are known for having erratic gauge readings fuel and temperature especially. The temperature is easy to check, google the 49 climate trick as the climate control panel can be used to give the dash readings so budget £200 to fix the dials and pixel display, at sub 100k check for creaking rear suspension, possible cause is worn bushes in the rear arms, coolant sensors can pack up which will stop both the temp gauge and climate reading and engine temp, easy and cheap fix other than that they are strong engines when maintained properly.
Facelift cars were from 2003 onwards, easy to tell as the standard ride height is 20mm lower on facelift cars and they will also have a front grille with three slats rather than five.
The 180 feels plenty quick enough tbh, don't listen to people criticising it, and they also respond very well to a stage 1 remap if you did want more for £3-400, Revo and Jabbasport seem to be preferred choices. Incidentally the 150 will remap to the same output as a 180 so I guess it is essentially a detuned 180.
5k is strong money for a sub 100k car and will get a 2004/05 car, anywhere from 3k upwards will see a 2002/03 with 80-90k and decent history.
Facelift cars were from 2003 onwards, easy to tell as the standard ride height is 20mm lower on facelift cars and they will also have a front grille with three slats rather than five.
The 180 feels plenty quick enough tbh, don't listen to people criticising it, and they also respond very well to a stage 1 remap if you did want more for £3-400, Revo and Jabbasport seem to be preferred choices. Incidentally the 150 will remap to the same output as a 180 so I guess it is essentially a detuned 180.
5k is strong money for a sub 100k car and will get a 2004/05 car, anywhere from 3k upwards will see a 2002/03 with 80-90k and decent history.
Edited by Evo on Friday 1st August 21:44
gaz1234 said:
Any decent tt forums out there?
Good places to buy them?
Yes www.ttforum.co.ukGood places to buy them?
Very friendly bunch and really quick to respond and answer queries.
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