Audi TTS - Buying Advice
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I have wanted a TTS on and off for the last 8 years now and at the moment I am lucky enough to be able to buy one as a second car.
I am currently looking at an 08/09 plate and I was just wondering if there are any major issues to look out for and general owners experience?
The only thing I have heard of is possible issues with the S tronic gearbox going faulty and a a few other tiny things but nothing outside of this.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
I have wanted a TTS on and off for the last 8 years now and at the moment I am lucky enough to be able to buy one as a second car.
I am currently looking at an 08/09 plate and I was just wondering if there are any major issues to look out for and general owners experience?
The only thing I have heard of is possible issues with the S tronic gearbox going faulty and a a few other tiny things but nothing outside of this.
Any help would be great.
Thanks
There was an S3 thread just yesterday you can look at; they're mechanically identical.
The 19s look stunning on these and with mag ride (standard, weirdly) the ride is actually OK but drive one yourself first as some people find them too firm. The 18s don't look anywhere near as aggressive but do smooth the ride just a shade.
They're very low cars so be careful with paint, a lot of TTs pick up minor bump and scrapes so remedial paintwork isn't anything to worry about but make sure it is to a high standard and not hiding anything sinister.
Ditto sills and interior; scuffs and scapes common, normally simple to sort but because they're low down have a good look around for marks and scratches inside. Dashes can be a little but creaky/squeaky.
The 19s look stunning on these and with mag ride (standard, weirdly) the ride is actually OK but drive one yourself first as some people find them too firm. The 18s don't look anywhere near as aggressive but do smooth the ride just a shade.
They're very low cars so be careful with paint, a lot of TTs pick up minor bump and scrapes so remedial paintwork isn't anything to worry about but make sure it is to a high standard and not hiding anything sinister.
Ditto sills and interior; scuffs and scapes common, normally simple to sort but because they're low down have a good look around for marks and scratches inside. Dashes can be a little but creaky/squeaky.
Make sure the 'often forgotten' servicing has been done...
Cambelt (ideally including water pump) at 5 years or 60k miles.
S Tronic oil every 40k miles.
Haldex oil ever 4 years or 40k miles.
I've had one three years now. Longest I've ever kept a car so I keep thinking I'll change it, but I can't find anything that comes close to the balance of performance and being sensible enough to use every day.
Cambelt (ideally including water pump) at 5 years or 60k miles.
S Tronic oil every 40k miles.
Haldex oil ever 4 years or 40k miles.
I've had one three years now. Longest I've ever kept a car so I keep thinking I'll change it, but I can't find anything that comes close to the balance of performance and being sensible enough to use every day.
Thanks for the replies guys.
The main trouble is finding one that has been looked after. Trouble is I think people are asking too much money without the car warranting such a price as many of them have not had the right work done.
Have seen them up between 15-17k but many of them are seling with 40-50k miles on them and me being me I like my cars to be well looked after. There was a nice one I seen: 09 plate. 41k miles. Nice spec. Stronic. Wanted 17k for it. New tyres due as they had 3mm on them. Gearbox oil due and Haldex too. Cambelt was done last year but no water pump. That's the best part of 2k to be spent and thats if there are no other issues like buckled alloys etc etc.
Odd how people keep cars like this and don't keep Them tip top
The main trouble is finding one that has been looked after. Trouble is I think people are asking too much money without the car warranting such a price as many of them have not had the right work done.
Have seen them up between 15-17k but many of them are seling with 40-50k miles on them and me being me I like my cars to be well looked after. There was a nice one I seen: 09 plate. 41k miles. Nice spec. Stronic. Wanted 17k for it. New tyres due as they had 3mm on them. Gearbox oil due and Haldex too. Cambelt was done last year but no water pump. That's the best part of 2k to be spent and thats if there are no other issues like buckled alloys etc etc.
Odd how people keep cars like this and don't keep Them tip top
Haha sounds like I should be asking about £20k if I sold mine then!
It is frustrating how servicing is very often not done correctly. Audi were quite surprised when I took mine in for 'just' haldex oil. It was £80 something so I just can't see the point in skipping it. I think a lot of people just don't read the book and understand what needs doing.
It is frustrating how servicing is very often not done correctly. Audi were quite surprised when I took mine in for 'just' haldex oil. It was £80 something so I just can't see the point in skipping it. I think a lot of people just don't read the book and understand what needs doing.
Haha. I know exactly what you mean. The person selling the one for 17k has been up for sale for 2 months now. I think 14k is a fair price considering all that I'd need to do. There are a couple out there that have full Audi main dealer history. Spotless inside out well looked after but both grey: both around 16k. Just not my colur. Don't mind white silver red even Orange but not grey or black. Grey I don't like much and black is a nightmare to look after. Already have one black car and that's bad enough. Lol
I've had my 3.2 nearly 7 years now, so it's fair to say I've not had too much to deal with.
I would make sure you get to drive one when it's cold and listen for any odd noises from the 'box, while moving it through P, D, N, R. Do a hill start and try some manoevering too.
The Bose Symphony had no bass at all until it failed and was changed under warranty - I don't like max bass like some, but there really wasn't enough.
No one's mentioned window regulators - you're probably aware already. Both mine have needed replacing. The air con compressor failed under warranty and the ally filler cap was changed as it had discoloured, though the local dealer told me it was 'acid rain, nothing you can do, try Halfords..' (why go to Halfords if there's nothing you can do? They also said the air con was fine).
Tyres: mine came on P Zero Rosso's which made for a jittery ride when 3/4 worn. F1 Asy's less so.
Twice now the dealers have set the OBD service indicator on anniversary rather than mileage so, as you have been, check carefully what's been done. I'm off to check the Haldex oil was changed at the 40k service - the dealer seemed to make a pig's ear of everything else.
I would make sure you get to drive one when it's cold and listen for any odd noises from the 'box, while moving it through P, D, N, R. Do a hill start and try some manoevering too.
The Bose Symphony had no bass at all until it failed and was changed under warranty - I don't like max bass like some, but there really wasn't enough.
No one's mentioned window regulators - you're probably aware already. Both mine have needed replacing. The air con compressor failed under warranty and the ally filler cap was changed as it had discoloured, though the local dealer told me it was 'acid rain, nothing you can do, try Halfords..' (why go to Halfords if there's nothing you can do? They also said the air con was fine).
Tyres: mine came on P Zero Rosso's which made for a jittery ride when 3/4 worn. F1 Asy's less so.
Twice now the dealers have set the OBD service indicator on anniversary rather than mileage so, as you have been, check carefully what's been done. I'm off to check the Haldex oil was changed at the 40k service - the dealer seemed to make a pig's ear of everything else.
Hi guys,
I've just bought this TTS Black Edition 2011, manual, 35k on the clock, full Audi service with Audi warranty till next year.
Just serviced (major), with 2 new front tyres, paid 18.8K.
Absolutely loving the car, well worth the wait....
There are good deals out there, you've just got to be quick when you see the right car or negotiate hard if one has been hanging around along time, as I did miss out on a couple.
I've spent the last 4 months looking and waiting but got exactly what I wanted at a bargain price👌
There seems to be a few more TTS's on the market this last week, so hopefully you'll find the right one at the right price with the spec your after. 👍
OP - thank you!
I've been looking for a TTS on and off for the last few weeks and had been meaning to ask most of what you've raised. Thanks to all those who replied also.
I just cant decide whether it's better going for a slightly older TTS or a newer TFSI as there does seem to be a few more of them around. Greater choice, etc
But guess it's more a case of finding the right one as most do seem to be overpriced.
I've been looking for a TTS on and off for the last few weeks and had been meaning to ask most of what you've raised. Thanks to all those who replied also.
I just cant decide whether it's better going for a slightly older TTS or a newer TFSI as there does seem to be a few more of them around. Greater choice, etc
But guess it's more a case of finding the right one as most do seem to be overpriced.
GDub44 said:
OP - thank you!
I've been looking for a TTS on and off for the last few weeks and had been meaning to ask most of what you've raised. Thanks to all those who replied also.
I just cant decide whether it's better going for a slightly older TTS or a newer TFSI as there does seem to be a few more of them around. Greater choice, etc
But guess it's more a case of finding the right one as most do seem to be overpriced.
Haha - I think you and me are in the exact same boat - someone also raised this point regarding getting a new TFSI and looking online last night there seems to be a much nicer selection but each to their own. I've been looking for a TTS on and off for the last few weeks and had been meaning to ask most of what you've raised. Thanks to all those who replied also.
I just cant decide whether it's better going for a slightly older TTS or a newer TFSI as there does seem to be a few more of them around. Greater choice, etc
But guess it's more a case of finding the right one as most do seem to be overpriced.
I think for me its been a small dream of my to own a TTS so I think for now I will stick with a TTS just to say yeah I done what I wanted.
kev1387 said:
Hi guys,
I've just bought this TTS Black Edition 2011, manual, 35k on the clock, full Audi service with Audi warranty till next year.
Just serviced (major), with 2 new front tyres, paid 18.8K.
Absolutely loving the car, well worth the wait....
There are good deals out there, you've just got to be quick when you see the right car or negotiate hard if one has been hanging around along time, as I did miss out on a couple.
I've spent the last 4 months looking and waiting but got exactly what I wanted at a bargain price??
There seems to be a few more TTS's on the market this last week, so hopefully you'll find the right one at the right price with the spec your after. ??
I feel they should be around the 14-15k depending on item due to be done or have been done on them.
IATM said:
Haha - I think you and me are in the exact same boat - someone also raised this point regarding getting a new TFSI and looking online last night there seems to be a much nicer selection but each to their own.
I think for me its been a small dream of my to own a TTS so I think for now I will stick with a TTS just to say yeah I done what I wanted.
I'd probably have to agree with you. I think for me its been a small dream of my to own a TTS so I think for now I will stick with a TTS just to say yeah I done what I wanted.
I had an 09 for about a year and hated it. The ride was horrible on the very pretty 19" wheels so I replaced them with 18" wheels instead which were better.
It was only fun when being thrashed, normally the adaptive suspension was making it skip all over the place.
At 24k miles the Haldex pump failed and the rear shocks failed at 23k miles.
It also felt like a huge car despite its fairly small size.
Still not quite sure how I ended up with it.
It was only fun when being thrashed, normally the adaptive suspension was making it skip all over the place.
At 24k miles the Haldex pump failed and the rear shocks failed at 23k miles.
It also felt like a huge car despite its fairly small size.
Still not quite sure how I ended up with it.
We put 67k miles on one from new in 28 months the S-Tronic model and it was faultless although servicing was on the high side and had one cost nearly £640, the ride on 19`s as others have said isn't great but as a car we were really pleased with it in the end after not loving it at first.
A couple of years ago I test drove the TFSI having half wanted one for a while, and felt a bit disappointed. I had the equivalent Scirocco at the time, which I was generally very happy with, and felt the TT was a bit of a let down in comparison. Six months later (on something of a whim) I test drove a 2009 TTS, and was completely convinced this was worth trading in the Scirocco for, and so did!
I've now had it two years as a weekend fun car and it still surprises me on occasion with how fast it can be made to go, yet because it looks so much like a 'normal' TT it also doesn't attract too much attention (which I like). I've got the 19" wheels and don't really find comfort to be a problem at all. I always leave the mag ride in its normal setting though. Generally quite easy to drive on nice roads, but is quite wide for quite a relatively small car, and I'm always terrified of car parks and things that force you through fairly narrow gaps, as I'm never really sure where the front wheels are.
In terms of the original question of issues, I had the S-Tronic gearbox fail about a month after I picked it up; classic mechatronics issue replaced under warranty. Someone else mentioned the window regulators which I'm nervously awaiting to fail, as that seems to be very common. The only other minor frustration I've got is sometimes my boot release doesn't 'pop' properly, so I have to press the button on the key fob while gently pulling the bootlid up to open it. Oh, and I broke the thing on my glovebox that gently lowers it, so it now just flops down when opened. Otherwise I'd say mine's been pretty good in terms of reliability and unwanted costs.
So anyway… For those unsure of TTS or TFSI, I'd strongly suggest driving both before deciding as I found they felt very different to drive, but as ever it'll vary on your preference.
I've now had it two years as a weekend fun car and it still surprises me on occasion with how fast it can be made to go, yet because it looks so much like a 'normal' TT it also doesn't attract too much attention (which I like). I've got the 19" wheels and don't really find comfort to be a problem at all. I always leave the mag ride in its normal setting though. Generally quite easy to drive on nice roads, but is quite wide for quite a relatively small car, and I'm always terrified of car parks and things that force you through fairly narrow gaps, as I'm never really sure where the front wheels are.
In terms of the original question of issues, I had the S-Tronic gearbox fail about a month after I picked it up; classic mechatronics issue replaced under warranty. Someone else mentioned the window regulators which I'm nervously awaiting to fail, as that seems to be very common. The only other minor frustration I've got is sometimes my boot release doesn't 'pop' properly, so I have to press the button on the key fob while gently pulling the bootlid up to open it. Oh, and I broke the thing on my glovebox that gently lowers it, so it now just flops down when opened. Otherwise I'd say mine's been pretty good in terms of reliability and unwanted costs.
So anyway… For those unsure of TTS or TFSI, I'd strongly suggest driving both before deciding as I found they felt very different to drive, but as ever it'll vary on your preference.
StevenRugg said:
A couple of years ago I test drove the TFSI having half wanted one for a while, and felt a bit disappointed. I had the equivalent Scirocco at the time, which I was generally very happy with, and felt the TT was a bit of a let down in comparison. Six months later (on something of a whim) I test drove a 2009 TTS, and was completely convinced this was worth trading in the Scirocco for, and so did!
I've now had it two years as a weekend fun car and it still surprises me on occasion with how fast it can be made to go, yet because it looks so much like a 'normal' TT it also doesn't attract too much attention (which I like). I've got the 19" wheels and don't really find comfort to be a problem at all. I always leave the mag ride in its normal setting though. Generally quite easy to drive on nice roads, but is quite wide for quite a relatively small car, and I'm always terrified of car parks and things that force you through fairly narrow gaps, as I'm never really sure where the front wheels are.
In terms of the original question of issues, I had the S-Tronic gearbox fail about a month after I picked it up; classic mechatronics issue replaced under warranty. Someone else mentioned the window regulators which I'm nervously awaiting to fail, as that seems to be very common. The only other minor frustration I've got is sometimes my boot release doesn't 'pop' properly, so I have to press the button on the key fob while gently pulling the bootlid up to open it. Oh, and I broke the thing on my glovebox that gently lowers it, so it now just flops down when opened. Otherwise I'd say mine's been pretty good in terms of reliability and unwanted costs.
So anyway… For those unsure of TTS or TFSI, I'd strongly suggest driving both before deciding as I found they felt very different to drive, but as ever it'll vary on your preference.
Thanks for the detailed reply. On the off chance do you how how much the repair is for the gearbox issue? I've now had it two years as a weekend fun car and it still surprises me on occasion with how fast it can be made to go, yet because it looks so much like a 'normal' TT it also doesn't attract too much attention (which I like). I've got the 19" wheels and don't really find comfort to be a problem at all. I always leave the mag ride in its normal setting though. Generally quite easy to drive on nice roads, but is quite wide for quite a relatively small car, and I'm always terrified of car parks and things that force you through fairly narrow gaps, as I'm never really sure where the front wheels are.
In terms of the original question of issues, I had the S-Tronic gearbox fail about a month after I picked it up; classic mechatronics issue replaced under warranty. Someone else mentioned the window regulators which I'm nervously awaiting to fail, as that seems to be very common. The only other minor frustration I've got is sometimes my boot release doesn't 'pop' properly, so I have to press the button on the key fob while gently pulling the bootlid up to open it. Oh, and I broke the thing on my glovebox that gently lowers it, so it now just flops down when opened. Otherwise I'd say mine's been pretty good in terms of reliability and unwanted costs.
So anyway… For those unsure of TTS or TFSI, I'd strongly suggest driving both before deciding as I found they felt very different to drive, but as ever it'll vary on your preference.
IATM said:
Thanks for the detailed reply. On the off chance do you how how much the repair is for the gearbox issue?
I'm afraid not, as they kept that quite secret from me… I've heard scary figures in to the several thousands though. A quick Google will turn up hundreds of forum posts on it.Had mine for 6 years now and done just under 60k. Great everyday car which I'll be swapping at the end of the year for a Mk3 TTS
Not much has gone wrong although I wasn't best pleased when both rear mag dampers went last year. Luckily the dealership waived the labour costs as Audi wouldn't budge on helping me out. Still cost a few hundred for the parts. On top of the cambelt service it was already in for!!
Other than that it's been a great car. Rides well on the standard 18s. Never touch the mag ride button - the sport mode is just a but too jiggly. Averages around 30mpg and can get plenty more if you sit on or around the limit on a long motorway journey.
Not much has gone wrong although I wasn't best pleased when both rear mag dampers went last year. Luckily the dealership waived the labour costs as Audi wouldn't budge on helping me out. Still cost a few hundred for the parts. On top of the cambelt service it was already in for!!
Other than that it's been a great car. Rides well on the standard 18s. Never touch the mag ride button - the sport mode is just a but too jiggly. Averages around 30mpg and can get plenty more if you sit on or around the limit on a long motorway journey.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff