Audi adopted aluminium panels for the front wings and bonnet of the second generation TT. This was not only to reduce weight but also to give the car near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution for ideal handling. However, the alloy panels are prone to dents and they make accident damage trickier and more costly.
RS marked out by spoiler, wheels and mirrors
Some TTs have poorly finished paint, which many owners attribute to the optional paint protection offered with new TTs. To cure this, a professional paint detailer will be able to give the paint the required gloss finish. Also, Audi paint can be hard to colour match for repairs, so look for mismatched paint as a sign of accident repairs.
The TTS and RS come with different front bumpers with larger air intakes, side skirts and reshaped rear bumpers to accommodate their exhausts. While the RS has two large bore exhaust pipes with one on either side of the lower rear bumper, the TTS has two pairs of twin exhaust tailpipes. Aftermarket exhausts are a common upgrade for the RS to let more of the engine's noise be heard. Look for proprietary names such as MTM or Milltek and bargain on spending around £3,000 for a full system from MTM.
Paint protection can spoil finish
RS versions have a fixed rear spoiler as standard, though this could be deleted as an option. Other TT model have a rear spoiler that raises when the car reaches 75mph and lowers again at 50mph, though it can also be operated by a switch in the cabin.
The TT Roadster's fabric hood is quick to operate and works electrically. It can become slow to work if the car is left with the roof in the lowered position for longer periods, but a few cycles of raising and lowering it should restore it to normal.
PHer's view:
"Niggling electrical faults have eroded the ownership experience for me. These include the boot latch working intermittently and the windows dropping down a fraction too slowly when the doors are opened."
Jon Taylor