8N Audi TT 3.2 Quattro... an accidental purchase
Discussion
mcpoot said:
Owned my 2004 Cherry Black 3.2 for 7 years until the DSG box had problems. The cost of repairing it meant selling was the only sensible option particularly as the timing chains were also outside tolerance and rectifying that is an engine out job.
Car was over 125,000 miles when I sold it so not a youngster.
If you're not already a member I can recommend joining www.ttforum.co.uk. It's a great source of TT knowledge.
The DSG/chain combo is a situation that I'm hoping to avoid with mine.. however 'you pays your money, you take your chance' I guess. I'd rather not cross that bridge, but if I come to it then I'll see what the options/costs are.Car was over 125,000 miles when I sold it so not a youngster.
If you're not already a member I can recommend joining www.ttforum.co.uk. It's a great source of TT knowledge.
Good shout with the TT forum, when I've Google'd stuff it seems to be a regular fixture in the results. I'll have a proper look and register when I get a chance, as I'm sure that I saw something about paying a membership for it but didn't read into it in detail.
RS Grant said:
Hoofy said:
Congrats.
How does it drive compared to your S3?
I've not had more than a 15-20 minute drive of the TT, so I'll be able to form more of an opinion once I collect it and drive it for a longer period on roads I'm more familiar with. However it has smooth power delivery, feels well screwed together, has a slight rumble (although surprisingly muted) and a steady surge through the rev range. The DSG seems to operate well although is definitely not as sharp as more modern versions of double clutch boxes.How does it drive compared to your S3?
In comparison, while the S3 has marginally more lag than modern FI hot hatches, but it still feels quite boosty and gives you the 'kick' you'd expect once the turbo wakes up. I'm not sure if it's just a manual trait or whether the DSG version is the same in an 8P S3, but it's got slightly shorter gearing than I was expecting.. not to the point of being tiresome on the motorway, but it's certainly not a long legged car.
I'm not sure what the weight difference between the two is but with 250ps in the TT and 265ps in the S3, the S3 certainly feels quicker and is probably the quicker car in reality.
What about the steering and feel? Does it feel more special to be sitting in the TT? I feel like my Mk1 is lower and you're in a sports car rather than a hatchback, but that might just be the design of the car tricking me?
SamG40 said:
Good colour. Have a read of this and the forum posts contained within before entertaining the idea of doing the chains, it would seem a lot of people have done them unnecessarily. I've changed to the oil recommended and my chains have never been quitter, do not use the long life stuff specified by Audi.
https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/engine-clean.201...
Thank you, that is an interesting read and if (fingers crossed not!) a chain-like noise starts to appear then for the sake of a few quid and some time, it would make sense to have a crack at that procedure first before wading into a full chain replacement.https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/engine-clean.201...
I'm hoping that because the current owner has had the car serviced every year when it went for the MOT, it should all be in fairly good condition in there.. and he is an enthusiast and doesn't give me the impression of somebody who drives particularly quickly or without any mechanical sympathy either. It has covered ~4500 miles a year on average between oil changes; his peak being 7500 miles in the first year of ownership and slowly drifting down to 2500 miles per annum over the last few years.. so regular oil changes at that kind of mileage can only be a good thing.
I've had about 5 Mk1 TT's in total, a few 1.8T's a V6 DSG and even a 1.9PD powered one. I really rate them, way better than the internet naysayers would have you believe. I'm up near Inverness and the Haldex Quattro is great in the snow too. One of my 225's had an APR map and with poly bushes/stock springs was a really good fun little car! The V6 was not as quick as my mapped 225 but the DSG box was great fun. I also thought the V6 was a little nose heavy for my tastes but it sounded way better than the 1.8T.
Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Edited by Paulm4 on Friday 24th May 11:24
Hoofy said:
RS Grant said:
Hoofy said:
Congrats.
How does it drive compared to your S3?
I've not had more than a 15-20 minute drive of the TT, so I'll be able to form more of an opinion once I collect it and drive it for a longer period on roads I'm more familiar with. However it has smooth power delivery, feels well screwed together, has a slight rumble (although surprisingly muted) and a steady surge through the rev range. The DSG seems to operate well although is definitely not as sharp as more modern versions of double clutch boxes.How does it drive compared to your S3?
In comparison, while the S3 has marginally more lag than modern FI hot hatches, but it still feels quite boosty and gives you the 'kick' you'd expect once the turbo wakes up. I'm not sure if it's just a manual trait or whether the DSG version is the same in an 8P S3, but it's got slightly shorter gearing than I was expecting.. not to the point of being tiresome on the motorway, but it's certainly not a long legged car.
I'm not sure what the weight difference between the two is but with 250ps in the TT and 265ps in the S3, the S3 certainly feels quicker and is probably the quicker car in reality.
What about the steering and feel? Does it feel more special to be sitting in the TT? I feel like my Mk1 is lower and you're in a sports car rather than a hatchback, but that might just be the design of the car tricking me?
The TT-specific dashboard and switchgear combine with the lower seating position to make you feel you're in something a little more special than a hatchback.
For example; it's only a small thing, and I may well be alone in this, but I have always thought that the MK1 TT pop out heated seat controls with little lights around the edge of the switch which illuminate individually depending on which setting you select are ultra cool.
RS Grant said:
MisanoPayments said:
Great car, and what a way to have seen one! Very envious as I last month sold my MK1 3.2 manual (Mauritius/Anis) for a Golf 1.5T.
What a great colour Merlin is. I'm trying to think what colour the interior is and the only one I can think of is Alabaster white.
If I remember correctly the steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake and knee pads in the same colour as the leather was called the Controls Pack.
Enjoy the car, look forward to updates!
Finding out the official name for the interior colour would be helpful as down the road I'd like to look at getting the seats cleaned up/refurbished; either having a crack at it myself or paying a professional for the pleasure and I would need to know what colour they were aiming for.What a great colour Merlin is. I'm trying to think what colour the interior is and the only one I can think of is Alabaster white.
If I remember correctly the steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake and knee pads in the same colour as the leather was called the Controls Pack.
Enjoy the car, look forward to updates!
So far my Google'ing has turned up: Ecru, Silver White, Champagne and Vanilla... and then subsequent image searches turn up a wiiide variation of photos/colours under these names.
When you pick up the car, the code for the interior should be on one of two stickers placed in the spare wheel well and/or on the inside front cover of the service book next to or a line under the code for Merlin. Google that and you should get your answer!
RS Grant said:
Will need to report back on steering and feel.. but it is certainly far more low-slung than the S3, the driving position is one of the very few things which I struggle with and would still really like to change on the S3.
The TT-specific dashboard and switchgear combine with the lower seating position to make you feel you're in something a little more special than a hatchback.
For example; it's only a small thing, and I may well be alone in this, but I have always thought that the MK1 TT pop out heated seat controls with little lights around the edge of the switch which illuminate individually depending on which setting you select are ultra cool.
Right - I look forward to your feedback. I feel like sometimes I need something more practical but also think I might be giving up a lot.The TT-specific dashboard and switchgear combine with the lower seating position to make you feel you're in something a little more special than a hatchback.
For example; it's only a small thing, and I may well be alone in this, but I have always thought that the MK1 TT pop out heated seat controls with little lights around the edge of the switch which illuminate individually depending on which setting you select are ultra cool.
Yes, agree with the little design features!
MisanoPayments said:
RS Grant said:
MisanoPayments said:
Great car, and what a way to have seen one! Very envious as I last month sold my MK1 3.2 manual (Mauritius/Anis) for a Golf 1.5T.
What a great colour Merlin is. I'm trying to think what colour the interior is and the only one I can think of is Alabaster white.
If I remember correctly the steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake and knee pads in the same colour as the leather was called the Controls Pack.
Enjoy the car, look forward to updates!
Finding out the official name for the interior colour would be helpful as down the road I'd like to look at getting the seats cleaned up/refurbished; either having a crack at it myself or paying a professional for the pleasure and I would need to know what colour they were aiming for.What a great colour Merlin is. I'm trying to think what colour the interior is and the only one I can think of is Alabaster white.
If I remember correctly the steering wheel, gear knob, handbrake and knee pads in the same colour as the leather was called the Controls Pack.
Enjoy the car, look forward to updates!
So far my Google'ing has turned up: Ecru, Silver White, Champagne and Vanilla... and then subsequent image searches turn up a wiiide variation of photos/colours under these names.
When you pick up the car, the code for the interior should be on one of two stickers placed in the spare wheel well and/or on the inside front cover of the service book next to or a line under the code for Merlin. Google that and you should get your answer!
Paulm4 said:
I've had about 5 Mk1 TT's in total, a few 1.8T's a V6 DSG and even a 1.9PD powered one. I really rate them, way better than the internet naysayers would have you believe. I'm up near Inverness and the Haldex Quattro is great in the snow too. One of my 225's had an APR map and with poly bushes/stock springs was a really good fun little car! The V6 was not as quick as my mapped 225 but the DSG box was great fun. I also thought the V6 was a little nose heavy for my tastes but it sounded way better than the 1.8T.
Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Good to know, because the rear ride height didn't look standard to me!! I wasn't aware of the pre/post facelift differences, I had just assumed there might have been a difference between 1.8t and V6 models.. with this possibly having had 1.8t springs fitted in error.Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Edited by Paulm4 on Friday 24th May 11:24
Once I get the car and also get it up on a ramp, I can start to formulate a bit of a plan about what is going to be required and when. At the same time, without ruining it or going too crazy, where I could sensibly upgrade it.
Court_S said:
That’s a great colour combination and as others have said, makes a change from the usual silver, grey and black.
The 3.2 makes a lovely noise as well.
It was really very muted on my test drive and I was surprised by that. I'd like to make it a little more vocal without it being too anti-social or chavvy. From a brief YouTube search, it looks like a resonated cat-back from Scorpion might fit the bill perfectly, but I'd like to get it freshened up and back to a solid square 1 with a full service for my own peace of mind before I start to tweak bits and pieces first.The 3.2 makes a lovely noise as well.
RS Grant said:
It was really very muted on my test drive and I was surprised by that. I'd like to make it a little more vocal without it being too anti-social or chavvy. From a brief YouTube search, it looks like a resonated cat-back from Scorpion might fit the bill perfectly, but I'd like to get it freshened up and back to a solid square 1 with a full service for my own peace of mind before I start to tweak bits and pieces first.
That sounds very sensible, although I can totally see the attraction to releasing more more noise!RS Grant said:
Paulm4 said:
I've had about 5 Mk1 TT's in total, a few 1.8T's a V6 DSG and even a 1.9PD powered one. I really rate them, way better than the internet naysayers would have you believe. I'm up near Inverness and the Haldex Quattro is great in the snow too. One of my 225's had an APR map and with poly bushes/stock springs was a really good fun little car! The V6 was not as quick as my mapped 225 but the DSG box was great fun. I also thought the V6 was a little nose heavy for my tastes but it sounded way better than the 1.8T.
Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Good to know, because the rear ride height didn't look standard to me!! I wasn't aware of the pre/post facelift differences, I had just assumed there might have been a difference between 1.8t and V6 models.. with this possibly having had 1.8t springs fitted in error.Anyway, looking at the ride height, especially the rear springs I think the car might have had new rear springs at some point and the wrong ones have been fitted.
Pre facelift cars had different springs to the S-Line and facelift cars, if you fit the wrong ones then it jacks the rear of the car right up in the air.
Very nice car in a very nice colour though!
Edited by Paulm4 on Friday 24th May 11:24
Once I get the car and also get it up on a ramp, I can start to formulate a bit of a plan about what is going to be required and when. At the same time, without ruining it or going too crazy, where I could sensibly upgrade it.
E63eeeeee... said:
Pretty sure the V6s are higher at the front as standard to get enough ground clearance for the sump because the engine is taller than the 1.8. I think you can get a shallower sump, or just be careful near kerbs, if you want to lower it.
Thank you, this is really useful because lowering it (although not excessively) is something I'd really like to do.. so I'll need to check what level of lowering is/isn't safe, because I don't really like the idea of messing around with sumps.Great to see some love for the 3.2 TT! This is a fantastic colour combination. I’ve had my Maturis Blue 3.2 for probably 12 years now. It replaced a 225 I had before. The 3.2 just seemed a bit more mature in comparison, but I loved the 225. I always loved the way the DSG came with launch control.
All the best with the car, I’ve had loads of fun with mine. It’s gradually got used less and less over the years but I hope to change that. I often think of changing it for something else, but for the money, I can’t really think of what else I would want.
All the best with the car, the majority of jobs are no harder than any other MK4 platform car. Some engine related things can be a PITA due to how compact a lot of it is. But all reasonably manageable.
All the best with the car, I’ve had loads of fun with mine. It’s gradually got used less and less over the years but I hope to change that. I often think of changing it for something else, but for the money, I can’t really think of what else I would want.
All the best with the car, the majority of jobs are no harder than any other MK4 platform car. Some engine related things can be a PITA due to how compact a lot of it is. But all reasonably manageable.
Dough boy said:
I always loved the way the DSG came with launch control
I can wholeheartedly say that I don't intend to put the old girl through any launches.. I have and have had cars with LC before and it's not something I've ever used. I'm not traditionally a very lucky person, so I just assume I would suffer borkage on a level no living person has before and/or go to prison if I ever decided to go wild and do a WRC-style launch off the lights. 
Yesterday was collection day for the TT. 
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
First impressions are that it's a really nice place to be. I know the underpinnings are 'just' a hum-drum MK4 Golf, but when you're inside the TT and sitting so low with a bespoke dashboard and switchgear, it feels special. I've always rated the MK1 TT design, so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I really like it.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
There are bits and pieces of the interior which are showing their age, so I've joined the Facebook TT Owners/Parts groups in preparation to pick bits and pieces up for it. There is only one rattle/jiggle in the interior and I think it is the parcel shelf.. which is about the width of a 30cm ruler.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
The old skool CD-ROM based Sat Nav is hilarious, I don't think it's ever been updated so there are local roads which are getting on for 20 years old but it's freaking out and telling me I am 'off road' and to perform a U-turn. If there are inexpensive updated map discs available then I may stick one in, although it's not something I'd use really.
On the subject of CDs, I'm very glad that I have a tendency to hoard.. because there is no Bluetooth, no AUX plug (that I've found?!), so a little rake in a storage box in the spare bedroom uncovered this beauty:
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
It's not a fast car, the engine produces a steady surge rather than being a redline hunting monster.. to the poster who asked how it would get on against my S3.. after driving it for a few hours yesterday, I think that the S3 would walk away from it despite the headline bhp figures being pretty close on paper.
There were some advisories for corrosion on the MOT, so the next step for me is to organise a time to get it in the air at my MOT man's garage for a good look underneath it.. he's a VAG guy, so it will be good to have him run his eye over it in general.
Once this has been done and providing there aren't any show stopping nasties lurking, after that I'll begin the process of stockpiling parts needed for tidying up the exterior and make a start on the interior too.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrFirst impressions are that it's a really nice place to be. I know the underpinnings are 'just' a hum-drum MK4 Golf, but when you're inside the TT and sitting so low with a bespoke dashboard and switchgear, it feels special. I've always rated the MK1 TT design, so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I really like it.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrThere are bits and pieces of the interior which are showing their age, so I've joined the Facebook TT Owners/Parts groups in preparation to pick bits and pieces up for it. There is only one rattle/jiggle in the interior and I think it is the parcel shelf.. which is about the width of a 30cm ruler.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrThe old skool CD-ROM based Sat Nav is hilarious, I don't think it's ever been updated so there are local roads which are getting on for 20 years old but it's freaking out and telling me I am 'off road' and to perform a U-turn. If there are inexpensive updated map discs available then I may stick one in, although it's not something I'd use really.
On the subject of CDs, I'm very glad that I have a tendency to hoard.. because there is no Bluetooth, no AUX plug (that I've found?!), so a little rake in a storage box in the spare bedroom uncovered this beauty:
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrIt's not a fast car, the engine produces a steady surge rather than being a redline hunting monster.. to the poster who asked how it would get on against my S3.. after driving it for a few hours yesterday, I think that the S3 would walk away from it despite the headline bhp figures being pretty close on paper.
There were some advisories for corrosion on the MOT, so the next step for me is to organise a time to get it in the air at my MOT man's garage for a good look underneath it.. he's a VAG guy, so it will be good to have him run his eye over it in general.
Once this has been done and providing there aren't any show stopping nasties lurking, after that I'll begin the process of stockpiling parts needed for tidying up the exterior and make a start on the interior too.
Didn't realise you would only have just got it now!
Anyway, yes, it might be a "Golf in drag" but they've done something that means it is a rather special place to be in even if mine's only the 180bhp.
I did ask how it compared to your other car but I meant more in how it drives, not the acceleration/power. Do you feel like you can push harder through corners or round roundabouts, for instance?
Anyway, yes, it might be a "Golf in drag" but they've done something that means it is a rather special place to be in even if mine's only the 180bhp.
I did ask how it compared to your other car but I meant more in how it drives, not the acceleration/power. Do you feel like you can push harder through corners or round roundabouts, for instance?
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