Audi TT --- what to look for before buying?
Discussion
I am looking at getting an Audi TT for my wife and before I take the plunge thought I would seek some advice here. A few questions:-
What do I look for on any cars I look at?
Is there a best model / year to go for? We have up to £14k to spend but I would prefer not to go that high
What are the desirable extras?
What are we looking at real world MPG – she is a steady driver!
Final question, her current car is a celica GT which is actually quite a noisy car in terms of wind/road/engine noise. Is the TT quiet to drive?
Any comments or links to TT websites appreciated.
Try www.tt-forum.co.uk
And once you've got the car, think about joining the owners club - www.ttoc.co.uk
And once you've got the car, think about joining the owners club - www.ttoc.co.uk
Its a good choice
I ran a 2005 225 TT for 3 years and 40,000mls with no major problems.
Only issue can be a fuse inside the dashboard which took Audi 5 weeks to solve. Was eventually traced to a trapped wire on the dash frame when built but im glad i didnt pick up the bill for tracing the problem.
Tyres last about 30,000 miles compared to 10,000 on my previous 3 series. Fuel comsuption is around 30 mpg almost however you drive it (usually fairly fast!)
Its not the quietest car but makes a nicer noice than the Celica in my opinion and it always made me smile too ! After two manual BMW's it also cured my backache as at least the pedals are in the right position.
I would recommend any of the Quattro models. 180 or 225 are similar but 225 more fun. 3.2 is great too but dont expect much over 20mpg as im now finding out with my R32 (sounds wonderful though) .
2 wheel drive 150 probably best avoided.
Options ? must have 18 inch wheels to look right. Mine had cruise control which worked well otherwise has most things you would want. Bose is okay, but not a lot better than standard sound.
Just check that the dashboard works correctly !!
I ran a 2005 225 TT for 3 years and 40,000mls with no major problems.
Only issue can be a fuse inside the dashboard which took Audi 5 weeks to solve. Was eventually traced to a trapped wire on the dash frame when built but im glad i didnt pick up the bill for tracing the problem.
Tyres last about 30,000 miles compared to 10,000 on my previous 3 series. Fuel comsuption is around 30 mpg almost however you drive it (usually fairly fast!)
Its not the quietest car but makes a nicer noice than the Celica in my opinion and it always made me smile too ! After two manual BMW's it also cured my backache as at least the pedals are in the right position.
I would recommend any of the Quattro models. 180 or 225 are similar but 225 more fun. 3.2 is great too but dont expect much over 20mpg as im now finding out with my R32 (sounds wonderful though) .
2 wheel drive 150 probably best avoided.
Options ? must have 18 inch wheels to look right. Mine had cruise control which worked well otherwise has most things you would want. Bose is okay, but not a lot better than standard sound.
Just check that the dashboard works correctly !!
buzzer said:
paulnutter said:
Just check that the dashboard works correctly !!
Cheers PaulnutterWhat does the above mean? is there a problem that affects the dash and if so does it affect all models?
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.ph...
There are long strings on here relating to the problem but you need to register if its not on the top list. Dont want to put you off the car though, its great.
What you want:
02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
Dr G said:
What you want:
02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
why not black or silver?02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
o yeah 6cd is a must, there like 50 quid if it hasnt got one you know!!!
Antiroll bar bushes dont go, the sleeves on the actual roll bar crack - new roll bar + tracking -not so cheap. Youl hear them knock if theyve cracked.
Dr G said:
What you want:
02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
Why does it need to be after 2002? is there a specific change that makes later cars better?02 onwards 225 coupe (not black, green, yellow or plain silver) with a complimentary interior.
Bose and 6cd.
As low a mileage as you can afford.
What to look for (very short version):
ARB bushes (cheap)
Hesitancy/rich running (MAF/sensors)
Misfire (coil packs, fairly obvious when these go)
Evidence of regular Haldex oil changes.
Still a turbocharged sports car so all the usual checks are important. Easy to see bad paint on a TT, look under the door handles and make sure the black trim is still black and not covered in overspray.
Some good advice on here (especially clived's!) 
Spend some time reading up on the TT-forum's FAQ and model guide and you'll get a pretty good flavour of what's out there. There are many different models to choose from, from 150bhp up to 250bhp, 2 and 4 wheel drive, and open or closed. There were a number of updates that happened after the launch, including both spec upgrades and power hikes (180 to 190 for example). The 'for sale' page also has a number of used TT's for sale, some of which are very nicely cared for examples (usual buyer beware caveats though!!)
In terms of running costs, there's not that much in it between the 180/190 and the 225. Depending on the model and year of manufacture, means the difference between a band F or G car when it comes to CO2 and tax... not great when it's by 1-3g/km
Fuel consumption is roughly the same for all models bar the V6, with you getting between 350-450 miles a tank depending on how you drive, and the insurance groupings aren't that different. Servicing can be either fixed or variable (2yrs/upto 19k), and if you go for the Quattro, the Haldex oil service is every 2 years (+ filter change every 4, IIRC). The cabin is of a pretty high quality, so don't expect to be hearing rattles and squeaks when you go over a cats-eye. My 01 225 Roadster is still pretty much squeak-free after 7yrs and 77k miles, so they last well. Speaking of which, the roadster is good fun, they have leather heated seats as standard, and BOSE and 6 CD on the 225 at least. The hood is good quality, and road noise isn't too intrusive, for winter months you can buy a hard top to make it even more comfortable... but in my opinion that is a waste of a crisp, bright sunny winters day! If you go for the 150 TTR, then the boot is significantly bigger as there's no 4x4 drive-train to accommodate.
As has been mentioned, the dashpod is a notable problem area. There have been many instances of the dial needles 'going bonkers' or not working properly (think temperature changes and self-filling fuel tanks). There was a big campaign to get these changed under warranty, and Audi UK now do it on all UK registered cars even if they are out of warranty (there may be a 7yr age limit, but I'm not sure on this). Other area's to note are; the clutch pedal has been known to disappear into the footwell - a cheap manufacturing problem caused by a spot weld failing which is a pain to fix for what is a very cheap part to replace; coil packs as mentioned; stuttering and lack of engine power from the MAF; the suspension can appear to drop on older cars, which is more than likely to be thanks to the coil losing a small section of itself, (I think it's because the design allows water to collect and accelerate a rust fracture), but it's not a big thing to change, and could be the driver to lower it even further!
If you go for a test drive, and think that it's a bit hesitant when accelerating, try turning the ESP off. If this doesn't cure it, it could be the MAF on its way out. The 1.8 engine is very tuneable, and a chip can easily see another 40bhp from it. There are some real beasts out there, and Clived's is no exception - I forget what it's up to now, but to compare the work he's done to adding simple chip would be a gross insult!
A final note to add, if you're looking at a second hand TT that is approaching 5yrs old or 50k miles, be mindful that you'll need to change the cambelt, pulleys and waterpump (a cheap time to replace it as the OEM plastic impellers have been known to go). I know Audi suggest changing it later, but given that the damage should it fail is significant, I wouldn't, (and didn't), wait.
If you're looking for a simple what model, then buy the tidiest, lowest mileage 225bhp you can afford - up to you if you want a roadster or coupe! The nicest colours IMO are Glacier blue, Raven black, and believe it or not, Merlin purple looks great on a roadster!
Edited to tidy up multiple posts and answers and again to add waterpump info!!
Spend some time reading up on the TT-forum's FAQ and model guide and you'll get a pretty good flavour of what's out there. There are many different models to choose from, from 150bhp up to 250bhp, 2 and 4 wheel drive, and open or closed. There were a number of updates that happened after the launch, including both spec upgrades and power hikes (180 to 190 for example). The 'for sale' page also has a number of used TT's for sale, some of which are very nicely cared for examples (usual buyer beware caveats though!!)
In terms of running costs, there's not that much in it between the 180/190 and the 225. Depending on the model and year of manufacture, means the difference between a band F or G car when it comes to CO2 and tax... not great when it's by 1-3g/km
Fuel consumption is roughly the same for all models bar the V6, with you getting between 350-450 miles a tank depending on how you drive, and the insurance groupings aren't that different. Servicing can be either fixed or variable (2yrs/upto 19k), and if you go for the Quattro, the Haldex oil service is every 2 years (+ filter change every 4, IIRC). The cabin is of a pretty high quality, so don't expect to be hearing rattles and squeaks when you go over a cats-eye. My 01 225 Roadster is still pretty much squeak-free after 7yrs and 77k miles, so they last well. Speaking of which, the roadster is good fun, they have leather heated seats as standard, and BOSE and 6 CD on the 225 at least. The hood is good quality, and road noise isn't too intrusive, for winter months you can buy a hard top to make it even more comfortable... but in my opinion that is a waste of a crisp, bright sunny winters day! If you go for the 150 TTR, then the boot is significantly bigger as there's no 4x4 drive-train to accommodate.As has been mentioned, the dashpod is a notable problem area. There have been many instances of the dial needles 'going bonkers' or not working properly (think temperature changes and self-filling fuel tanks). There was a big campaign to get these changed under warranty, and Audi UK now do it on all UK registered cars even if they are out of warranty (there may be a 7yr age limit, but I'm not sure on this). Other area's to note are; the clutch pedal has been known to disappear into the footwell - a cheap manufacturing problem caused by a spot weld failing which is a pain to fix for what is a very cheap part to replace; coil packs as mentioned; stuttering and lack of engine power from the MAF; the suspension can appear to drop on older cars, which is more than likely to be thanks to the coil losing a small section of itself, (I think it's because the design allows water to collect and accelerate a rust fracture), but it's not a big thing to change, and could be the driver to lower it even further!
If you go for a test drive, and think that it's a bit hesitant when accelerating, try turning the ESP off. If this doesn't cure it, it could be the MAF on its way out. The 1.8 engine is very tuneable, and a chip can easily see another 40bhp from it. There are some real beasts out there, and Clived's is no exception - I forget what it's up to now, but to compare the work he's done to adding simple chip would be a gross insult!
A final note to add, if you're looking at a second hand TT that is approaching 5yrs old or 50k miles, be mindful that you'll need to change the cambelt, pulleys and waterpump (a cheap time to replace it as the OEM plastic impellers have been known to go). I know Audi suggest changing it later, but given that the damage should it fail is significant, I wouldn't, (and didn't), wait.
If you're looking for a simple what model, then buy the tidiest, lowest mileage 225bhp you can afford - up to you if you want a roadster or coupe! The nicest colours IMO are Glacier blue, Raven black, and believe it or not, Merlin purple looks great on a roadster!
Edited to tidy up multiple posts and answers and again to add waterpump info!!
buzzer said:
Why does it need to be after 2002? is there a specific change that makes later cars better?
They did a range update and basically made a load of things that were in the S-Line option package, standard. Things like lowered suspension, 18" nine spoke alloys, titanium headlamp surrounds...00161wj said:
why not black or silver?
o yeah 6cd is a must, there like 50 quid if it hasnt got one you know!!!
Antiroll bar bushes dont go, the sleeves on the actual roll bar crack - new roll bar + tracking -not so cheap. Youl hear them knock if theyve cracked.
The bushes do indeed start to perish - you will hear a squeaking sound when you go over bumps... Some started to go after 3yrs until they were changed for polyurethane ones, and it's a warranty issue if you get from a main dealer.o yeah 6cd is a must, there like 50 quid if it hasnt got one you know!!!
Antiroll bar bushes dont go, the sleeves on the actual roll bar crack - new roll bar + tracking -not so cheap. Youl hear them knock if theyve cracked.
Edited by jep on Wednesday 20th February 17:45
Edited by jep on Wednesday 20th February 17:55
I love my TT roadster 225 51 reg.
I can concur with all of the above. If you are buying a "youngish" one I would recommend getting an Audi warranty.
Mines only done 40,000 miles & in that time she's had (under varying warranties):
New dash binnacle
Outside temperature sensor
ARB
Indicator repeaters
Power steering pump
Rear shockers/road springs
Head lamp washers
Coil pack
..and other stuff that I can't think of at the moment. Oh yeah, front discs (wear & tear, although I would've thought 40,000 miles was a bit mean)
Nice car, but not as well built as you may expect.
I can concur with all of the above. If you are buying a "youngish" one I would recommend getting an Audi warranty.
Mines only done 40,000 miles & in that time she's had (under varying warranties):
New dash binnacle
Outside temperature sensor
ARB
Indicator repeaters
Power steering pump
Rear shockers/road springs
Head lamp washers
Coil pack
..and other stuff that I can't think of at the moment. Oh yeah, front discs (wear & tear, although I would've thought 40,000 miles was a bit mean)
Nice car, but not as well built as you may expect.
just got all excited about the 240 sport then i read
" The rear bench seat has been removed, instead of which there are now a transverse brace and a net partition for securing items of luggage."
we need the small back seat...
will be looking at a few cars this weekend, thanks for all the advice
" The rear bench seat has been removed, instead of which there are now a transverse brace and a net partition for securing items of luggage."
we need the small back seat...
will be looking at a few cars this weekend, thanks for all the advice
Thinking of looking at these the weekend… sort of top and bottomish of what I want to spend… is the 2002 car the newer specification?
clicky here
and here
clicky here
and here
Edited by buzzer on Thursday 21st February 22:03
00161wj said:
Antiroll bar bushes dont go, the sleeves on the actual roll bar crack - new roll bar + tracking -not so cheap. Youl hear them knock if theyve cracked.
This happened on mine. New ARB and 3 hours or so labour made for a decent sized bill but at least it wasn't main stealer prices I paid.Edited by Gren on Friday 22 February 15:50
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