TT buying advice
Discussion
Hi all,
I hopping that some one can give me some advice on buying a TT, so far the "TT Forum" is not turing out too be that helpfull.
Current I own a TVR Tuscan which is fantastic and has been faultless during my ownership, however the time has now come to move on and try something different .
I've always admired the design of the MK1 TT so I now have my heart set on buying one in replace of my Tuscan and daily drive (Polo GTi). I've been scouring the Internet looking at various websites to see what really takes my fancy and of there is anything I really need to be carefully about before buying.
Form my general trawling of the net I've kind decided that I want a Mk1 TT 3.2 ideally with DSG and half leather, my reasoning for this is that the 3.2 seems to have more character and I fancy a change so the DSG will give me something new that I've never experienced. The half leather choice I suppose is because it seems to blend better with the car in my opinion .
So you maybe thinking that I seem to have my ideas all sorted so go spend the cash...we'll I think as you guys are the experts it would be wise to get your advice.
So...
...is the 3.2 a good choice?
Is the DSG a solid box or should I expect problems?
Is there anything that I need to look for when buying?
Can the 3.2 be tuned? - I appreciate that the 3.2 has less tuning potently to the Turbo variety
Any help or pearls of wisdom would be fab
Si
I hopping that some one can give me some advice on buying a TT, so far the "TT Forum" is not turing out too be that helpfull.
Current I own a TVR Tuscan which is fantastic and has been faultless during my ownership, however the time has now come to move on and try something different .
I've always admired the design of the MK1 TT so I now have my heart set on buying one in replace of my Tuscan and daily drive (Polo GTi). I've been scouring the Internet looking at various websites to see what really takes my fancy and of there is anything I really need to be carefully about before buying.
Form my general trawling of the net I've kind decided that I want a Mk1 TT 3.2 ideally with DSG and half leather, my reasoning for this is that the 3.2 seems to have more character and I fancy a change so the DSG will give me something new that I've never experienced. The half leather choice I suppose is because it seems to blend better with the car in my opinion .
So you maybe thinking that I seem to have my ideas all sorted so go spend the cash...we'll I think as you guys are the experts it would be wise to get your advice.
So...
...is the 3.2 a good choice?
Is the DSG a solid box or should I expect problems?
Is there anything that I need to look for when buying?
Can the 3.2 be tuned? - I appreciate that the 3.2 has less tuning potently to the Turbo variety
Any help or pearls of wisdom would be fab
Si
3.2 DSG is a good choice and maintaining value/desirability in a way the MK2 3.2 simply is not.
DSG generally very good although there are rumblings of an occasional control unit failure. I've never come across one but have a look through Tame Technician's posts on here.
As with any TT:
Anti-roll bar bushes
Suspension arm bushes
Top mounts
Dashpod failure
Leather wear
Interior surface wear
Scraped/damaged sills
Crap paint/poor accident repairs
Coil packs
Missing parcel shelf (clips always break)
You can have a little more fun and a lot more noise with a remap and a decent exhaust system. If you want big power gains you really need to look to supercharging. The 225 is a better bet if you want to make it go really fast, the quattro sport 240 is my favourite TT as a drivers car.
All 3.2s got full leather as standard, I've not seen any with half but I think leather/alcantara would have been an option.
DSG generally very good although there are rumblings of an occasional control unit failure. I've never come across one but have a look through Tame Technician's posts on here.
As with any TT:
Anti-roll bar bushes
Suspension arm bushes
Top mounts
Dashpod failure
Leather wear
Interior surface wear
Scraped/damaged sills
Crap paint/poor accident repairs
Coil packs
Missing parcel shelf (clips always break)
You can have a little more fun and a lot more noise with a remap and a decent exhaust system. If you want big power gains you really need to look to supercharging. The 225 is a better bet if you want to make it go really fast, the quattro sport 240 is my favourite TT as a drivers car.
All 3.2s got full leather as standard, I've not seen any with half but I think leather/alcantara would have been an option.
Thats great,
thanks for the info, I can see your point about big power gains being more achievable from a 225 but I think the engine lacks the character that I still want from a car.
Out of your list of issues which ones are more common to come across and are any of them factory recalls?
thanks for the info, I can see your point about big power gains being more achievable from a 225 but I think the engine lacks the character that I still want from a car.
Out of your list of issues which ones are more common to come across and are any of them factory recalls?
Hi Si,
Anti-roll bar bushes
Suspension arm bushes
Coil packs
Dashpod failure
The main issues from Dr G's list are the above, however most of these should have been resolved by the second hand market. The bushes squeak, and are usually replaced under warranty, and the dodgy coil packs that grounded a lot of TT's in the early years are pretty much out of the system - I think you'd be considered unfortunate to run into this problem. The dashpod is the big-ticket problem, but again, it's a warrantable item, so if the dials are mis-behaving, UK cars can get the dashpods replaced FOC.
Other things to watch out for are the service history and ensuring the Haldex has had its oil and filters changed when needed. I don't think that the 3.2's have the same issue with the cambelt/waterpump that the 1.8's have, but worth checking this with someone who's got a V6.
The 3.2 is a lovely engine, but as it's significantly heavier, it does compromise the handling somewhat. If you want something to cruise about and take the commute in its stride, then it's a great combination. If you want a bit more fun, then a tuned 225 is the better bet. Are you looking for a roadster or a coupe? As a guide for cabin quality, my 225 TTR is over 7 yrs/84k old, and there are very few, if any, squeaks and loose trim.
If you're not getting much help from the TT-Forum, then try tt-arena.co.uk where a number of ex-forum members now congregate.
Rich
Anti-roll bar bushes
Suspension arm bushes
Coil packs
Dashpod failure
The main issues from Dr G's list are the above, however most of these should have been resolved by the second hand market. The bushes squeak, and are usually replaced under warranty, and the dodgy coil packs that grounded a lot of TT's in the early years are pretty much out of the system - I think you'd be considered unfortunate to run into this problem. The dashpod is the big-ticket problem, but again, it's a warrantable item, so if the dials are mis-behaving, UK cars can get the dashpods replaced FOC.
Other things to watch out for are the service history and ensuring the Haldex has had its oil and filters changed when needed. I don't think that the 3.2's have the same issue with the cambelt/waterpump that the 1.8's have, but worth checking this with someone who's got a V6.
The 3.2 is a lovely engine, but as it's significantly heavier, it does compromise the handling somewhat. If you want something to cruise about and take the commute in its stride, then it's a great combination. If you want a bit more fun, then a tuned 225 is the better bet. Are you looking for a roadster or a coupe? As a guide for cabin quality, my 225 TTR is over 7 yrs/84k old, and there are very few, if any, squeaks and loose trim.
If you're not getting much help from the TT-Forum, then try tt-arena.co.uk where a number of ex-forum members now congregate.
Rich
TT - Arena is a very good forum, I've found 
I'm told that KW V3 coilovers and a proper geometry setup work wonders for the handling on the V6. You could say the same of any TT really, out of the box they're just too soft for a very keen driver but there's a decent chassis in there with some sensible modifications.
I'm told that KW V3 coilovers and a proper geometry setup work wonders for the handling on the V6. You could say the same of any TT really, out of the box they're just too soft for a very keen driver but there's a decent chassis in there with some sensible modifications.
I've had 4 TVRs, last one a Tamora, and nothing will replace the fun, noise etc of driving them. They have soul!! I've now got a 2007 3.2 Roadster, with Milltek echaust. If you can afford to buy the Mark 11 then this is the one. It is quick enough,tho too heavy really for trackdays, and build quality is superb. I love the DSG gearbox, magnetic dampers and the roof is something else!! I've been told not to remap the engine as no significant gains will be achieved.
pistnskint said:
I've had 4 TVRs, last one a Tamora, and nothing will replace the fun, noise etc of driving them. They have soul!!
I agree, I'm not looking to find the same level that the TVR offers but something different until I can return to TVR.Thanks all for your comments and information, I think I'll have to have a test drive of both now and maybe back to back to see which appeals more. What ever it needs to be good for the commute, some B road fun, a tour of Europe and maybe a track day or two.
Dr G/jep I'll keep thoughts modifications in mind, do you mind asking what TT if any you have?
chrish said:
What does the Milltek do for it, just sound or power as well, how much?
Just got a 987 and love the quality, a bit short on torque, running-in though.
Any other performance tips?
I take it you're talking about a 987 Boxster? not being sarcastic but prob best asking for advice in the Porsche section tbh. Quite a few options on tuning the 987, depends what sort of power and cost's your looking you're at.Just got a 987 and love the quality, a bit short on torque, running-in though.
Any other performance tips?
cheers
Absolute must before you you get too carried away.
Drive a good 3 or 4 different cars, not just the first one you see, compared with a TVR is going to be very bland, and DSG is a love hate thing, I hate them, you may love it, but dont assume because people rave about how great it is, that its any good.
I didnt think the weight difference was all that much, but you wont get much more power out of the VR6 engine, where you can tune as far as your budget allow with the turbo cars.
The 240bhp sports one without the rear seats and the black roof is indeed the best of the MK1's as Dr G points out.
All the common failiers are listed here already, but would like to add the suspension coil springs often break too, gives a funny knocking noise and car sits a bit funny.
A typical car we get in every day might have cam belt + water pump, discs pads, anti roll bar and a set of tyres. + your 80K AVS thats almost a £2000 bill.
Drive a good 3 or 4 different cars, not just the first one you see, compared with a TVR is going to be very bland, and DSG is a love hate thing, I hate them, you may love it, but dont assume because people rave about how great it is, that its any good.
I didnt think the weight difference was all that much, but you wont get much more power out of the VR6 engine, where you can tune as far as your budget allow with the turbo cars.
The 240bhp sports one without the rear seats and the black roof is indeed the best of the MK1's as Dr G points out.
All the common failiers are listed here already, but would like to add the suspension coil springs often break too, gives a funny knocking noise and car sits a bit funny.
A typical car we get in every day might have cam belt + water pump, discs pads, anti roll bar and a set of tyres. + your 80K AVS thats almost a £2000 bill.
And now for the trivial...If an ad lists cupholders don't laugh - there's no way of getting a drink safely stowed otherwise and they cost nearly £100 to get fitted!
We had a 1.8T for three years and I wouldn't mind having one again some day despite currently running an allroad and S5. The TT Sport has it's merits but unfortunately the two-tone paint scheme rather ruins the lines.
We had a 1.8T for three years and I wouldn't mind having one again some day despite currently running an allroad and S5. The TT Sport has it's merits but unfortunately the two-tone paint scheme rather ruins the lines.
Tusc_si said:
Dr G/jep I'll keep thoughts modifications in mind, do you mind asking what TT if any you have?
Hi Si,I've got a 'Y' reg 225 Roadster. I bought it just over 3yrs ago, with 21k on the plate, and it's now clicked over 84k
Has it been reliable? Well, it's had a few niggles, but it's always started first time. I've had the dashpod, 1 fuel sender, the clutch pedal assembly, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar, and a bit of trim on the wind-deflector replaced, with only the clutch pedal and an optimistic fuel gauge leaving me stranded. Everything bar the fuel sender and the clutch were done under warranty, so it's not been too costly, the biggest bill being a combined service and cambelt change by an independent for ~£800. Would I have another? Yes, and I'd mod it a little with a chip and perhaps some suspension tweaks.
Technician's right about the suspension too, I've had to replace 3 individual springs as the bottom coil has broken... shame they've never gone at the same time or I'd have taken the opportunity to lower it!
Audi aren't cheap for servicing either, but if it's not in warranty, got to a specialist and they'll shave hundred's off the bills.
Tusc_si said:
Looks very nice,
Thank you! Needs a bit of TLC now, thanks the other half's avoidance with a swift oncoming vehicle and brief dalliance with a curb in a narrow Welsh lane 
Tusc_si said:
I think I could live with the issues you've mentioned being a past Alfa and TVR owner 
Yes, I think you can safely say it'll be a bit more reliable than those marques...Are you looking for a coupe or a roadster? I think a roadster with the v6 and a Miltek will sound lovely... Both cars are very easy to live with, the coupe can, with the seats down take a good amount of luggage (a set of 4 wheels and tyres can fit in comfortably), and I've had 2 sets of golf clubs, a trolley and overnight bags with a passenger in my roadster
Another Roadster owner here 
I'm also on http://www.tt-arena.co.uk/index.php
An excellent site, still young though but getting busier by the day!
I'm an ex-TVR owner too and I have to conclude that whilst the TVR was a fun occasional use car the TT is much more an everyday car and a real pleasure and fun car to drive.
Mine looks fairly standard but it is lowered 30mm on sports shocks and springs, it's a 1.8 turbo 225 model with a stage 2 remap of circa 270bhp and has a blueflame non-resonated stainless cat back exhaust. Combine that with a vented airbox and a Forge 007P diverter valve gives you a lovely sounding car.
I've had a coilpack go and my ARB bushes were shot so I went for an upgrade to the R32 ARB's and a set of new front suspension bushes (Defcons) which make the car corner like it's on rails and the understeer is also eliminated.
The interiors do wear very well but you do see comments about seat wear and this relates to the MkII TT seats not the MkI.
Mine is in great shape and has now done ....and you wouldn't believe it in the way it looks and drives .....91k miles!
A tweaked TT is a lovely car and tweaking doesn't really cost that much.
I'm also on http://www.tt-arena.co.uk/index.php
An excellent site, still young though but getting busier by the day!
I'm an ex-TVR owner too and I have to conclude that whilst the TVR was a fun occasional use car the TT is much more an everyday car and a real pleasure and fun car to drive.
Mine looks fairly standard but it is lowered 30mm on sports shocks and springs, it's a 1.8 turbo 225 model with a stage 2 remap of circa 270bhp and has a blueflame non-resonated stainless cat back exhaust. Combine that with a vented airbox and a Forge 007P diverter valve gives you a lovely sounding car.
I've had a coilpack go and my ARB bushes were shot so I went for an upgrade to the R32 ARB's and a set of new front suspension bushes (Defcons) which make the car corner like it's on rails and the understeer is also eliminated.
The interiors do wear very well but you do see comments about seat wear and this relates to the MkII TT seats not the MkI.
Mine is in great shape and has now done ....and you wouldn't believe it in the way it looks and drives .....91k miles!
A tweaked TT is a lovely car and tweaking doesn't really cost that much.
Kentish said:
Another Roadster owner here
I'm also on http://www.tt-arena.co.uk/index.php
An excellent site, still young though but getting busier by the day!
I'm an ex-TVR owner too and I have to conclude that whilst the TVR was a fun occasional use car the TT is much more an everyday car and a real pleasure and fun car to drive.
Mine looks fairly standard but it is lowered 30mm on sports shocks and springs, it's a 1.8 turbo 225 model with a stage 2 remap of circa 270bhp and has a blueflame non-resonated stainless cat back exhaust. Combine that with a vented airbox and a Forge 007P diverter valve gives you a lovely sounding car.
I've had a coilpack go and my ARB bushes were shot so I went for an upgrade to the R32 ARB's and a set of new front suspension bushes (Defcons) which make the car corner like it's on rails and the understeer is also eliminated.
The interiors do wear very well but you do see comments about seat wear and this relates to the MkII TT seats not the MkI.
Mine is in great shape and has now done ....and you wouldn't believe it in the way it looks and drives .....91k miles!
A tweaked TT is a lovely car and tweaking doesn't really cost that much.
Sounds lovely, any pictures? I'm looking to buy a roadster myself!I'm also on http://www.tt-arena.co.uk/index.php
An excellent site, still young though but getting busier by the day!
I'm an ex-TVR owner too and I have to conclude that whilst the TVR was a fun occasional use car the TT is much more an everyday car and a real pleasure and fun car to drive.
Mine looks fairly standard but it is lowered 30mm on sports shocks and springs, it's a 1.8 turbo 225 model with a stage 2 remap of circa 270bhp and has a blueflame non-resonated stainless cat back exhaust. Combine that with a vented airbox and a Forge 007P diverter valve gives you a lovely sounding car.
I've had a coilpack go and my ARB bushes were shot so I went for an upgrade to the R32 ARB's and a set of new front suspension bushes (Defcons) which make the car corner like it's on rails and the understeer is also eliminated.
The interiors do wear very well but you do see comments about seat wear and this relates to the MkII TT seats not the MkI.
Mine is in great shape and has now done ....and you wouldn't believe it in the way it looks and drives .....91k miles!
A tweaked TT is a lovely car and tweaking doesn't really cost that much.
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