Audi TT Quatro

[GREYHEADGIT]

Hi As this question may have been asked a few times then please forgive me, but I am looking at buying an Audi TT convertable (Quatro).
Now there are a few 225 bhp, but there are also a few 180 BHP.
Can anyone tell me how easy would it be, if at all, to up the 180 - 225BHP.
Also what are the cars like to own and drive, costs for maintenance and drivability. I do drive cars quite hard, and I have a TVR Chimaera as a second car at present, so the power doesn't bother me.
Ta

[UpTheIron]

A remap will get you from 180 to 210-ish BHP for about £300, but frankly there are plenty of 225's out there so just find one instead. You can then remap this to 260+ if you feel like it.

I've got an Audi S3 which is fundamentally the same car.

Ownership: Easy, but occasionally expensive. I'm up to 140k in mine now, but it's cost me shocks & springs all round, lot of suspensions bushes and bits and pieces along the way, as well as the more usual consumables. 80k service is the big one (cambelt) but also needs Haldex filter every 20k.

Driving: Pretty dull. Generally a nice place to be but not an involving drive. Mostly efficient, but brakes are average at best.

It won't be anywhere near your TVR in performance stakes.

Personally, I'd be looking at a Honda S2000 instead.

[GREYHEADGIT]

Thanks for the candid reply, maybe the TT is not for me after all.
Bri

[UpTheIron]

GREYHEADGIT said:

Thanks for the candid reply, maybe the TT is not for me after all.
Bri

Depends what you are looking for. I think the TT is often derided for being on the rather boring side. It's great at what it does, but it won't set the world alight in the fun stakes.

[Targarama]

There are so many TTs for sale that I would make sure I bought a 225 if I were you. Running costs will be the same and by the time you have upgraded a 180HP (which will probably be 2WD) you will have a car costing more to insure and an emptier wallet. Audi made a number of changes to the engine to ensure the 225hp model was reliable which you won't get by boosting a 180hp model. Also, the trim level on the 225 is top notch, the 180 has several things missing. For the money, get a 225.

We had a TT225 for 6 years from new (2000-2006). It was a great car. Only needed a few minor bits in that time. However, they aren't the best car out there. We replaced ours with a new Golf GTi - the Golf is a much better car all round - even though it allegedly has less power. It rides better, it handles better, it is more fun to steer. Oh, and it has 5 doors and room for 6ft 5 people in the back.

Make sure it has had a cambelt every 60k miles or 5 years, including a new water pump.

[Dr G]

Drive a TT Roadster first if you can - there's a LOT of scuttle shake!

[jep]

Have a read of this thread.

If you're not averse to a bit of modding, then get a 225 and do the following:

bungle said:

jep said:

Would I change anything about mine? Yes, of course I would. First off would be a pair of Defcon adapters and bushes, and maybe a set of ARB's from the R32. I'd get it chipped up to 280-300bhp, and lower the suspension (mine's the one of the early one's before the factory dropped the height as standard). Finally, I'd put a Haldex performance controller in.

Done all of those (except my remap gives me 265/270; 280-300 takes quite a bit more money...). Defcon / R32 ARB's / Haldex perf controller really do make a huge difference to the handling, and the general enjoyment that I get from the car. Doubters should drive one with this set-up, and then comment on the handling!

Have a read on the TT Forum if you want even more power as there are a couple on there who are well into the 300+bhp. With a Roadster.

Edited to say, don't bother with a 180 unless you're really stuck with insurance etc. It's just not worth it, you get more with the 225 and you'll end-up with exhaust pipe envy.

Edited by jep on Sunday 18th October 13:25