RE: Audi TT Mk1: PH Used Buying Guide

[carinaman]

What are the non Xenon headlamps like for illuminating the road ahead?

Any comments from people that have experienced both may be useful.

[bangerhoarder]

The Xenons on the TT are dipped beam only, and don't illuminate much IME, so I believe the difference is pretty minimal for overall illumination - they just give out a higher colour temp of light. Replacement parts and bulbs for the non-Xenon headlights are much cheaper. High beam is a regular halogen whichever model.

[carinaman]

Thanks for the explanation. That would explain the 'half Xenon' mentioned in an advert I saw.

[bungle]

bangerhoarder said:

The Xenons on the TT are dipped beam only, and don't illuminate much IME,

I find them pretty good. But I guess it's all relative, depends what you are comparing to.

[lindylooTT]

Hi, Just to add to this post, Ive had my 225 TT since 2017 and bought it then at 58'000 mls for just over £7000.
I had a V5 sport beetle which I loved but it had done too many miles sadly.
I decided to get the TT as I had one of the same model in 2002 and had to sell for financial reasons which was a real shame.
I have had a few things to do to the car but I use it every day so not so surprising.
They are as follows.
Both top post bushes replaced.
Both rear coil springs as broken .
re spray of the 2 roof channels as past poor paint job [not corrosion]
manifold gasket recently .
dipstick broken due to old plastic
all wheels re furbished
other than this just the usual maintenance items .

I love it and although its not the lightest car on handling, I totally will keep it in good condition and even in the future keep it as a classic in the making.
The leather still looks amazing inside and the style still turns heads inside and outside the car.
For what is a low price at present do get one and put a bit of money aside to put a few things right.
Amazing value now.
Linda :-]

[droopsnoot]

bangerhoarder said:

The Xenons on the TT are dipped beam only, and don't illuminate much IME, so I believe the difference is pretty minimal for overall illumination - they just give out a higher colour temp of light. Replacement parts and bulbs for the non-Xenon headlights are much cheaper. High beam is a regular halogen whichever model.

The reflectors have a habit of losing their shine, especially given the age of Mk1 TTs these days. A re-silver can make a big difference. I also read that the bulbs can also start to fade after a while. Mine is a 2000 model and the bulbs are original, one of the things I intend to try is new bulbs now that they're not as expensive as they used to be. If that doesn't help, then maybe I'll look at the reflectors, but that's much more of a job to sort.