Mk4 Golf R32 / Mk1 TT 3.2 era DSG - avoid?

[mwstewart]

I am looking at the 3.2 Mk1 TT for my OH and we both want a manual (I like the model and will drive it), however there's only one nice manual I can find with low mileage (21k) and it is £14k which is well past the value sweet spot for these, which seems around £7k.

DSG versions are relatively abundant with reasonable mileage, but are they ant good?

Yes, the TT isn't regarded as a drivers car, but I don't want to unnecessarily blunt the car by going for a dull gearbox.

Input appreciated.

[J4CKO]

They were on my list but went 350Z instead, saw a video of Tiff Needel on track with both and it didnt look much like fun, however, I dont really drive like that most of the time so probably not that relevant to actual use, I would put a decent MK1 3.2 at 5 grands worth really, 14 is just ridiculous, RR Sports dont cost that much, can get MK2 V6's for much less, plenty of TTS's at that price and not a massive stretch to 20K for TTRS. I always think that with the tiny milers, they just arent worth the extra, the first owners should have used it more, there is a premium but not two to three times the price of one with average miles, always dealers who cant bear havigng something low miles/special without ripping the arse out of it, maybe worth 8 - 10k at a push.

I think there can be problems with the DSG box but the main issue with these is that there is so much packed in to a small space, 4wd gubbins, a V6 and a DSG box, so anything that needs doing ends up a bit of a crusade

[MDMA .]

If you went MK4 R32, 6 speed manual is the only box you can get. If going MK1 TT, i'd personally buy the Sport.

[mwstewart]

J4CKO said:

They were on my list but went 350Z instead, saw a video of Tiff Needel on track with both and it didnt look much like fun, however, I dont really drive like that most of the time so probably not that relevant to actual use, I would put a decent MK1 3.2 at 5 grands worth really, 14 is just ridiculous, RR Sports dont cost that much, can get MK2 V6's for much less, plenty of TTS's at that price and not a massive stretch to 20K for TTRS. I always think that with the tiny milers, they just arent worth the extra, the first owners should have used it more, there is a premium but not two to three times the price of one with average miles, always dealers who cant bear havigng something low miles/special without ripping the arse out of it, maybe worth 8 - 10k at a push.

I think there can be problems with the DSG box but the main issue with these is that there is so much packed in to a small space, 4wd gubbins, a V6 and a DSG box, so anything that needs doing ends up a bit of a crusade

I hadn't thought about the 350Z actually, but it may be a little bit too big for her at the mo. Nice car though! Yes 14k is way too much, though I am willing to spend a bit more than average as not keen on the Mk2. I'll consider up to 60k miles with full history, but needs to be really clean. The more I look I realise there are lots of nice TTs out there - I assume mainly second cars.

MDMA . said:

If you went MK4 R32, 6 speed manual is the only box you can get. If going MK1 TT, i'd personally buy the Sport.

Thanks. In Europe and the US the Mk4 R32 was available with DSG.

[TameRacingDriver]

Another here who picked the 350Z over the TT V6. The TT was my mates car, always serviced on the dot, but when I drove the 350Z it was clearly a much better drivers car. Then, a few months later, my mate got shot of it because the mechatronic unit started to fail in the gearbox. Make of that what you will...

[steve-5snwi]

Do you really want the v6 TT though ? If you want a manual then a 225 with a remap makes a nice car. We have owned ours for 7 years and i still think the Mk1 looks the best.

[hoegaardenruls]

Anything based on that chassis, and the V6 engine suffered from pretty noticeable understeer due to the extra weight over the front wheels.

As mentioned the 1.8T mapped to approx 260bhp (stage one) is a better option - manual only though..

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want to get an R32 then I'd say look at the Mk5:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or if you want the MK1 TT then I'd be looking for a Sport rather than the 3.2

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

If you really want a 3.2 then get the MK2 TT

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[everyeggabird]

TameRacingDriver said:

Another here who picked the 350Z over the TT V6. The TT was my mates car, always serviced on the dot, but when I drove the 350Z it was clearly a much better drivers car. Then, a few months later, my mate got shot of it because the mechatronic unit started to fail in the gearbox. Make of that what you will...

I really do hope he sold it as spares or repairs and didn't just palm it off on some unsuspecting person.

[seadragon]

If you like the mk1 TT then the 225 is fine. If you want sportier looks and good gearbox then go for the Mk1 240 QS edition. I had a red and black one (they are 2 tone except for the all black one).

Nice unique edition alloys, 240 bhp, rear spoiler. Etc.

I would have one again but would go for one with the regular seats instead of the super deep standard bucket seats.

[TameRacingDriver]

everyeggabird said:

I really do hope he sold it as spares or repairs and didn't just palm it off on some unsuspecting person.

He traded it in at a dealer. Apparently he cleared the dashboard faults using a laptop before he handed over the keys.

[mwstewart]

Thanks all!