Audi TT convertible buying tips

[P Ride]

Hey, my sister is looking to buy an Audi TT convertible.

She has between £4k-£7k.

What do you guys think? Which model would make sense for her? What should she look out for?

Here's a link to one we found, what do you think?

http://www.amcmotorsolutions.co.uk/used-cars/audi-...

Any alternatives you'd recommend, as an attractive, safe convertible that's a great drive and not too expensive to run?

Thanks

[Luigi123]

Pretty good cars IMO.
Drop links wear (cheap fix)
Dash pods go
Haldex and engine like regular oil changes
Hoods often rattle a bit and can be noisy.

Don't rule out the lower powered cars. The 150bhp does without haldex and 4WD, (no lth as std) and xenons, less complicated, lighter, more and compliant suspension/wheels/tyres, bigger boot and if you're an average driver just as much fun but cheaper to run.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

Edited by Luigi123 on Monday 12th January 07:51

[Dr G]

That's very sound advice; it sounds as if the buyer is mindful of costs so a little 2wd car could be ideal.

Cheaper to fuel and fix.

These cars need:

Oil/filter every 12 months/10k (whichever comes first). The 20k intervals are not good for them.
Belts every 5 years/75k (whichever comes first).
Listen for knocks/bangs - all suspension links can/will wear.
Make sure AC works, it is commonly borked.
They're low and get used around town so are regularly damaged.
Seats wear, again, low and pronounced bolsters.
Interior damage, same again.
Warning lights, 1.8Ts are prone to minor sensors issues. Annoying rather than expensive.
Odd running, poor boost, fluffy power delivery, misfires etc. Again, sensor issues normally.
Dash clusters - aux dials and LCD can/will fail but cheaply repairable.
The roof is a bit crap, they can be squeaky and don't offer much by way of noise/heat insulation.

Good cars if and only if you can find a cherished one. A hell of a lot are run on the cheap by complete idiots.

[P Ride]

Yes, the 150BHP FWD looks more sensible.

4WD is always going to be heavier, less fuel efficient and more likely to incur bigger costs than FWD, yes?

Given that she's currently driving a 105BHP Ford Focus 1.6, this should represent something significantly more fun.

Yes, her main concerns are running costs and safety. She managed to roll her previous car and had to be cut out (it was Winter, lots of snow), so wanted some reassurance she'd be safe with the rollbars? I'm sure any modern, European car must be?

[Luigi123]

P Ride said:

Yes, the 150BHP FWD looks more sensible.

4WD is always going to be heavier, less fuel efficient and more likely to incur bigger costs than FWD, yes?

Given that she's currently driving a 105BHP Ford Focus 1.6, this should represent something significantly more fun.

Yes, her main concerns are running costs and safety. She managed to roll her previous car and had to be cut out (it was Winter, lots of snow), so wanted some reassurance she'd be safe with the rollbars? I'm sure any modern, European car must be?

A decent 150 may be the way to go, it's got plenty of low down ommph so will feel quite quick to her. Often purchased by people who want a nice car but not too bothered about performance and big wheels etc so not usually thrashed.
As with all these things condition is king look for a good maintenance record and money spent where required. A tin top will always be better if you roll but they are strong little cars.
Good luck.

[P Ride]

What do you guys think of the BMW Z4 Roadster as an alternative?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds?Category=us...