Best audi tt model under 3 grand…

[V1nce Fox]

Looking at TTs between 2-3k. No soft tops.

There’s a lot of different models and specs out there and not sure which ones are most reliable, what goes wrong, etc?

Mpg not an issue, just want a good, reliable one.

[Alorotom]

Mk1 225 coupe - full leather not the starlight interior

Or if you can find one in budget, mk1 3.2 manual … quite rare though now

[JonDerz]

Can’t imagine you’d get a 3.2 for that price, only 1.8t.
180 is probably going to be your best bet as being fwd it avoids any haldex related issues.

Main issues with that engine, cambelts need doing, oil pick up pipes like to block and oil pumps can fail as they age (ask me how I know).
Stem seals commonly need doing. Crankcase breather pipes are a constant pain in the ass as they’re forever leaking or collapsing with age.
Can’t think of anything else off the top of my head

[V1nce Fox]

JonDerz said:

Can’t imagine you’d get a 3.2 for that price, only 1.8t.
180 is probably going to be your best bet as being fwd it avoids any haldex related issues.

Main issues with that engine, cambelts need doing, oil pick up pipes like to block and oil pumps can fail as they age (ask me how I know).
Stem seals commonly need doing. Crankcase breather pipes are a constant pain in the ass as they’re forever leaking or collapsing with age.
Can’t think of anything else off the top of my head

Excellent thanks. Stem seals as in valve stems?

Currently looking at mk1s, 180 or 225s. Really love the shape and style of these.

[JonDerz]

Yes mate valve stem seals. As with anything you might be fine you might not, mine needed doing at 110k and it’s common around that sort of mileage. If you do buy one I would definitely get a new pick up pipe fitted, for the cost it’s worth it.

Audi-sport.net is a good forum with some very knowledgeable people on 1.8t’s.

Edited by JonDerz on Monday 14th November 20:26

[SimonTheSailor]

Alorotom said:

Or if you can find one in budget, mk1 3.2 manual … quite rare though now

Never get one at that price !

180/225 Quattro but they are going up in price for a good one.

Excellent TT forum (I find a link in a mo), watch BWS TT on YouTube, a guy who only works on TTs.

https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forums/tt-forum-mk1-tt-8...

https://youtube.com/c/BWSTT

The ECR pipes have a tendency to disintegrate and when they do they all seem to go together. Rocker cover gaskets leak, thermostats stick, apparently can be a bit pricey on suspension 'bits' , although not sure which bits at the minute.

I bought a 2wd 150bhp version at the beginning of the year, a cheap snotter convertible, most things work so I was pleased !

Edited by SimonTheSailor on Monday 14th November 20:40

[Alorotom]

SimonTheSailor said:

Alorotom said:

Or if you can find one in budget, mk1 3.2 manual … quite rare though now

Never get one at that price !

180/225 Quattro but they are going up in price for a good one.

Excellent TT forum (I find a link in a mo), watch BWS TT on YouTube, a guy who only works on TTs.

https://www.ttforum.co.uk/forums/tt-forum-mk1-tt-8...

The ECR pipes have a tendency to disintegrate and when they do they all seem to go together. Rocker cover gaskets leak, thermostats stick, apparently can be a bit pricey on suspension 'bits' , although not sure which bits at the minute.

I bought a 2wd 150bhp version at the beginning of the year, a cheap snotter convertible, most things work so I was pleased !

You never know. Stranger things have happened.

I’ve been a member of the TTForum for a couple of decades now - it’s an excellent resource.

[E63eeeeee...]

Loads of choice out there at that kind of money, although if you want a moderate mileage and solid history you're probably getting on for a grand light, so might need to compromise one way or another.

I bought a cheap battered 225 in January, and occasionally look for a better one. They're great little cars, but not bulletproof and I'd assume on having to do some work on any 20 year old car. Parts are generally cheap and available, and there's loads of good advice online if you're up for doing the work yourself.

I haven't driven any of the lower powered cars, but the non-quattro FWD 180 cars are meant to be pretty much as quick as the 225s unless it's slippery.

[Jaaack]

JonDerz said:

Can’t imagine you’d get a 3.2 for that price, only 1.8t.
180 is probably going to be your best bet as being fwd it avoids any haldex related issues.

Forgive me if I'm wrong but my understanding is that the 225 and 180 are 4wd and the 150 is FWD. I wouldn't bother with a 150, just not enough power for the looks. Facebook Marketplace is absolutely littered with them being broken for parts so bits shouldn't be an issue, they are notorious for being a pain to work on though due to access/packaging.

OP, certain colours I find work very well on them, and there are some really nice wheel options available. I sometimes see one in the work car park, it's a fairly early MK1 (X or Y reg iirc) in a dark green that I'd never pick, but having seen this one it looks great and it'd probably be what I'd look for! That or the nice bright red. There's another that I see locally in a really nice aquamarine kind of blue/green, i think they must've special ordered it as it seems to be very rare.

Also, the best wheels for them are the Competition:



There's a similar version that comes in 16" but the 17" versions in the photo are much nicer.

[E63eeeeee...]

Some of the 180s are quattro and some are FWD. There's an explanation of the variants on the most recent Shed of the Week article.

[V1nce Fox]

Lots of bril info to go on, thanks so much.

Reckon it wants to be a 225, silver, black or grey and i’m quite a big fan of the larger audi wheels some of them came with, i think theyre a 7 spoke 17.

Always loved the look of these, just need to avoid the dog ones now.

[NordicCrankShaft]

Been looking for a day off toy as my daily isn't much fun just a comfy barge. Have looked at all sorts. One consideration is the mk1 Tt 3.2 V6, so this thread is timely.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you don't mind going just over you can get a MK1 3.2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334627658027?hash=item4...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325309048895?hash=item4...Z0AAOSwv2JjZZH~&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoJtFl2yAbTePflGc94jOfjpooEtCe4p3T2uv5K5DQncSZjpbAeTKfU0FZGXGgAvc9oLlTZ0ZttZlJEA5SgXUsUqAUXQj4YbXuwmDO57vACH%2FJ93ZEPgsVa6QSshe9E2HsMcdQ%2B9qyc9tuvYwpL5%2Fb9CWTrCEgzUPHPzkGh2PM350st56SNPFl4XhP%2Bop6xwZbTMleyZjeYHBEYCU2eEDESg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8aAuZqQYQ

Or a high mileage manual MK2 BUT the Tax is a bit stiff:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175484787446?hash=item2...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208118...

[V1nce Fox]

I definitely prefer the mk1, it just looks more special all round. Set sights on finding a silver or black 225.

This evening’s research will be into haldex issues and typical corrosion locations.

Oddly, they don’t ordinarily seem to be a car that rusts that badly.

[E63eeeeee...]

V1nce Fox said:

I definitely prefer the mk1, it just looks more special all round. Set sights on finding a silver or black 225.

This evening’s research will be into haldex issues and typical corrosion locations.

Oddly, they don’t ordinarily seem to be a car that rusts that badly.

Ends of the side skirts and where they meet the wings are the worst bits on mine. The rear hatch looks like it might be next too. Also the inside of the driver's door, but I'm not sure that's common.

[V1nce Fox]

Well, first viewing unsuccessful.

A silver 225 quattro at just under 3 grand. Very tired all round, some aftermarket mods, chewed wheels, rough paint and a bit of rust. Enjoyed feel of being in one tho, i know the shape and feel of them is what i want now. Might have to widen it to looking at 180s as well.

The search continues.

[colin_p]

V1nce Fox said:

Well, first viewing unsuccessful.

A silver 225 quattro at just under 3 grand. Very tired all round, some aftermarket mods, chewed wheels, rough paint and a bit of rust. Enjoyed feel of being in one tho, i know the shape and feel of them is what i want now. Might have to widen it to looking at 180s as well.

The search continues.

We are getting rid of the Wife's 2004 MK1 1.8 Quattro. (Bright Silver / Black Leather). If you are anywhere near Chesterfield, drop me a PM.

I'm waiting for it to stop raining, so I can give it a clean, take some photos and get it advertised.

[V1nce Fox]

colin_p said:

We are getting rid of the Wife's 2004 MK1 1.8 Quattro. (Bright Silver / Black Leather). If you are anywhere near Chesterfield, drop me a PM.

I'm waiting for it to stop raining, so I can give it a clean, take some photos and get it advertised.

Is it a 225?

Eta just realised chesterfield is other end of england from me.

Edited by V1nce Fox on Sunday 20th November 18:25

[Walter Sobchak]

I quite like these too, think I’d want a 1.8T 225 soft top one.

[NordicCrankShaft]

If you're after some good info about TT's I've been watching alot of stuff from "The ParroTT Bros"

Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Sunday 20th November 19:43