mk1 TT to replace a mk2 golf gti...what do you think

[steveo3002]

ive owned a mk2 golf g60 for 10 years now, thinking i fancy a change

whats your opinion on a TT to replace it?

any owners get much abuse for driving one? they have a bit of a image problem dont they

any problems to look for ? i hear the dash can play up , anything else

any rust isssues on older ones at all

[Dr G]

Image problem? No, only if you have a problem with a compact, tractable, usable, individual and hugely tunable coupe.

Rust is not an issue but do look at the recent TT/S3 threads on here for niggles to watch out for.

There are problems ith the dashpod but provided you purchase a UK car Audi will replace it FOC.

If you're expecting it to go round corners with proper gusto (a la MK2) you'll need to look into aftermarket suspension also.

[steveo3002]

hmmm im not obsessed with cornering like a madman..although surley the 4x4 makes them sure footed?

does audi replace the dash on any old second hand car , assume it needs full audi history?

[steveo3002]

one other thing ...is there a obvious way to tell the 180 /225 versions apart

incase the seller is a liar

[steveo3002]

such as?

[istoo]

the 1.8T engine itself has a few weak spots, but can be incredibly punchy.
some reading material;
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2666114
http://www.torquecars.com/audi/18T-tuning.php
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2929038

The mk1 TT sport model is my personal favourite.
There are FWD versions as well, what budget have you got?

Edited by istoo on Thursday 7th January 12:03

[Cupramax]

steveo3002 said:

one other thing ...is there a obvious way to tell the 180 /225 versions apart

incase the seller is a liar

180 will have a single exhaust although they can be made twin with aftermarket exhaust and 225 vallance. Only safe way is to look at the manufacturers label under the boot carpet. The 225 engine will have an APX (earlier) or BAM engine code. Anything else will be a 180. TT Sport will be a BFV.

[macp]

steveo3002 said:

one other thing ...is there a obvious way to tell the 180 /225 versions apart

incase the seller is a liar

I always thought the easiest way to check is 180 had a single exhaust and the 225 a twin ?

[steveo3002]

istoo said:

the 1.8T engine itself has a few weak spots, but can be incredibly punchy.
some reading material;
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2666114
http://www.torquecars.com/audi/18T-tuning.php
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2929038

The mk1 TT sport model is my personal favourite.
There are FWD versions as well, what budget have you got?

Edited by istoo on Thursday 7th January 12:03

budget...7-8 grand would be nice , maybe a tad more if need be

[istoo]

the TT sport is 240bhp, for some suspension revision, a weight saving as well i seem to think.
But 7-8k i dont think will get you a sport, they are end of the line cars generally. I would aim for a nice 225 model.

DrG is best placed to to answer this question.

[10speeduk]

We've had a Mk1 TT 225 coupe for 4 years now and it has been fantastic.

Good bits:

Build quality, looks, fun to drive, fast, great in all weathers with quattro -it is odd driving a 225 brake car in the rain and not having any wheelspin, big boot with the rear 'seats' down, well equipped, classic design that still looks great nxt to a MK2.

Bad bits:

can't seem to better 28 mpg on average, rear seats are not usable for people.

Some well known issues are that the rails either side of the roof can rust and the instrument pod can go wrong (fuel/speed gauges). Both of these we have had replaced by Audi with NO Full Dealer Service history.

[steveo3002]

bit unsure on the roof rust? do you mean a trim that can be popped off and repainted , or the roof needs respraying?

[GreatGranny]

Have you just considered the TT?

R32? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1423792.htm

MK5 GTI? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1425932.htm

944 Turbo/S2 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1412034.htmhttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1392216.htm

[steveo3002]

GreatGranny said:

Have you just considered the TT?

R32? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1423792.htm

MK5 GTI? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1425932.htm

944 Turbo/S2 http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1412034.htmhttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1392216.htm

r32 looks too dated and a bit halfords for me

mk5...havent thought about em much

944 , no dont fancy one

we are kinda considering boxsters though , but the stupid costs if the engine grenades puts me off a bit , where i recon i can do most of the maintenence on a tt myself

[Gren]

macp said:

steveo3002 said:

one other thing ...is there a obvious way to tell the 180 /225 versions apart

incase the seller is a liar

I always thought the easiest way to check is 180 had a single exhaust and the 225 a twin ?

225 also has 2 intercoolers (harder to mod than exhausts)extra pipes around the top of the engine on the 225 will show this.

[charlesTT]

I've had my TT for 3 years now and on the whole hasn't cost me anything in repairs, although when buying one there's a few things to be aware of.

1. Make sure if over 4 years old its had its cambelt and water pump changed, now i know Audi say 60K/80k but it has been known on quite a few cars for the belt to snap earlier and its far cheaper for a £400 cambelt service on 5k for a new engine. The water pump is a know week point and have a tendency to disintegrate over time.

2. If your getting a Quattro (which you should) make sure that the Haldex has been serviced if not thats £200 from Audi and about half that from an indi.

3. If you can haggle some new tyres into the deal this will give you time to save for a new set, full set from £350 ^

if you need more help pop over to www.tt-forum.co.uk everyone there has or had a TT and they will be able to help you if you have any more in depth questions you want answering.

P.s if you buy one don't forget to join the TT owners culb www.ttoc.co.uk

Charles

[10speeduk]

steveo3002 said:

bit unsure on the roof rust? do you mean a trim that can be popped off and repainted , or the roof needs respraying?

Trim rails that run the length-ways either side of the roof panel. These are repainted separate to the roof.

[steveo3002]

yeah unless it had had a really recent belt , id probably diy it to be safe for a good while

glad to hear the rails are seperate , so i could get the orig ones repainted or buy new ones

[Dr G]

charlesTT said:

If your getting a Quattro

It's "quattro" in here please

And no, I don't think you'd find a quattro Sport at this money without starship miles. They are really rather nice cars to drive.

[steveo3002]

ive seen mk1 "facelift" versions mentioned , but cant seem to find when this happened and what changed

can anyone advise ?